1 00:00:10,179 --> 00:00:12,765 Good afternoon everyone. 2 00:00:12,765 --> 00:00:15,230 Thank you for being here. 3 00:00:15,230 --> 00:00:19,579 Today, Seattle, King County are announcing 4 00:00:19,579 --> 00:00:22,716 announcing the next steps we are taking to stabilize, 5 00:00:22,716 --> 00:00:25,506 right-size, and reset the King County Regional 6 00:00:25,506 --> 00:00:27,039 Homelessness Authority. 7 00:00:27,039 --> 00:00:30,596 These are significant changes to how we deliver our regional 8 00:00:30,596 --> 00:00:32,200 response to homelessness. 9 00:00:32,200 --> 00:00:34,823 And Mayor Wilson and I want to explain why 10 00:00:34,823 --> 00:00:36,520 we're taking these steps. 11 00:00:36,520 --> 00:00:40,167 Several years ago, leaders from King County, the City 12 00:00:40,167 --> 00:00:43,655 of Seattle, and around the region launched KCRHA to 13 00:00:43,655 --> 00:00:45,520 advance an important idea. 14 00:00:45,520 --> 00:00:49,439 Homelessness is a regional crisis that requires 15 00:00:49,439 --> 00:00:51,158 a regional solution. 16 00:00:51,158 --> 00:00:55,920 It does not stop or start at the borders of any one city. 17 00:00:55,920 --> 00:00:58,131 That idea still holds true today. 18 00:00:58,131 --> 00:01:01,134 We need a regional response to homelessness, 19 00:01:01,134 --> 00:01:05,081 but that response must be accountable, financially sound, 20 00:01:05,081 --> 00:01:09,349 and capable of delivering the results that people experiencing 21 00:01:09,349 --> 00:01:12,745 homelessness, service providers, taxpayers, and 22 00:01:12,745 --> 00:01:14,799 our entire community deserve. 23 00:01:14,799 --> 00:01:19,575 KCRHA was created to strengthen regional coordination, 24 00:01:19,575 --> 00:01:23,159 reduce fragmentation, and help us respond 25 00:01:23,159 --> 00:01:26,218 to the growing scale of homelessness more effectively. 26 00:01:26,218 --> 00:01:28,828 It's no secret that over the past six years, 27 00:01:28,828 --> 00:01:31,799 this organization has experienced significant 28 00:01:31,799 --> 00:01:35,200 leadership turnover, multiple audits, and most recently, an 29 00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:38,902 independent forensic evaluation that identified serious 30 00:01:38,902 --> 00:01:43,280 concerns related to financial management, governance, and 31 00:01:43,280 --> 00:01:44,602 internal controls. 32 00:01:44,602 --> 00:01:46,474 In response to that forensic 33 00:01:46,474 --> 00:01:50,402 evaluation, Mayor Wilson and I directed KCRHA to develop 34 00:01:50,402 --> 00:01:54,120 a corrective action plan to fix the issues that were 35 00:01:54,120 --> 00:01:56,950 uncovered. When the corrective action plan came 36 00:01:56,950 --> 00:01:59,953 back to us, it showed that progress was being made 37 00:01:59,953 --> 00:02:03,140 in some key areas but it was also insufficient and 38 00:02:03,140 --> 00:02:05,700 made clear that more action was needed. 39 00:02:05,700 --> 00:02:08,419 It didn't provide the clarity, timelines 40 00:02:08,419 --> 00:02:11,675 or urgency needed to fully address the findings of 41 00:02:11,675 --> 00:02:13,383 the forensic evaluation. 42 00:02:13,383 --> 00:02:15,211 We have two new administrations 43 00:02:15,211 --> 00:02:16,747 in Seattle and King County. 44 00:02:16,747 --> 00:02:19,792 Mayor Wilson and I have inherited a lot of issues 45 00:02:19,792 --> 00:02:23,419 but we will not maintain the status quo just because 46 00:02:23,419 --> 00:02:27,556 change is hard so today we are taking further action 47 00:02:27,556 --> 00:02:32,068 to stabilize right size and reset KCRHA our aim is to 48 00:02:32,068 --> 00:02:36,407 strengthen this organization's foundation improve 49 00:02:36,407 --> 00:02:39,979 accountability and put the agency in the strongest possible 50 00:02:39,979 --> 00:02:43,282 position to fulfill the responsibilities that are 51 00:02:43,282 --> 00:02:44,358 entrusted to it. 52 00:02:44,358 --> 00:02:47,133 First, we have been taking action to 53 00:02:47,133 --> 00:02:48,681 stabilize KCRHA. 54 00:02:48,681 --> 00:02:51,979 Strong organizations require strong 55 00:02:51,979 --> 00:02:52,995 financial systems. 