Fees that pay for WA homelessness programs running short

State funds that pay for homelessness services in Washington are running low, and the Legislature may need to find extra money to avoid program cuts.

The Department of Commerce anticipates a nearly $403 million shortfall in fee revenue that goes toward programs like emergency shelter grants, temporary rent assistance and support for homeless youth. This money is from document recording fees people pay when they file real estate deeds and other paperwork with county auditors.

The department is asking the Legislature to set aside general funds to maintain current levels of service, to address inflation and to help local governments who have seen declines in their own homelessness funding.

“We have a really significant deficit of funding for homelessness,” said Michele Thomas, director of policy and advocacy at the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance. “It’s a really dire time.”

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/12/02/fees-that-pay-for-wa-homelessness-programs-running-short/