Snohomish County recently awarded more than $1.5 million to 22 projects designed to help end homelessness.

This is the fourth year of distributing Ending Homelessness funds, which are collected from local document recording fees under state legislation. Ending Homelessness funds are used to support agencies that are working within the goals of Snohomish County’s 10-year affordable housing plan “Everyone at Home Now.”
 
“These projects put us closer to our goal of ending homelessness in Snohomish County,” said County Executive Aaron Reardon. “They are innovative and successfully show our dedication to eliminating this very real problem.”
 
Projects selected will continue to advance the county effort to reduce homelessness through innovative programs and best practices models. While 19 projects selected this year have received program funding in the past, three new projects also were chosen.
 
The Interfaith Family Shelter project offers case management to assist shelter families develop their unique self-sufficiency action plans, leading to stable housing and adequate income within four months. Snohomish County Legal Services will expand their assistance to low-income Snohomish County residents facing housing crises, including pending eviction proceedings, foreclosure and homelessness.
 
Finally, Bridgeways Supportive Housing Program will find new ways to lessen the duration and experience of homelessness for people with mental illness in Snohomish County. Clients are initially housed at Sparrow House, and most will then be moved into permanent housing.
 
The other 19 projects have been very successful in providing a range of permanent and supportive housing, eviction assistance and supportive services for vulnerable families in Snohomish County.
 
For more information on the program and funding, contact Dean Weitenhagen, supervisor of the Office of Housing, Homelessness & Community Development, at 425-388-3267.