56 00:02:52,995 --> 00:02:54,846 Beginning this week, King County and 57 00:02:54,846 --> 00:02:58,280 the City of Seattle will embed an independent financial 58 00:02:58,280 --> 00:03:02,044 compliance team within KCRHA to to strengthen financial 59 00:03:02,044 --> 00:03:04,514 oversight, improve internal controls, 60 00:03:04,514 --> 00:03:07,609 support timely payments to providers, and help 61 00:03:07,609 --> 00:03:10,746 ensure the agency remains well positioned to 62 00:03:10,746 --> 00:03:13,780 secure critical federal funds. 63 00:03:13,780 --> 00:03:17,411 This team will provide regular progress updates to KCRHA's 64 00:03:17,411 --> 00:03:20,598 Finance Committee as well as to my office and the 65 00:03:20,598 --> 00:03:21,900 Mayor's office. 66 00:03:21,900 --> 00:03:26,377 Second, we are right-sizing KCRHA's focus. 67 00:03:26,377 --> 00:03:29,983 That means narrowing its scope of work to focus 68 00:03:29,983 --> 00:03:34,139 exclusively on its core regional responsibilities, 69 00:03:34,139 --> 00:03:37,550 including holding and distributing the federal 70 00:03:37,550 --> 00:03:39,300 continuum of care funds. 71 00:03:39,300 --> 00:03:42,050 We will also align responsibilities across our 72 00:03:42,050 --> 00:03:45,590 homelessness response system with the organization's best 73 00:03:45,590 --> 00:03:47,199 position to carry them out. 74 00:03:47,199 --> 00:03:50,627 That's why today, King County and the City of Seattle 75 00:03:50,627 --> 00:03:53,978 are announcing that the administration of city and 76 00:03:53,978 --> 00:03:57,405 county funded homelessness service contracts will 77 00:03:57,405 --> 00:04:00,911 transition back to King County and the City of Seattle 78 00:04:00,911 --> 00:04:05,038 through a phased implementation beginning in January of 2027. 79 00:04:05,038 --> 00:04:08,556 Throughout that transition, our teams at DCHS and 80 00:04:08,556 --> 00:04:11,769 HSD will work closely with providers to maintain 81 00:04:11,769 --> 00:04:15,300 continuity of services, minimize disruption, and ensure 82 00:04:15,300 --> 00:04:17,687 people experiencing homelessness continue to 83 00:04:17,687 --> 00:04:20,031 receive the support that they depend on. 84 00:04:20,031 --> 00:04:22,716 The city and county will also work with 85 00:04:22,716 --> 00:04:25,850 KCRHA and its partners to ensure we have a strong 86 00:04:25,850 --> 00:04:29,024 continuum of care strategy and effectively respond 87 00:04:29,024 --> 00:04:31,382 to federal funding requirements. 88 00:04:31,382 --> 00:04:33,877 I have confidence in DCHS and the 89 00:04:33,877 --> 00:04:37,759 team that will lead this transition at the county. 90 00:04:37,759 --> 00:04:40,769 They bring deep expertise administering complex 91 00:04:40,769 --> 00:04:43,778 housing and homelessness programs and I know they 92 00:04:43,778 --> 00:04:46,571 they are committed to partnering closely with 93 00:04:46,571 --> 00:04:49,720 providers to ensure this transition is thoughtful, 94 00:04:49,720 --> 00:04:52,319 deliberate and focused on the people that we serve. 95 00:04:53,439 --> 00:04:58,838 Third, in addition to resetting KCRHA's operation, we need to 96 00:04:58,838 --> 00:05:02,459 reset our regional approach to homelessness. 97 00:05:02,459 --> 00:05:06,019 Today's actions are about strengthening KCRHA to achieve 98 00:05:06,019 --> 00:05:09,439 its core responsibilities, but but they also create an 99 00:05:09,439 --> 00:05:13,439 opportunity to have a broader conversation about the future, 100 00:05:13,439 --> 00:05:16,607 about what our regional homelessness response should 101 00:05:16,607 --> 00:05:18,259 look like in the years ahead. 102 00:05:18,259 --> 00:05:22,382 That conversation can't happen at City Hall or King County's 103 00:05:22,382 --> 00:05:24,079 Chinook building alone. 104 00:05:24,079 --> 00:05:28,459 It must include our 39 cities, our state and federal partners, 105 00:05:28,459 --> 00:05:32,420 service providers, labor, philanthropy, businesses, 106 00:05:32,420 --> 00:05:34,891 people with lived experience, and communities 107 00:05:34,891 --> 00:05:35,879 across the region. 