HOUSE 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 House:
February 6, 2008
Title: An act relating to the homeless families services fund.
Brief Description: Concerning the homeless families services fund.
Sponsors: By Senators Prentice, Shin, Kohl-Welles and McAuliffe.
Brief History:
Appropriations: 1/29/08, 1/31/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/6/08, 69-27.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Sommers, Chair; Dunshee, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Cody, Conway, Darneille, Ericks, Fromhold, Grant, Green, Haigh, Hunt, Hunter, Kenney, Kessler, Linville, McIntire, Morrell, Pettigrew, Priest, Schmick, Schual-Berke, Seaquist, Sullivan and Walsh.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Chandler, Hinkle and Ross.
Staff: Owen Rowe (786-7391).
Background:
In 2004 the Legislature created the Homeless Families Services Fund (Fund). Since then, $6
million has been appropriated from the State General Fund to capitalize the Fund. The
Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (DCTED) 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 appropriations to the Fund have been transferred to the Washington Families
Fund, which is jointly administered by DCTED and Building Changes, a statewide nonprofit.
The DCTED authorizes release of the funds as private matching funds are received.
Summary of Bill:
Six million dollars is appropriated from the State General Fund for expenditure in the
Homeless Families Services Fund.
Appropriation: The sum of $6 million State General Fund.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The state's investment in the Washington Families Fund has been matched dollar
for dollar by private contributions. The investment has built 28 partnerships across the state
in a wide range of communities. The Fund has enabled a way to provide services over a
period of at least 10 years and to keep families in stable housing. In Washington, 15 to 20
percent of homeless families do not function well in existing supportive housing programs
because of long-term substance abuse or mental illness. For the first time case management
services and employment services are linked.
On January 16 of this year, Building Changes awarded the balance of the funding to
supportive housing programs; there are no resources currently in the Fund. An investment by
the state offers an opportunity to partner with private philanthropic organizations to support
homeless families. The majority of the families that have benefited from the supportive
housing programs have moved into stable housing and employment. This public/private
partnership has fostered a unique organization that attracts national attention.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: David Wertheimer, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Ben Gitenstein, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance; and Betsy Lieberman, Washington Families Fund.