Approve the 5-year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
IN THE MATTER OF: RESOLUTION NO. 19-345
APPROVING THE 5-YEAR HOUSING AND HOMELESS
STRATEGIC PLAN AS REQUIRED FROM THE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO IDENTIFY
HOMELESS HOUSING NEEDS AND DEVELOP GOALS
AND OBJECTIVES TO ADDRESS THOSE NEEDS
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), Lewis County, Washington,
has reviewed and approved the 5-year plan and guidelines for distribution of funds for
projects and programs to identify homeless housing needs; and
WHEREAS, the 5-year plan will cover the period of December 1, 2019 through
November 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best public interest to adopt the plan.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the aforesaid adoption of the 5-year Housing
and Homeless Strategic Plan from December 1, 2019 through November 31, 2024, is
hereby approved and the Diretor of Public Health & Social Services is authorized to sign
the same.
DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 25th day of November, 2019.
APPROVED AS TO FORM: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Jonathan Meyer, Prosecuting Attorney LEWIS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Amber Smith Robert C. Jackson
By: Amber Smith, Robert C. Jackson, Chair
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
ATTEST: Gary Stamper
p,RD Of'.fry•
s0° "'teary Stamper, Vice Chair
• SttyCS U1. •
▪ s.4
•Rieva Lester •• '`•'�° S•• Edna J . Fund
Rieva Lester, Edna J. Fund, Commissioner
Clerk of the Lewis County Board of County
Commissioners
LEWIS COUNTY/
11P1=111111MI
Public Health & Social Services
Lewis County
Five-Year
Housing and Homeless
Strategic Plan
December 2019 to December 2024
November 8, 2019
Prepared and submitted by
Lewis County Public Health& Social Services
360 NW North Street
Chehalis,Washington 98532
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
Contents
Background 3
Plan Development 5
Plan Implementation and Review 6
Five-Year Strategic Action Plan 7
Vision: 7
Goal: 7
Objective One- 7
Objective Two: 12
Objective Three: 15
Objective Four• 17
Objective Five: 19
Approved by LCPHSS Advisory Board November 8, 2019.
Page 2 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
Background
Lewis County
Established in 1845 by the Oregon Territory Provisional Legislature,Lewis County was named
for Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition.The county is 2,408 square miles in size
and has an estimated population of over 78,000.The county seat is located in Chehalis,the
county's second-largest city.The county is made up of two larger"twin"cities,Centralia and
Chehalis,and several smaller cities and towns. Forty percent of the population live in
incorporated towns and cities,while sixty percent live in unincorporated areas. With a population
density of 32.5 people per square mile,Lewis County is variously described as rural or
micropolitan.
The Washington State Office of Financial Management estimates the 2018 county population at
78,380 and projects that the population of Lewis County will be over 89,000 by 2040. The
population of Lewis County is predominantly White with people of color and Hispanics of any
race making up smaller percentages than Washington State as a whole.
Historically the economy of Lewis County was based on resource extraction and agriculture.
With the decline of the logging industry and the closing of a large coal mine,unemployment and
poverty rates have increased. According to the American Community Survey's 5-year estimates
for 2013-2017, 16.0%of Lewis County residents were living in poverty. This contrasts with
12.2%for Washington State as a whole. There are racial and ethnic disparities in these rates with
American Indians/Alaska Natives having a rate(36.2%)that is more than twice that of Whites
(15.1%),and Hispanics having a rate of 28.2%.
Over the past 10 years,the median household income for Lewis County has averaged 70%of the
statewide median. Per Office of Financial Management's estimate,the median household income
in 2018 was$54,096. The housing affordability gap as defined by the difference between the
median house selling price and three times the median household income has been increasing
steadily over the past several years and is approaching the peak seen in 2007.
Plan to End Homelessness
Washington State law requires that each county develop and recommend to its local government
legislative authority a five-year homeless housing plan that is consistent with the local plan
guidelines issued by the Department of Commerce.This Strategic Plan was developed and
submitted to the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners in accordance with Washington
law. The intent of this plan is to reduce and ultimately end homelessness in Lewis County.
The Washington State Legislature passed the Homeless Housing and Assistance Act(Chapter
43.185C RCW)in 2005.This Act,along with other legislation,allows the collection of
surcharges on documents recorded for the sale and/or transfer of real property to fund homeless
programs.The document recording surcharge funds("surcharge funds")are used by the state and
local government agencies to reduce homelessness.
The Consolidated Homeless Grant Program(CHG)is awarded to Counties through a bi-
annual process. Each county sub-grants these funds to support a variety of activities that target
households with an area median income of less than 30%.These funds are governed by the
contract between the Department of Commerce and the county,as well as the manual"Guidelines
for the Consolidated Homeless Grant".These funds support administration,operations,and
Page 3 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
facilities support for such programming as emergency shelters,transitional housing,rapid
rehousing,diversion,coordinated entry,and data collection and reporting.
