The Department of Commerce is responsible for a State Strategic Plan and Annual Report to the legislature on Washington state’s efforts to address homelessness. The plan is a five year roadmap identifying state and county activities and goals while the report highlights accomplishments and course adjustments. Requirements for the plan and report are in RCW 43.185c.
Local Plan Guidance
Local Plan Guidance (PDF)
State Strategic Plan
State of Washington Homeless Housing Strategic Plan 2018 (PDF)
NEW: Plan update underway:
Commerce will adopt the updated Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness published by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and identify actions and timeline to achieve the objectives. Additionally, and as required in recent legislation, Commerce will include the following in the State Strategic Plan in July 2019:
- Performance measures.
- Short and long term goals to reduce homelessness.
- Analysis of services and programs at the state and county.
- Identification of programs representing best practices and outcomes.
- Recognition of programs targeted to populations or geographic areas in recognition of diverse needs.
- New or innovative funding, programs and service strategies.
- Analysis of current drivers of homelessness.
- Implementation strategy with timelines outlining roles and responsibilities at the state and local level.
Commerce will consult with the following stakeholders in developing the updated State Homeless Housing Strategic Plan:
- State Consolidated Homeless Grant grantees
- Office of Homeless Youth
- Washington State Balance of State Continuum of Care
- Washington Low Income Housing Alliance Homeless Advisory Committee
- State Interagency Council on Homelessness
- State Advisory Council on Homelessness
- The Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Upcoming: State of Washington Homeless Housing Strategic Plan July 2019
Reports
2018 Report Documents
Audits
State Auditor Reports:
- State of Washington Grants – Emergency Shelter 2011 (web)
- Home Security Fund Account, Affordable Housing for All Account Accountability Audit – Cash Receipting and Disbursements 2017 (web)
- Homeless Students: Strengthening identification, support and connection – started in March 2018
Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee Audits:
- Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Performance Measures 2017 (web)
- Performance Audit – started in April 2018
Office of Financial Management Reports:
- Independent Examinations of Expenditures for Private Rental Housing 2014 (web)
- Independent Examinations of Expenditures for Private Rental Housing 2015 (PDF)
- Independent Examinations of Expenditures for Private Rental Housing 2016 (web)
- Independent Examinations of Expenditures for Private Rental Housing 2017 (PDF)
- WA’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program Performance Audit 2016 (PDF)
- Independent Expenditure Review of state funds received under RCW 36.22.179(1) – biennially, first one due February 2020
Contact
Tedd Kelleher
Managing Director
Housing Assistance Unit
Tedd.Kelleher@commerce.wa.gov
Phone 360/725.2930