By Senators Jayapal, Hasegawa, Chase, Miloscia, Fain, Litzow, Fraser, Nelson, and Conway

WHEREAS, Bill Hobson worked tirelessly for more than thirty years to end homelessness and organize community resources to meet the needs of chronically homeless men and women with mental illness, substance use disorders, and other disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hobson was one of Washington's most knowledgeable and eloquent advocates on issues relating to homelessness; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hobson worked with the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) in Seattle starting in 1984, and worked as DESC's Executive Director starting in 1988, and under his stewardship DESC evolved to better address their client's full range of needs, including some of the most disabled and difficult-to-house individuals in Seattle and King County; and

WHEREAS, DESC now serves more than 7,000 men and women each year, providing not only housing, but also mental health outreach programs, case management services, crisis respite, chemical dependency treatment, crisis diversion, and employment services; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hobson worked to build innovative partnerships in the community, including with police and the business community, leading to DESC's selection by the United States Department of Health and Human Services as a model for building partnerships to address homelessness; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hobson received numerous awards and distinctions recognizing his devotion to solving the problem of homelessness, and his leadership led DESC to receive many awards and distinctions as a leading provider of services relating to homelessness; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hobson was recognized as a national expert on homelessness, and lended his time and experience to a number of organizations that shaped Seattle's and King County's response to homelessness; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hobson's over thirty years of bold and ambitious leadership at DESC resulted in a truly unique organization, which demonstrates that disabled, marginalized, and chronically homeless people can stabilize and obtain, and successfully maintain, housing, ultimately becoming more independent and involved members of the community; and

WHEREAS, On March 4, 2016, Bill Hobson passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of untiring advocacy and commitment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the life, work, and contributions of Bill Hobson in leading the Downtown Emergency Service Center, advocating for marginalized populations, and working to end homelessness in Seattle and King County; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the family of Bill Hobson.