County to host housing stakeholder coalition meeting April 25

Group discusses ways to address the chronically homeless in Grays Harbor County

A housing “stakeholder coalition” formed last year to be a platform for education and discussion around housing issues in Grays Harbor County will meet Tuesday, April 25, at 9 a.m. in the Harbor Room at the Pearsall Building at 2109 Sumner Avenue in Aberdeen.

Based on community input and recommendations from the Housing Executive Committee and Health and Human Services Advisory Board, Grays Harbor County Commissioners adopted the 2016 10-year Plan to End Homelessness in February, 2016. The plan identifies five strategies to address housing needs in the community:

1. Fully develop a coordinated entry system that works to provide the right services at the right time to all clients seeking resources.

2. Maintain and expand affordable housing resources.

3. Invest in housing for vulnerable populations, including both long-term permanent housing and short-term emergency shelter.

4. Build and strengthen the housing system.

5. Increase community awareness and discussion of housing issues.

The April 25 meeting will cover updates from:

Coastal Community Action Program regarding “The Homestead” affordable housing project in South Aberdeen.

Housing Authority of Grays Harbor regarding future renovation plans and associated closure of housing placement wait list.

USDA Technical Assistance plans and associated pilot project that aims to serve chronically homeless individuals with complex housing barriers with housing and employment starting January 2018.

The “Vulnerable Populations” work group focused on developing solutions for individuals with disabilities, veterans, youth/young adults and domestic violence survivors on project/program proposal.

Grays Harbor County hosted a community training session March 13-14 on housing best practices Permanent Supportive Housing and Supported Employment for individuals experiencing homelessness, presented by nationally recognized consultants Advocates for Human Potential. For information on benefits for the homeless, and to read the 2016 10-year Plan to End Homelessness, visit healthygh.org/directory/housing.