Full Text
Our community has a responsibility to understand the many root causes of homelessness and engage in efforts that will ensure homelessness is rare, brief and for those that experience it, a one-time experience only. More details at redmond.gov/Homelessness Homeless families wait 6 months+ for housing in King County 39% increase in homelessness For every $100 increase in rent 389 homeless kids in Lake Washington schools Homelessness Contact: Colleen Kelly, Assistant Director of Community Planning, [PHONE REDACTED] (program questions) Kristi Wilson, Police Chief, [PHONE REDACTED] (safety-related questions) Summary: There are surprising and heart-wrenching stories behind so many who find themselves homeless. Some have lost their homes because of a gap between wages and rapidly escalating rent and housing costs; others are fleeing domestic violence; some battle mental health or addiction issues; and others experience a series of mishaps that leave them without any other option. There are many paths into homelessness and we as a community need to help create many paths out. We know this is a complex issue, but everyone in Redmond is welcome and equally responsible as community members. Criminal activity is not tolerated, but keep in mind that it is not a crime to be homeless. Everyone has a part – we need you! Please visit www.redmond.gov/homelessness to learn more about the issue and about specific steps you can take to become part of the solution. Tackling homelessness together REDMOND ALL IN ---PAGE BREAK--- Actions and strategies to combat homelessness: Implementing key recommendations of the Community Task Force on Homelessness which includes: • Addressing public safety concerns raised by downtown businesses by deploying bike patrols. • Engaging the community and increasing awareness through the All In All Home Redmond Campaign. • Expanding programming at the drop-in center for young adults. Connecting individuals experiencing homelessness to resources through a dedicated Outreach Program. • Following an initial pilot phase, Redmond hired a full-time outreach specialist to work in partnership with Neighborhood Resource Officers. • Services provided through direct outreach and through the Next Steps Resource Center hosted at the Redmond Library, safe parking program sites, and at the Together Center. Collaborating with King County, other Eastside cities—including police— in support of regional strategies and best practices for addressing homelessness in our communities. • Offering services first, outreach works hand-in-hand with police officers when enforcement is needed. • Sometimes, this means addressing personal items or camping in public spaces, as health and safety is our top priority. Partnering with nonprofit agencies and the faith community to provide needed services. • Currently, The Landing in Redmond houses young adults ages 18-24 overnight year round. • Bellevue is home to Sophia’s Place for single adult women and Kirkland has the New Bethlehem shelter for families with children. • Bellevue has a winter-only shelter for single men and is contemplating sites for a permanent facility. Investing in programs that support people on a path out of homelessness as well as supporting the broad safety net of services. • 2017- 2018 City budget incorporated about a 30% increase in human service investments. • Funding supported expansion of day center operations for men, women, families, and young adults experiencing homelessness. Get Involved: Everyone has a part – we need you! Please visit www.redmond.gov/homelessness to learn more about the issue and about specific steps you can take to become part of the solution. Related News: Follow Facing Homelessness on Facebook or visit facinghomelessness.org to view photos and stories Document Last Updated: March 2018 The City of Redmond assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or gender, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. For more information about Title VI, please visit redmond.gov/TitleVI.