SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6335
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed Senate, January 18, 2008
Title: An act relating to the homeless families services fund.
Brief Description: Concerning the homeless families services fund.
Sponsors: Senators Prentice, Shin, Kohl-Welles and McAuliffe.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 1/16/08 [DP].
Passed Senate: 1/18/08, 48-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Pridemore, Vice Chair, Operating Budget; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Carrell, Fairley, Hatfield, Hobbs, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, Oemig, Parlette, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller, Schoesler and Tom.
Staff: Richard Ramsey (786-7412)
Background: The Legislature created the homeless families services fund in 2004 and since then
has appropriated 6 million dollars into the account; the Department of Community, Trade and
Economic Development (CTED) administers the fund.
The fund may be used to provide state matching funds for housing-based supportive services for
homeless families. Activities eligible for funding include: case management, counseling, referrals
to employment and job training, domestic violence services and programs, mental health services
and programs, substance abuse services and programs, parenting skills' education and training,
transportation assistance, and child care.
Organizations authorized to receive funds include local housing authorities, nonprofit community
or neighborhood-based organizations, public development authorities, federally recognized Indian
tribes, and regional or statewide nonprofit housing assistance organizations.
To date, all funds appropriated to the fund have been transferred to the Washington Families
Fund, which is jointly administered by CTED and Building Changes, a statewide nonprofit;
CTED authorizes release of the funds as private matching funds are received.
Summary of Bill: Six million dollars of the state General Fund is appropriated for expenditure in the homeless families services fund.
Appropriation: $6 million state General Fund to the homeless families services fund.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 2008.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The appropriation in this bill is timely because the balance of the Washington Families Fund has been awarded. With the funds authorized, over the next ten years assistance will be provided to approximately 5,000 people. Since 2004 the Washington Families Fund has been a vibrant public-private partnership. In addition to the Gates Foundation, the private support that matches the state funds comes from 17 other private, philanthropic, and corporate organizations. The Washington Families Fund works to expand service-enriched affordable housing for homeless families across Washington State. The Washington Families Fund fills a critical need by providing stable, long-term funding for housing-based services.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Betsy Lieberman, Building Changes and Washington Families Fund; David M. Werthheimer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Ben Gitenstein, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.