Improving State and Local Policy through Advocacy NAEH Family Homelessness Conference February 7-8, 2008 Seattle, WA Mia Navarro Wells Executive Director Washington State Coalition for the Homeless PO Box 7436 Tacoma, WA (253)

Washington State’s Homeless Housing and Homelessness Act Background Passed in 2005, the HHAA (locally referred to as 2163) is a State-funded mandate to reduce homelessness by 50% by the year It is funded by real estate transaction recording fees. To date, the fund receives a $28 fee per transaction.

HHAA Background cont’d 60% of the revenue stays in the county where the fee was incurred. 40% goes back to the Washington State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED) to develop and implement the State’s ten year plan to reduce homelessness by 50% by State 2163 money that is leftover is used for an annual competitive grant process called the Homeless Grant Assistance Program (HGAP).

HHAA Background cont’d 2163 also requires each county to form a Homeless Housing Task Force made of homeless housing and service providers, local government officials, local business leaders, and at least one homeless or formerly homeless person. Each task force is charged with developing and implementing a ten year plan to reduce homelessness in that county by 50% by These plans must address the following: –Housing Production –Homelessness Prevention –Employment –Health Care

HHAA Background cont’d Local task forces determine how funds are prioritized, allocated and distributed based on the unique needs of each county. CTED is responsible for developing and implementing the State’s ten year plan to reduce homelessness by 50% by 2015.

HHAA Successes Many counties are making progress Engages new, powerful players Leverage Bi-partisan support Catalyst for additional funding increases and policy changes

HHAA Challenges The economy Data and outcomes Lack of affordable housing Lack of emergency shelter

How we made it Happen Advocacy track record One statewide message Strong support of leadership Climate just right

Lessons Learned Partnerships Patience Persistence Politics

Making it Happen in your State Identify and build a coalition of likely and unlikely stakeholders Develop a comprehensive, long-term agenda that is offensive not defensive Develop effective, unified, values-based messaging to advance your priorities Develop and maintain relationships with your legislators and their staff between sessions

Identify and build a coalition of likely and unlikely stakeholders Develop a comprehensive, long-term agenda that is offensive not defensive Develop effective, unified, values-based messaging to advance your priorities Develop and maintain relationships with your legislators and their staff between sessions

Demonstrate the link between their priorities and yours Cultivate champions (bi-partisan if possible) in the legislature who can garner the support of their colleagues, and fast track your priorities Be conscious of timing when introducing funding and policy requests Thank them and recognize and them for any and all support