108 00:05:35,879 --> 00:05:39,559 Mayor Wilson and I will do the broad stakeholders 109 00:05:39,559 --> 00:05:42,699 that is needed to shape that next chapter. 110 00:05:42,699 --> 00:05:44,975 And together, we'll shape a system that is 111 00:05:44,975 --> 00:05:47,747 stronger, more accountable, and better equipped to 112 00:05:47,747 --> 00:05:50,040 meet the needs of our region for years to come. 113 00:05:50,040 --> 00:05:52,228 We know these are significant changes, but I want 114 00:05:52,228 --> 00:05:54,151 to take a moment to be clear about what these 115 00:05:54,151 --> 00:05:55,540 announcements are not saying. 116 00:05:55,540 --> 00:05:58,607 It does not mean King County or the City of Seattle 117 00:05:58,607 --> 00:06:01,600 are walking away from regional collaboration. 118 00:06:01,600 --> 00:06:05,384 We remain firmly committed to a regional homelessness 119 00:06:05,384 --> 00:06:06,620 response system. 120 00:06:06,620 --> 00:06:09,555 What is changing is how responsibilities will be 121 00:06:09,555 --> 00:06:13,062 organized so that every part of our homelessness response 122 00:06:13,062 --> 00:06:16,355 is being carried out by the organizations that are best 123 00:06:16,355 --> 00:06:17,860 equipped to do that work. 124 00:06:17,860 --> 00:06:22,002 I also want to be clear that today's announcement should 125 00:06:22,002 --> 00:06:25,617 not be seen as a reflection on the dedication, the 126 00:06:25,617 --> 00:06:29,759 talent, or the integrity of the people who work at KCRHA. 127 00:06:29,759 --> 00:06:33,665 Every day, they take on incredibly difficult work 128 00:06:33,665 --> 00:06:37,199 in service of our most vulnerable neighbors. 129 00:06:37,199 --> 00:06:41,091 And thousands of people across our region have been housed 130 00:06:41,091 --> 00:06:42,838 because of their efforts. 131 00:06:42,838 --> 00:06:46,360 We are deeply, deeply grateful for their service. 132 00:06:46,360 --> 00:06:50,084 Above all, our responsibility is to ensure this transition 133 00:06:50,084 --> 00:06:53,809 strengthens our regional response without disrupting the 134 00:06:53,809 --> 00:06:55,819 services that people depend on. 135 00:06:55,819 --> 00:06:58,620 But strengthening KCRHA is only one part of the work ahead. 136 00:06:58,620 --> 00:07:01,560 At the same time, we're advancing broader efforts 137 00:07:01,560 --> 00:07:04,290 to prevent homelessness, expand housing, and 138 00:07:04,290 --> 00:07:05,899 strengthen coordination. 139 00:07:05,899 --> 00:07:09,233 In March, as you may recall, I launched my Breaking 140 00:07:09,233 --> 00:07:12,821 the Cycle Executive Order, which advances work to break the 141 00:07:12,821 --> 00:07:15,949 cycles of those interconnected issues of homelessness, 142 00:07:15,949 --> 00:07:18,956 substance use disorder, and repeated involvement 143 00:07:18,956 --> 00:07:21,858 in the criminal justice system with housing at 144 00:07:21,858 --> 00:07:25,069 the center of that effort because we know that addressing 145 00:07:25,069 --> 00:07:27,697 homelessness requires more than responding after 146 00:07:27,697 --> 00:07:28,980 people lose their homes. 147 00:07:28,980 --> 00:07:31,766 It requires strengthening the systems that help 148 00:07:31,766 --> 00:07:33,060 people remain housed. 149 00:07:33,060 --> 00:07:36,721 It requires expanding affordable housing, addressing behavioral 150 00:07:36,721 --> 00:07:39,740 health needs, and creating better long-term outcomes. 151 00:07:39,740 --> 00:07:42,718 Our work group is already working hard and will 152 00:07:42,718 --> 00:07:46,307 deliver recommendations to me later this year that will 153 00:07:46,307 --> 00:07:49,819 help shape future regional homelessness strategies. 154 00:07:49,819 --> 00:07:53,774 We're also advancing our goal of opening 500 net new units 155 00:07:53,774 --> 00:07:57,646 of housing in 500 days, which includes 80 new tiny homes, 156 00:07:57,646 --> 00:08:01,600 which we will be building in Seattle's Central District. 157 00:08:01,600 --> 00:08:04,699 This week, I also convened the first meeting of our 158 00:08:04,699 --> 00:08:07,875 new revenue work group to explore what could become 159 00:08:07,875 --> 00:08:11,639 the first countywide housing levy in King County's history. 