A successful homeless response system is centered in the principles of Housing First and Racial Equity, with a coordinated and regional response to the crisis of homelessness. Using data to drive decisions, we are working with urgency towards Functional Zero: where homelessness is avoidable, but if someone does experience it, they can return to housing within 20 days.
We can achieve our vision through:
- Reducing the number of people who experience homelessness by targeting our Prevention resources
- Reducing the number of people who need emergency shelter by utilizing Diversion strategies
- Providing immediate safety and a pathway to housing through Emergency Shelter
- Increasing the number of people who exit to permanent housing by targeting Permanent Supportive Housing for the most vulnerable and by maximizing Rapid Re-housing
Data is collected through the King County Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
