Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Advisory Committee

The Homeless Youth Prevention & Protection (HYPP) Advisory Committee provides guidance and recommendations to OHY regarding funding, policy, and practice gaps within and among state programs (RCW 43.330.705) as outlined at HYPP Advisory Committee – Washington Governor.

Meetings

HYPP Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public and allow for observers to offer comments related to the issues at hand. Meeting notes and record of committee member attendance is taken by OHY, reviewed and approved by the committee, and posted here, HYPP Advisory Committee Meetings (Box).

See HYPP Advisory Committee Annual Calendar (PDF) for an estimated schedule. To receive notification of upcoming meetings and other updates from OHY, please submit your email in the subscribe section of this page.

Members

The committee is comprised of 12 members including at least two legislators, at least two youth representatives, at least two parent advocates, at least one law enforcement representative, advocates, service providers and other community members knowledgeable in the provision of services youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.  

1. Representative April Connors (R) – District 8
2. Representative Jake Fey (D)- District 27
3. Senator Tina Orwall (D) – District 33
4. Senator (R) Position: vacant
5. Youth Representative: Gage Spicer
6. Youth Representative: vacant
7. Parent Advocate: Viola Ware (committee vice chair), Olympic Community Action Program
8. Parent Advocate: vacant
9. Law Enforcement: Chad Pearson, City of Puyallup Community Outreach Officer
10. Open Position: Erica Limon, Communities in Schools of Washington
11. Open Position: Rodney Robinson, Community Youth Advocate
12. Open Position: Jim Theofelis (committee chair), NorthStar Advocates

Members must be appointed by the governor except for legislators, who must be appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives and the president of the Senate. Committee terms are for 3 years and may be renewed by the Governor. For more information on becoming a committee member, see Apply to Serve – Washington Governor.

The committee may also invite “guest members” to participate in the work but they do not count towards quorum or have voting capabilities. Guest members serve 1-year terms that may be renewed by the committee.

For more information including officer elections and duties, expense reimbursement, meeting procedures, and subcommittees, please see HYPP Advisory Committee By-Laws (PDF).

Subcommittees

• Youth and Young Adults, led by Gage Spicer
• New Members, led by Viola Ware