2163 Funds(RCW 36.22)Homeless Housing and Assistance:The Homeless Housing Grant
Program was created in Washington State by Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill(ESSHB)
2163 on August 1,2005.The law directed that document recording fees on certain documents to
be utilized by local jurisdictions to reduce homelessness.Funds are obtained through an imposed
surcharge on document recording fees of real property,dedicating funding to low-income and
very-low income individuals.
RCW 36.22 has been amended several times by the Legislature,most recently in 2019 as follows:
House Bill 1980
Federal Tax Lien Documents—Recording Surcharge Exemption
Passed by 2019 Legislature
House vote 98—0,Senate vote 46-0
'v dateJuly8,2019
2 Effective
Synopsis of legislative amendments to RCW 36.22.178,36.22.179,and 36.22.1791
RCW Surcharge Distribution of Fees Collected
36.22.178 $ 13 • 5%to county Auditor to collect/administer/distribute
•40%of balance to WA State Treasurer to distribute
to Dept. of Commerce for affordable housing
programs under RCW 43.185C.190
•Balance retained by the county for eligible housing
programs.
36.22.179 $ 62 • 2%to county Auditor to collect
• 60%of balance to county for
o 6%admin expenses
o remainder to eligible housing programs
• Balance to WA State Treasurer with restrictions on
how to spend
36.22.1791 $ 8 • 90%to county to fund eligible programs
o Less 6%for Auditor admin fees
• Balance to WA State Treasurer with restrictions on
how to spend
Total: $ 83
For complete text of this 2019 legislative action,go to:
https://appleg.wa.gov/billsurnmary?BillNumber=1696&Year=2019
Administration of the grant funds are shared between local governments and the state.Eligible
uses of the funds are to provide housing and shelter for homeless people including,but not
limited to:
• grants to operate,repair,and staff shelters
• grants to operate transitional housing
• partial payments for rental assistance
• consolidated emergency assistance
• overnight youth shelters
Page 4 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
• grants and vouchers designated for victims of human trafficking and their families;
• emergency shelter assistance
• funding the homeless housing grant program
These funds are used in Lewis County to fund projects that serve residents who are homeless or at
imminent risk of becoming homeless.Through a competitive RFP process these projects are
selected each year by an ad hoc committee made of members from the LCPHSS advisory board,
as well as other engaged community members who either have lived experience with
homelessness or have expresses interest in addressing homelessness issues.
•
Lewis County Public Health&Social Services(LCPHSS)is committed to supporting agencies
that have a primary objective of ending homelessness in Lewis County.It also supports the State
vision of,No person left living outside.
Plan Development
LCPHSS uses a population-based model for providing public health services in Lewis County.
Available resources are predominantly focused where they can do the most good for the most
people.Our housing programs are a good example of this service model. Our priority for the
foreseeable future is to contract with qualified sub-grantees.Under a population-based model,we
will be able to maximize impacts of available homeless and affordable housing funding.
Because LCPHSS retains ultimate responsibility for homeless housing programs in Lewis
County,these contractors' processes and deliverables are carefully monitored by LCPHSS
contract coordinators.This way,we can ensure the most good can be done for the most people by
organizations best qualified to do the work.
To gain the most benefit matching funding to programs,LCPHSS believes it necessary to develop
a new local plan following Department of Commerce(DOC)guidelines. Plan development is
guided by the Lewis County Public Health Advisory Board,a volunteer group representing a
broad spectrum of community partners that advises LCPHSS through monthly meetings and ad
hoc committee work. Advisory Board members include representation from:
• business
• civic organizations
•
• community at-large
• community networks
• criminal justice
• persons with developmental disabilities or developmental disabilities service providers
• education
• emergency healthcare
• faith-based organizations
• personas who have experienced homelessness x 2
• • human services providers
• law enforcement
• local government
• mental health treatment providers
• Realtors®
• substance abuse treatment providers
Page 5 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
a wasdrafted byLCPHSS staff,submitted to the LCPHSS AdvisoryBoard for review
This plan
P
and comment,approved by the Advisory Board on November 7,2019,and approved by the
Lewis County Board of County Commissioners on November 25,2019.
This plan covers the five-year period of December 2019 to December 2024. LCPHSS will
comply with all DOC reporting requirements. In addition,the LCPHSS Advisory Board,Lewis
County Manager,Lewis County Board of County Commissioners, and the Lewis County Board
of Health will receive regular updates.
