Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, chair of the Council’s Human Services & Public Health Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s release of the Recommendations for the City’s Homeless Investment Policy:
“The crisis of homelessness demands our urgent action. I’m looking forward to hearing from Barb Poppe and Focus Strategies at my Council committee meeting at 2 p.m. today, where my colleagues and I will be able to delve deeper into the analyses of Seattle’s homelessness crisis. This report and HSD’s implementation plan, which includes over a year’s worth of research, analysis and review of nation-wide best practices, are key tools to make informed data-based decisions to prevent homelessness in Seattle. These reports give us a roadmap to be effective.
“As Council begins review of the proposed 2017-2018 operating budget next month, we must use hard data to determine how we improve system performance and invest in programs that work. General fund dollars are scarce, so I’m committing to invest in programs where we can make the most difference, that deliver proven results, and that meet individuals’ specific needs.
“Moving forward, as Council considers findings from Barb Poppe, Focus Strategies, the Unsanctioned Encampments Cleanup Protocols Task Force and the Opioid Task Force, we will rely upon evidence-based decision making and act with urgency.”