Investing in Families
In March 2009, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced its support of a major initiative to end family homelessness in Washington State. The WDC, in partnership with the Gates Foundation and Building Changes, is creating a strategic plan to reduce family homelessness in Snohomish County by more than 50% over the next 6 years. The planning process is being guided by a steering committee made up of community leaders representing government, nonprofit agencies, education, and workforce development.
Beginning next year, Snohomish, King and Pierce counties will implement new strategies to address the unique needs of families in their communities. These initiatives will test innovative ways to help stabilize homeless families with children, as well as those struggling to pay their mortgage or rent before they lose their homes. Lessons learned in the three counties will eventually be applied across communities statewide to ensure that no child in Washington is left without a safe place to sleep at night.