Plan Implementation and Review
The 2019-2024 Policy Plan for Housing and Homeless Funding Expenditures has been created to
guide the implementation and review of this Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan. It
creates an open and transparent process that LCPHSS housing staff and management will follow
to ensure equitable treatment of all sub-grantees and the most effective use of funding entrusted
to LCPHSS.
The plan will be continuously reviewed and updated as conditions change due to:
• program outcomes
• DOC feedback
• provider suggestions and feedback
• direction from the LCPHSS Advisory Board
• direction from Lewis County Manager and governing bodies
• increases or decreases in available funding
• new programs that become available
• expansion or contraction in available program providers
Page 6 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
Five-Year Strategic Action Plan
Vision:
Every person in Lewis County has access to safe,affordable housing.
Goal:
Maintain an emergency shelter and housing support system that effectively identifies and responds
to persons at risk of,or experiencing homelessness.
Objective One:
Quickly identify and engage all people experiencing homelessness under the state definition
in Lewis County,and all unaccompanied youth under any federal definition,through
outreach and coordination between every system that encounters people experiencing
homelessness.
Current Condition
LCPHSS uses funding from a number of local,state,and federal sources to contract with local
organizations that comprise the homeless outreach system in Lewis County. Currently contracted
organizations and the services they provide include:
Serves as the coordinated entry lead agency for Lewis County
homeless services.Provides housing consultation to persons
who are literally homeless or at imminent risk. Conducts
countywide street outreach to persons experiencing
homelessness.
Provides homeless housing services for homeless or at
imminent risk of homelessness including:
• emergency shelter
• fmding housing
Housing Resource Center • utility assistance
• rental assistance
• fees associated with obtaining housing
• ongoing consultation to reduce barriers
Provides homeless housing services for families with children
including:
• finding housing
• rental assistance
• ongoing consultation to reduce barriers
Provides domestic violence-specific homeless housing
services for homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness
including:
• emergency shelter
Human Response Network • finding housing
• utility assistance
• rental assistance
• transportation assistance
Page 7 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
• counseling services
• fees associated with obtaining housing
• ongoing consultation to reduce barriers
Provides ongoing consultation with persons who exited
homelessness into housing so they may maintain housing.
Provides targeted counseling services for individuals with
high barriers in order to maintain housing.
Reliable Enterprises Provides training to program participants on how to create,
implement and maintain a budget.
Provides training to program participants on communicating
with landlords,municipalities and other professional service
providers.
Provides homeless housing services for homeless or at
imminent risk of homelessness including:
• emergency shelter
• finding housing
• utility assistance
The Salvation Army • rental assistance
• fees associated with obtaining housing
• ongoing consultation to reduce barriers
Maintains a low-barrier emergency shelter.
Bethel Church Provides emergency nighttime shelter to homeless persons
when weather is below 38 degrees
Provides assistance to families or individual students in the
Centralia School District CSD who are or at risk of being homeless,including
connection of service to area providers
Provides homeless housing services for homeless or a
imminent risk of homelessness including:utility assistance,
Community Action Council rental assistance,fees associated with obtaining housing and
provide ongoing consultation to reduce barriers.Maintain a
low barrier emergency shelter.
Housing Opportunities of Provides rental assistance vouchers for persons who are
Southwest Washington homeless for up to 2 years
Lewis County Gospel Provides hygienic services to homeless persons.
Mission
Twin City Transit Provides transportation vouchers for persons who are
homeless or imminent risk of being homeless.
LCPHSS also manages the Lewis County Veterans' Relief Fund which uses locally generated
dollars to assist military veterans with utilities,rent,and housing needs.
In 2015 the Housing Resource Center implemented the Coordinated Entry Process(CEP)in
response to a request from LCPHSS to facilitate a streamlined process to ensure connection of
available services to those persons experiencing homelessness and create a system change. CEP
serves all of Lewis County through an access point in Centralia.In addition to the access point in
Centralia,CEP includes street outreach countywide.
Page 8 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
LCPHSS has identified missing community partners in healthcare,behavioral health,and other
social service providers. In order to engage these partners LCPHSS will conduct outreach to
individual provider groups on the value of the Coordinated Entry program and how to access CE
on behalf of those they serve.
Our Plan to Achieve
The first step toward achieving Objective One is gathering qualitative data in four primary areas:
• Identify to the greatest extent possible all persons experiencing homelessness;
• Identify factors contributing to homelessness;
• Identify barriers to achieving positive outcomes for persons experiencing homelessness;and
• Create a comprehensive list of all community partners with actual or potential means to have
positive direct or indirect impacts on persons experiencing homelessness.
LCPHSS has outlined three strategies that will provide guidance and benchmarks for achieving
Objective One.
