​We see them all over town, living in tents, or just curled up in a sheltered place in a sleeping bag or tarp. They may seem faceless, or even dangerous, but they are our neighbors and fellow citizens. We call them the homeless, the unhoused, or the unsheltered. They are defined by what they lack – a secure permanent residence with a roof, four walls, heating, and the other features that make up what we call a home. Most are facing personal challenges, which may be related to personal finances, substance abuse, or mental health.

I see that you have developed a strategic plan for homelessness. How do you implement that plan?
We implement the 2025–2030 Homeless Housing Plan by turning its five objectives into concrete action steps, timelines, and partner responsibilities. The plan is built around required state objectives and includes detailed strategies—for example, expanding one-stop resource access, strengthening workforce capacity, preventing homelessness episodes, prioritizing people with the highest barriers, and increasing stable housing options. Implementation occurs through the Homelessness Task Force (HTF), partner cities/other government organizations, Tribes, community providers, and county departments. Progress is monitored through HMIS data, community reports, and regular assessments of shelter, outreach, and housing systems. The plan is considered a living document and will be updated as needed to ensure homelessness becomes rare, brief, and non recurring. (Read the entire Plan.)

​“We did a lot in the Housing space again this year!” – State Senator Mike Chapman

Housing Principles
Every Washingtonian needs a home, but for too many the opportunity to afford their mortgage or rent is out of reach. That’s why we’ve focused so much attention on increasing the supply of housing to drive down the costs for everyone. We must continue to cut red tape for builders, find new and creative ways to build housing, and champion ideas like rent stabilization to continue to make the cost of housing more affordable and predictable for all Washington families. 

Sir Winston Churchill among others stated, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”

​A new wave of reform is sweeping across the Democratic Party! It is bubbling up from the grassroots and bringing a class of Democratic candidates committed to shaking off the influence of the money pit in our elections and governance, and the dominance of the "professional political class" in our Party.