Homelessness

Introduction

Washington State has a Homeless problem and it’s hard to fathom how the state can spend $5.3 billion dollars (since 2013) of your tax money and the end result is an ever-increasing number of homeless who need assistance. I’m not even sure how you would spin it, what sort of slogan would you use “Hey, it could be worse!”. Current policies have failed to deliver results, the numbers continue to increase. The rough math boggles the mind. If you take an average of 22,000 homeless per year, that’s about $24,000 per homeless person per year and the problem is getting worse, not better. It’s time to shift towards pragmatic, common sense solutions. I’d like to look at effective strategies to address homelessness, focusing on accountability, efficiency, and compassion.

Critique of Current Approaches

Current policies have predominantly focused on expansive social programs and increased spending without seemingly any accountability. While well-intentioned, these approaches are not working. What we have now:

1. Inefficiency and Bureaucratic Red Tape:

Getting the funds to help those in need is often delayed due to administrative processes.

2. Lack of Accountability:

It’s pretty obvious we keep funding programs that have no measurable track record of effectiveness or success. This leads to a perpetual funding of programs that waste your tax dollars and offer little meaningful help to those in need.

3. Insufficient Focus on Root Causes:

Current policies follow what I consider the bandaid approach. They don’t address the causes, they just cover the problem up with a bandaid and call it a win. Deeper issues in other problem areas are not diagnosed such as mental illness or drug addiction. People get stuck in a cycle of getting new bandaids without ever getting the hand up they need.

The Link Between Homelessness, Mental Illness, and Drug Addiction

Frequently there are other underlying issues plaguing the homeless, 30% of homelessness is often the outcome of untreated mental illness or substance abuse. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 30% of the chronically homeless population has a serious mental illness, and around 50% have co-occurring substance use disorders. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial to reducing homelessness effectively.

Current Spending on Homelessness in Washington State

Washington State spends substantial amounts on homelessness, both directly and indirectly:

Direct Spending: In the 2021-2023 biennium, Washington State allocated approximately $1 billion specifically for homelessness services, including shelter operations, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing.

Indirect Spending: The state incurs additional costs indirectly related to homelessness, such as emergency medical services, law enforcement, and public health. Estimates suggest these costs exceed $1.5 billion annually, encompassing hospitalizations, incarceration, and other public services used disproportionately by the homeless population.

Proposed Solutions

1. Increase Accountability and Performance Metrics

Fund Programs Based on Results: Allocate resources to initiatives that demonstrate measurable success in reducing homelessness. Implement regular reviews and audits to ensure funds are used effectively.

Fund Programs Based on Results: Allocate resources to initiatives that demonstrate measurable success in reducing homelessness. Implement regular reviews and audits to ensure funds are used effectively.

2. Focus on Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment

Expand Access to Treatment: Support for mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities. Ensure these services are readily available to homeless individuals, providing comprehensive care and rehabilitation.

Mandatory Treatment Programs: For homeless individuals with severe mental health or substance abuse issues, implement mandatory treatment programs as a condition for receiving housing assistance. This approach ensures individuals receive the help they need to become self-sufficient.

3. Promote Workforce Development and Job Training

Job Training Programs: Support job training and employment services that equip homeless individuals with the skills needed to re-enter the workforce. Partner with local businesses to create apprenticeship and job placement programs.

Work Requirements for Assistance: Introduce work requirements for certain types of housing assistance, encouraging individuals to engage in productive activities and gain employment.

4. Enhance Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Enforce Anti-Camping Laws: Strengthen enforcement of anti-camping laws to ensure public spaces remain safe and accessible for all citizens. Provide alternative shelter options as enforcement measures are applied.

Support for Law Enforcement: Increase resources for law enforcement to manage homelessness-related issues, ensuring officers are trained to handle situations involving mental health and substance abuse compassionately and effectively.

5. Increase Affordable Housing Through Market-Based Solutions

Reduce Regulatory Barriers: Simplify zoning laws and reduce regulations that hinder the development of affordable housing. Encourage the construction of affordable housing through tax incentives and streamlined approval processes.

Housing Vouchers: Expand the use of housing vouchers, giving individuals the freedom to choose their housing in the private market. This approach promotes integration and leverages existing housing stock.

Conclusion

To make a meaningful impact on homelessness we need to shift from ineffective, expansive social programs that have little to no measurable results to targeted, accountable, and efficient solutions. Focusing on mental health and substance abuse treatment, workforce development, law enforcement, and market-based housing solutions. It’s time for common sense approaches that deliver real results and restore dignity to our communities.