Objective One,Strategy One takes the first step noted above by incorporating data collection into
contractor selection.In addition,an ongoing communications process will keep data up-to-date
and shared with all community partners.
Objective One,Strategy Two will create and maintain a comprehensive and routinely updated
inventory of all housing in Lewis County by HUD definition and capacity.
Objective One,Strategy Three formally recognizes the critical function of the Coordinated Entry
Process by requiring its use by all community partners without exception,and providing ongoing
education to community partners to ensure they stay up-to-date CEP.
Measures of Success
a) Increase percentage of exits to positive outcome destinations to the level of the top
performing 20 percent of homeless crisis response systems nationwide or 76%of those
exiting projects whichever is higher.
b) Compliance with state and federal Coordinated Entry Data Collection requirements in order to
build and maintain active lists of people experiencing homelessness and to track the
homelessness status,engagements and housing placements for each household.
c) Compliance with HMIS data entry accuracy,completeness,and timeliness standards for all
clients in the system.
Strategy One:
Award funding to agencies that perform/provide:
• Services that locate every homeless person living in Lewis County
• Targeted outreach efforts that engage underserved populations
• Regular housing updates and information to all community social service and healthcare
providers.
Action Items:
A. Include provision of these services in Request for Qualifications(RFQ)and Request for
Proposals(RFP)sent to area agencies.
B. Include provision of each service identified in Strategy One in contract Scope of Work
language.
Page 9 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
C. Include regular updates on service delivery and efficacy in contract reporting
requirements.
D. Include HMIS data entry compliance in contract reporting requirements.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
LCPHSS April 2020 Distribution to Receive multiple,
A potential providers qualified
responses
LCPHSS June 2020 Draft contracts to Signed contracts
B Selected qualified providers from qualified
sub-grantees sub-grantees
LCPHSS August 2020 Receive mandated Reports are
Contracted reports from all timely,complete,
sub-grantees contracted and accurate.
providers
LCPHSS June 2020 Draft contract Signed contracts
D language contains with HMIS
HMIS requirement language from
sub-grantees
Strategy Two:
Create inventory list of housing destinations that meet HUD definitions for temporary,
institutional,or permanent housing.
Action Items:
A. Develop a catalog of all Lewis County facilities and project types that meet one of the
HUD definitions,to include location,contact information,entry requirements,capacities,
and vacancies.
B. Distribute catalog to all providers working in the homeless crisis response system.
C. Contact all listed facilities quarterly to maintain an up-to-date inventory of capacity
countywide.
D. Facilitate quarterly meetings for all providers working in the homeless crisis response
system to identify gaps in service and ensure coordinated approach.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
LCPHSS June 2020 Receive input Receive input
A Selected from all housing— from 100%of
sub-grantee providers providers
Selected September 2020 Catalog created Catalog
B sub-grantee distributed
electronically
Selected Quarterly starting Obtain current Distribute updated
sub-grantee in December 2020 information from catalog in January,
C all providers in April,July,
December,March, October
June,September
Page 10 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
LCPHSS Quarterly to At least 75% Increased
Selected coincide with attendance by awareness among
D sub-grantee update cycles identified providers of each
providers other's programs,
strengths,needs.
Strategy Three
Ensure CEP is easily accessible and used countywide.
Action Items:
A. Draft RFQ,RFP and contract language that requires projects use CEP.
B. Provide ongoing education to housing providers about CEP,what it is,how it works,and
the critical importance of the process being followed every time by every provider,for
every client.
C. Include demonstrated use of the designated CEP and provider in contract reporting
requirements.
D. Facilitate quarterly meetings for all providers working in the homeless crisis system to
identify gaps in service and ensure coordinated approach.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
LCPHSS April 2020 Distribution to Receive multiple,
A potential providers qualified
responses
LCPHSS Include as Providers CEP used in at
standing agenda understand how least 90 percent of
item in meetings CEP works and new client intake.
B identified in the importance of
Strategy One, universal use.
Action Item D
above.
LCPHSS August 2020 Receive mandated Reports are
Contracted reports from all timely,complete,
sub-grantees contracted and accurate.
providers
LCPHSS Include as At least 75% Increased
standing agenda attendance by awareness among
item in meetings identified providers of each
D identified in providers other's programs,
Strategy One, strengths,needs.
Action Item D
above.
Page 11 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
Objective Two:
Prioritize housing for people with the greatest need.
Current Condition
All households that contact Coordinated Entry and are literally homeless are assessed by the lead
CE agency using the VI-SPDAT,which is the vulnerability index—service prioritization decision
assistance tool.The vulnerability assessment identifies their barriers to housing. The VI-SPDAT
scores are used to create a list which prioritizes those with the greatest need(high vulnerability).
