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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 Last year, 337 individuals were without shelter in East King County. 2019 Point In Time Count 39% increase in homelessness For every $100 increase in rent 272 homeless kids in Lake Washington schools Homelessness Contact: Brooke Buckingham, [EMAIL REDACTED], [PHONE REDACTED] 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. I’m behind on rent. I see a tent along a trail, who should I contact? I got an eviction notice, what should I do? My sister just became homeless, and I don’t know how to help. Contact the City’s Outreach Administrator Kent Hay, [PHONE REDACTED] Tackling homelessness together REDMOND ALL IN ---PAGE BREAK--- Learn More: Please visit redmond.gov/Homelessness Get Help: Community Resource Center Every Wednesday, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Redmond Library, Meeting Room 2 Document Last Updated: January 14, 2020 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. • 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 partner and coordinate with Police, businesses, non-profits, and the broader community. • Services are provided through direct outreach as well as through drop-in hours at accessible locations throughout the community such as the Redmond library, safe parking 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. Ensuring that anyone experiencing homelessness has access to shelter here on the Eastside. • The Friends of Youth Landing shelters young adults ages 18-24 here in Redmond. • Sophia Way and Catholic Community Services are moving from a rotating, winter shelter model hosted by faith communities to a permanent year round shelter for women and families. • Congregations for the Homeless provides shelter to men experiencing homelessness. Plans to develop and build a permanent facility in Bellevue are underway. Investing in programs that support people on a path out of homelessness as well as supporting the broad safety net of services. • 2019-20 City budget increased its investment in human services by 18%, spending nearly $600,000 on programs for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. 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. 无歧视声明可在本市的网址 redmond.gov/TitleVI 上查阅 I El aviso contra la discriminación está disponible en redmond.gov/TitleVI.