Education

“I am committed to working to end homelessness in King County… the scope of homelessness and its causes are large and complex, and that any effort to truly solve homelessness must address the need to ensure access to necessary treatment and support services. We also agree that we do not have adequate affordable and accessible housing in King County. That is where I intend to focus my efforts over the next several years, working with our many partners in state and local government, housing developers, and the faith community to create more housing for low-median income citizens. King County must not become a place where only the wealthy can afford to live. This will take a great deal of effort and energy, but I am committed to working to lead that effort.”

Ron Sims, King County Executive, October 29, 2004

The Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness

 

The 2008 One Night Count of the homeless was held Jan. 25, 2008 in King County. Over 125 teams of  925 volunteers found 2,631 persons trying to survive without housing or shelter. This street count is up 15% from 2007, and added to those in shelters/transitional housing, the number homeless in King County is now at minimu m 8,439 each night.

Picture at right:  RCOP Camp Out, McCracken, K-H, Peter Steinbreuck, Bloom, Dec. 2007

Below: State Coalition 2008 annual event; ITFH Board mbr., Janice (in green-white), with advocates

Text Box: Scarves 2007 (left); 2008 Housing Day, Olympia , Bill and Pete (above)

From National Alliance to End Homelessness website, 2007 update:

 “In January 2007, an estimated 745,000people experienced homelessness.  55% of those counted were living in shelters and transitional housing, and, shockingly,  44% were unsheltered.”