LCPHSS and the lead CE agency meet weekly to discuss the status and next steps for households
on this list. Persons are referred to programs they may be eligible for that have open capacity.
While the goal is to serve and house the most vulnerable,who is served can be driven by the
programs that are available in the community and,in the case of finding market-rate housing,by
whom the landlord selects. Opportunities exist to partner with our local housing authority and
revamp the vulnerability index.In 2018,Lewis County's unsheltered entries were 70.6%while
the state average was 54%.Lewis County meets the compliance level of the Consolidated
Homeless Grant.
Our Plan to Achieve
Prioritizing housing in Objective Two can be defined in two ways. First,provision of housing
must be prioritized so that persons who are assessed to be in the greatest needed are the first to
have access to available,acceptable housing. Secondly,development and acquisition of additional
housing resources needs to be prioritized based on documented community needs.
LCPHSS has outlined three strategies that will provide guidance and benchmarks for achieving
Objective Two.
Objective Two,Strategy One seeks to expand the availability of and access to low-barrier
housing by using proven models and prioritizing funding to its best effect. Persons at the greatest
risk of homelessness are often in that situation due to multiple mitigating factors.These persons
will be prioritized at or near the top of the list for housing services.Concurrently,they may only
be eligible for a low-barrier program.
Objective Two,Strategy Two is devoted entirely to serving at risk youth and young adults.DOC
OHY programs will be evaluated to determine which one(s)of the six would most closely meet
youth and young adult needs identified in Objective One.Contracts would connect these needs to
qualified providers qualified to implement the selected DOC OHY program(s).
Objective Two,Strategy Three is meant to keep all efforts by all community partners focused on
serving the highest priority persons with the most effective program and housing options,while
maintaining enhanced situational awareness among all providers of remaining unmet needs.
Measures of Success
a) Compliance with state and federal Coordinated Entry requirements for all projects receiving
federal,state and local homeless funds.
b) Consider implementation of the Coordinated Entry Core Element recommendations and the
Office of Homeless Youth's(OHY)Five Recommendations for Making Coordinated Entry
Work for Youth and Young Adults
c) Successful implementation of prioritization policies for all projects receiving federal,state
and local homeless funds,resulting in people with the greatest need consistently housed in a
timely manner.
Page 12 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
Strategy One
Promote low-barrier housing programs.
Action Items:
A. Include utilization of housing-first models in RFQs and RFPs sent to area agencies.
B. Prioritize funding for programs that utilize housing-first models.
C. Include provision of housing-first models as appropriate in contract Scope of Work
language.
D. Include status of how housing-first models are being used in contract reporting
requirements.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
LCPHSS April 2020 Distribution to Receive multiple,
A potential providers qualified
responses
LCPHSS June 2020 RFQ responses Multiple RFQ
show an responders qualify
B understanding of to submit RFP
housing-first applications.
models.
LCPHSS June 2020 Contracts signed Multiple low-
with multiple, barrier programs
qualified sub- serve all age
grantees groups.
LCPHSS August 2020 Report template Direct correlation
created for sub- demonstrated
U grantees between low-
barrier program
use and housing
the homeless.
Strategy Two
Seek service providers that can implement coordinated entry for youth and young adults in Lewis
County.
Action Items:
A. Evaluate the six programs described by DOC OHY to determine which program(s)would
be best suited to Lewis County's environment.
B. Use DOC guidance documents to create RFQ and RFP for youth and young adult
services.
C. Prioritize available funding to program(s)determined to have the greatest opportunity for
success in the Lewis County environment.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
LCPHSS February 2021 Select one or more A program or
A programs to test programs can be
identified which
Page 13 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
have potential to
be useful in Lewis
County.
LCPHSS March 2021 Distribute RFQ in One or more sub-
March,distribute grantees selected
B RFP to qualified for contracting.
responders in
April 2021.
LCPHSS June 2021 Work with sub- Coordinated entry
Selected grantee(s)to process results in
sub-grantee(s) match program reduction in
processes and homeless youth
goals to sub- and young adults.
grantee's
capabilities and
capacity.
Strategy Three
Promote service models that prioritize high-risk populations.
Action Items:
A. Educate contractors and other community partners on the fiscal and practical efficiency
of prioritizing high-risk populations in their service models.
B. Include high-risk population models in RFQs and RFPs sent to area agencies.
C. Include high-risk population service models as appropriate in contract Scope of Work
language.
D. Include provision of services to high-risk populations in contract reporting requirements.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
LCPHSS February 2020 Contractors and Contractors and
community community
partners educated partners
A understand the
need to prioritize
high-risk
populations
LCPHSS March 2020 Distribute RFQ in One or more sub-
March,distribute grantees selected
B RFP to qualified for contracting.
responders in
April 2021.
