Brief Description: Petitioning for efforts to assist the state's homeless.

Sponsors: Representatives Miloscia, Springer, Sells, Pettigrew, Upthegrove, Simpson, Chase, Hasegawa, Kagi and Santos.

Hearing Date: 2/22/05

Staff: Robyn Dupuis (786-7166).

Background:

There exists incomplete data related to the total number of homeless individuals in Washington and the number of homeless individuals who die every year due to illness related to their homeless status.

Public Health - Seattle and King County's Health Care for the Homeless Network, the Epidemiology, Planning and Evaluation Section of Public Heath - Seattle and King County, the King County Medical Examiner's Office, the King County Council and others, conducted an intensive study related to homeless deaths in 2004 and published a number of statistics related to illness and death among King County's homeless. The study found that the majority of homeless individuals die young compared to the general population and suffer from multiple illnesses.

Other national and state studies highlight the growing number of homeless families with children and, in particular, detail the health and developmental issues faced by homeless children.

Summary of Bill:

The Executive Branch of the State of Washington and the legislative authorities of each county are requested to assist in promoting an effort to count and track homeless individuals and families, as well as to highlight and support programs that assist individuals and families secure decent, stable housing.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.