LCPHSS June 2020 Contracts signed Service models
with multiple, implemented to
qualified sub- serve high-risk
grantees populations.
LCPHSS August 2020 Report template Successes and
D created for sub- challenges of
grantees service model
Page 14 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
implementation
documented.
Objective Three:
Operate an effective and efficient homeless crisis response system that swiftly moves people
into stable,permanent housing.
Current Condition
Lewis County has three year-round shelters:Domestic violence specific,family,and single
adults.In addition to the three year-round shelters,we have a cold-weather shelter that operates
approximately six months of the year when the temperature is below 38 degrees.The four shelter
options receive funding through local document and recording fees and the consolidated homeless
grant.The capacity of the year-round shelters is insufficient to meet current need,and priority has
been given to increase the number of available beds.There are currently no formal transitional
housing services within Lewis County. An opportunity exists within Lewis County to
operationalize services so homeless persons are quickly moved into stable housing.
Our Plan to Achieve
LCPHSS wants to expand its outreach efforts to effect a greater level of communication and
cooperation with non-traditional partners.Historically,housing efforts have focused primarily on
persons experiencing homelessness,community partners that help find housing for these persons,
and community partners that provide housing units. With Objective Three,LCPHSS intends to
create new pathways for developers to create housing,while using proven models to connect
persons in need with housing options that meet their needs.
Objective Three,Strategy One makes LCPHSS a partner in the development,governance,and
educational processes that lead to creating additional shelter capacity while also creating a better
pathway to building new,sustainable,and permanent housing options.
Objective Three,Strategy Two will evaluate outcome-based housing models to determine the best
fit to meet needs in Lewis County. Guidance provided by the selected model(s)will help inform
LCPHSS input working with non-traditional partners identified in Strategy One. It will also be
used to identify qualified housing services contractors and incentivize these contractors to
perform to established benchmarks.
Measures of Success
System-wide performance:
a) Increase percentage of exits to permanent housing to the level of the top performing 20
percent of homeless crisis response systems nationwide.
b) Reduce returns to homelessness after exit to permanent housing to less than 10 percent.
c) Reduce average length of stay in temporary housing projects to less than 90 days.
Strategy One
Increase development of all types of housing.
Action Items:
A. Promote sustainable countywide policies that encourage housing development.
Page 15 of 21
Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
B. Partner with businesses and homeless advocacy agencies to provide data supporting the
need to develop more housing.
C. Partner with Lewis County Community Development and Board of County
Commissioners to facilitate increased housing development.
D. Partner with business and homeless advocacy agencies to create additional housing units.
E. Partner with area schools and Centralia College to increase the future workforce
knowledgeable in single-and multi-family residential development.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
LCPHSS 2023 Develop policy Adoption of
proposals to share policies generated
A with housing or championed by
development LCPHSS
community
I LCPHSS 2019 Invitation to Data generated
B participate and and shared by all
share data participants
LCPHSS 2019 1406 Resolution 1406 legislation
C passed by Lewis passed by BOCC
County BOCC
LCPHSS 2019 Support Reliable Reliable's project
D Enterprises' new is built and
multi-family available for
housing project residency.
LCPHSS 2022 Analyze curricula Curriculum
for suitability in changes adopted
E the Lewis County to make course
building content reflect
environment Lewis County
processes.
Strategy Two
Use an outcome-based model that incentivizes specific, targeted outcome measures.
Action Items:
A. Review various outcome-based models to select one or more that most closely matches
Lewis County challenges.
B. Include model(s)along with percentage of exits,returns to homelessness. and 90-day
benchmarks in RFQs and RFPs sent to area agencies.
C. Evaluate and prioritize responses that appear to most closely follow selected outcome-
based model(s).
D. Include these benchmarks in contract Scope of Work language.
E. Include performance toward these benchmarks in contract reporting requirements.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
A LCPHSS 2021 Models reviewed Most appropriate
model(s) selected
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Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
LCPHSS 2021 Models included One or more sub-
B in distributed grantees selected
RFQs and RFPs for contracting.
LCPHSS 2021 Applicants Applicants
selected proposed
outcome-based
models
LCPHSS 2021 Contracts signed Outcome-based
D with multiple, models
qualified sub- implemented
grantees
LCPHSS 2021 Report template Performance
created for sub- toward
E grantees benchmarks
consistently
reported by
contractors
Objective Four:
Project the impact of the fully implemented local plan on the number of households housed
and the number of households left unsheltered,assuming existing resources and state
policies.
Current Condition
A modeling tool developed by DOC was utilized to project the impact of the fully-implemented
plan. The model projects a 15%reduction in the number of unsheltered households. This
reduction is based on numerous assumptions,including a steady rate of 2.0%annual inflation,a
3.0%annual rate of inflation for rents,a 1.3%annual population growth rate,and an annual
increase of 0.69%in the rate of homelessness. The model also reflects an additional 17
households receiving emergency shelter services at a point in time,an additional 13 households
receiving rapid rehousing services at a point in time,and an additional 9 households receiving
permanent supportive housing services at a point in time. The resulting forecast for a point in
time count of unsheltered households is 64,which is a reduction of 11 households.
The model utilized is intended to be robust but not precise,so the absolute reduction in the
number of households left unsheltered should be viewed as a general estimate.
Our Plan to Achieve
The DOC model used to meet Objective Four projects an end-point,but also offers a starting
point to begin proving or disproving the model over time.A desired outcome would be a greater-
then-predicted reduction in the number of unsheltered households.So,how do we get there?
Objective Four, Strategy One is designed to first more clearly and accurately identify the present
state of homelessness and available resources at a single point in time.Future projections using
the DOC model would always be made from a data set that is as accurate as possible.On an
annual basis,the data set will be updated and the DOC modeling tool used to re-calculate the
anticipated end-point.
9p
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Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
Objective Four, Strategy Two will address any negative variances identified by the data set or
modeling tool by developing new methods and processes to reach the benchmarks identified in
Action Items A through F.
Measures of Success
a) An estimate of people experiencing homelessness who will be housed during 2024 after
successful implementation of the local plan using existing resources,and the count of
households left unsheltered at a point in time in 2024,based on credible data and research;
including the data,assumptions,calculations,and related citations necessary for outside
parties to review and reproduce the estimate.
Strategy One
Determine baseline benchmarks,then update and review progress on an ongoing basis.
Action Items:
A. Within the first six months,create database that establishes beginning number of known
homeless,total number of housing units,available number of housing units,and demand
for housing units.
B. Annually thereafter,update all data points.Report on changes and analyze causes.
C. Work with providers and community partners to adjust programs as needed to improve
key-element performance.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
A LCPHSS December 2020 Database created Database in use
Sub-grantee
Sub-grantee Annually in Database updated Database
B December annually information is
current
LCPHSS Annually in the Information from Projects more
C spring when database informs effectively address
RFQs and RFPs project current situation
are distributed improvement
Strategy Two
Use outcome-based model(s)that incentivizes specific,targeted outcome measures.
Action Items:
A. Increase percentage of exits to permanent housing to the level of the top-performing 20
percent of the homeless crisis response systems nationwide.
B. Reduce returns to homelessness after exit to permanent housing to less than 10 percent.
C. Reduce average length of time homeless of those service to less than 90 days.
D. Include these benchmarks in RFQs and RFPs sent to area agencies.
E. Include these benchmarks in contract Scope of Work language.
F. Include performance toward these benchmarks in contract reporting requirements.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
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Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
LCPHSS 2024 Percentage of exits More people exit
Sub-grantees to permanent to permanent
A housing meets housing
threshold
LCPHSS 2024 Exits to Fewer people exit
Sub-grantees homelessness to homelessness
13 reduced to less
than 10%
LCPHSS 2024 Average length of More people get
Sub-grantees time spent into housing more
C homeless is quickly
reduced to less
than 90 days
LCPHSS 2020 Benchmarks Benchmarks
Sub-grantees included in understood by sub-
D distributed RFQs contractors
and RFPs
LCPHSS 2020 Contracts signed Benchmarks
Sub-grantees with multiple. acknowledged by
E qualified sub- sub-contractors
grantees
LCPHSS 2020 Report template Subcontractors
Sub-grantees created for sub- regularly report on
F grantees progress toward
and barriers to
benchmarks
Objective Five:
Address racial disparities among people experiencing homelessness.
Current Condition
Data from the Department of Commerce's Racial Equity Analysis Tool indicates that a total of
116 persons were experiencing homelessness in Lewis County on the date that the point-in-time
(PIT)count was conducted in 2018. The race and ethnicity breakdowns provided in the tool
suggest that there may be racial and ethnic disparities in the rates of homelessness for some
populations,but small numbers make these rates volatile and not necessarily reliable. Whites
made up 91.3%of the total county population,accounted for 85.9%of people living in poverty
and made up 88.8%of the individuals counted as homeless. The only other racial group with
more than five people represented in the PIT count is Native Americans/Alaska Natives. This
group made up 0.6%of the total county population and accounted for 1.4%of people living in
poverty but made up 6.0%of the individuals counted as homeless. This gives the group a rate of
homelessness(1,483.1 per 100,000)that is ten times that of Whites(148.4 per 100,000),but the
rate is based on a total of seven people in the PIT count and may not be truly representative.
When the PIT count numbers are examined through the lens of ethnicity,Non-Hispanics made up
90.2%of the total county population and accounted for 82.7%of people living in poverty,but
they made up 94.0%of all people counted as homeless. Hispanics,while making up 9.8%of the
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Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
county population and 17.3%of people living in poverty,made up only 6.0%of all people
counted as homeless. The rate for homelessness among Hispanics is 93.8 per 100,000 while that
for Non-Hispanics is 159.0 per 100,000. Again,this rate should be taken in context,as it is based
on a total count of seven Hispanic people experiencing homelessness.
Meaningful disparities between the rates of sheltered and unsheltered homelessness are not
discernable in the data provided by DOC due to the low numbers of clients counted. Likewise,
differences in rates of homelessness for families are not evident,with all families counted
categorized as White. Finally,of the 8 youth under 25 listed,7 are White and all 8 are Non-
Hispanic,so differences in rates of homelessness among youth of different racial and ethnic
groups are not discernable.
Comparing these numbers to those for Washington as a whole reinforces the impression that rates
calculated for Lewis County are challenged by the low numbers used in those
calculations. Statewide,Whites make up a disproportionately small percentage of people living
in poverty and an even smaller percentage of the people counted as homeless in the PIT
count. With the exception of Asian/Pacific Islanders,all of the other racial groups have a higher
rate of homelessness than Whites,and Hispanics have a higher rate than Non-Hispanics.
While the unexpected rates generated from the PIT count numbers may solely be a reflection of
the unstable rates due to smaller population size in Lewis County,they may also indicate that the
methodology utilized for the PIT count results in an undercount of people of color(with the
possible exception of Native Americans/Alaska Natives)and Hispanics..
Our Plan to Achieve
LCPHSS has begun the process identified in Objective Five, Strategy One to identify racial
disparities.Data has been generated using the Department of Commerce's Racial Equity Analysis
Tool. However,as noted in the Current Conditions section above, it is not entirely clear whether
the data generated by this initial assessment is thorough or completely reliable.Meeting Objective
Five will also include additional attempts to acquire localized data on racial disparities among
people experiencing homelessness via other means. Once sufficient,actionable data has been
acquired,Objective Five, Strategy One Action Items A through C can be completed.Action Item
D will ensure efforts to address racial disparities will remain ongoing.
Measures of Success
Completion of an initial analysis using a racial equity tool and data provided by Commerce.
The goal of this analysis is to examine disparities in the homeless system and then identify where
the system may be perpetuating inequity.The questions below are a start toward that examination
and counties are encouraged to go beyond simply answering them with the data and tool and
include information on where inequity exists and solutions to address the disparities.
In terms of race and ethnicity:
1. How does your county compare to other like size counties in the state?Are any groups over
or underrepresented in the homeless population?
2. What does the family data look like compared to all households?
3. In PIT counts,are there significant differences between sheltered and unsheltered counts?
4. Are there specific local or state conditions that might lead to these differences?
Strategy One
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Lewis County Five-Year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan—11-8-19
Identify racial disparities that exist in the Lewis County homeless and affordable housing
programs.
Action Items:
A. Complete initial analysis using the DOC racial equity tool and provided data.
B. Analyze results according to the four questions above and other criteria.
C. Create an improvement Action Plan to address identified needs.
D. Review progress annually.
Action Responsible Measures of
Item Parties Timeline Milestone Success
A LCPHSS 2019 Analysis complete Completed Racial
Equity Tool
LCPHSS 2019 Analysis complete A better
understanding is
13 developed of the
racial disparities
that exist
LCPHSS 2020 Plan completed Plan implemented
Sub-grantee
LCPHSS Annually Annual review Information from
D beginning in 2020 conducted annual review
utilized to reduce
disparities
Page 21 of 21
BOCC AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Resolution: 19-345 BOCC Meeting Date: Nov. 25, 2019
Suggested Wording for Agenda Item: Agenda Type: Deliberation
Approving the 5-year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan as required from the Department of
Commerce to identify homeless housing needs and develop goals and objectives to address those
needs
Contact: Sandi Andrus Phone: 1148
Department: PHSS - Public Health & Social Services
Description:
Approve the 5-year Housing and Homeless Strategic Plan to identify homeless housing needs and
develop goals and objectives to address those needs. This Plan is required from the Department of
Commerce to continue to receive State Homeless Housing funds.
Approvals: Publication Requirements:
Publications:
User Status
J.P. Anderson Approved
PA's Office Approved
Tawni Shepherd Pending
Additional Copies
Sandi Andrus, Meja Handlen, Ed Mund,
1
1