160 00:08:11,639 --> 00:08:14,641 If this is successful, it could create a generational 161 00:08:14,641 --> 00:08:17,776 investment in emergency housing, supportive housing, 162 00:08:17,776 --> 00:08:20,845 affordable housing, and the long-term solutions that 163 00:08:20,845 --> 00:08:23,778 our region needs to break the cycle of homelessness. 164 00:08:23,778 --> 00:08:26,740 Also, on my 100th day as King County Executive, 165 00:08:26,740 --> 00:08:29,699 I issued a Better Government Executive Order. 166 00:08:29,699 --> 00:08:33,687 We are raising the bar with the goal of becoming the best-run 167 00:08:33,687 --> 00:08:35,840 local government in the nation. 168 00:08:35,840 --> 00:08:39,399 Public excellence requires making difficult decisions when 169 00:08:39,399 --> 00:08:42,243 the facts require it, managing public resources 170 00:08:42,243 --> 00:08:45,148 responsibly, and building public trust through 171 00:08:45,148 --> 00:08:46,918 accountability and results. 172 00:08:46,918 --> 00:08:49,557 We also recognize that implementing these changes 173 00:08:49,557 --> 00:08:52,013 will take time, thoughtful planning, and close 174 00:08:52,013 --> 00:08:53,240 work with our partners. 175 00:08:53,240 --> 00:08:56,543 I want to recognize many of those partners who are here 176 00:08:56,543 --> 00:09:00,432 today standing alongside me, including State Representative 177 00:09:00,432 --> 00:09:03,956 Nicole Macri, who's here, SEIU 1199 Northwest President 178 00:09:03,956 --> 00:09:07,038 Jane Hopkins, and Plymouth Housing CEO Karen Lee. 179 00:09:07,038 --> 00:09:09,019 All of them will be speaking today. 180 00:09:09,019 --> 00:09:11,340 I also want to recognize our partners who 181 00:09:11,340 --> 00:09:13,653 aren't speaking today but also here my colleagues 182 00:09:13,653 --> 00:09:16,522 from the King County Council I see Councilmember 183 00:09:16,522 --> 00:09:20,057 Barón and Councilmember Rhonda Lewis, KCRHA 184 00:09:20,057 --> 00:09:23,668 governing board members are also here we have KCRHA 185 00:09:23,668 --> 00:09:27,134 CEO Dr. Kelly Kinnison who is in somewhere in the back 186 00:09:27,134 --> 00:09:29,980 as well hello Dr. Kinnison we have King County 187 00:09:29,980 --> 00:09:33,461 department and executive office leadership a number 188 00:09:33,461 --> 00:09:35,769 of you who have been working on the breaking 189 00:09:35,769 --> 00:09:37,960 the cycle workgroup thank you also for being here 190 00:09:37,960 --> 00:09:40,408 and just everyone who has helped inform the work 191 00:09:40,408 --> 00:09:43,461 that brings us here today I also want to take a moment 192 00:09:43,461 --> 00:09:46,538 to thank Plymouth Housing and this and the CEO 193 00:09:46,538 --> 00:09:49,711 Karen Lee for hosting us here at Blake House today 194 00:09:49,711 --> 00:09:52,913 just to contextualize a little bit for all of you. 195 00:09:52,913 --> 00:09:56,139 Blake House opened in 2023 and is part of the first 196 00:09:56,139 --> 00:10:00,274 affordable high-rise to open in Seattle in over 50 197 00:10:00,274 --> 00:10:03,629 years. It has over a hundred units for seniors and 198 00:10:03,629 --> 00:10:06,538 veterans who have experienced chronic homelessness and 199 00:10:06,538 --> 00:10:09,408 provides the critical wraparound services they 200 00:10:09,408 --> 00:10:11,019 need to recover and thrive. 201 00:10:11,019 --> 00:10:12,937 Finally thank you to our media partners for joining 202 00:10:12,937 --> 00:10:15,596 us today and helping to get out this really important 203 00:10:15,596 --> 00:10:19,557 information and most importantly I want to thank Mayor Wilson 204 00:10:19,557 --> 00:10:22,764 and the City of Seattle and her whole team for collaborating 205 00:10:22,764 --> 00:10:25,610 on this incredibly complex work and with that I would like 206 00:10:25,610 --> 00:10:27,038 to turn it over to Mayor Wilson. 207 00:10:27,038 --> 00:10:28,200 Thank you so much for being here. 208 00:10:32,480 --> 00:10:37,455 Well, thank you to the executive who has laid out, I think, 209 00:10:37,455 --> 00:10:40,700 very thoroughly what we are doing and why. 210 00:10:40,700 --> 00:10:43,557 So I'm going to ad lib a little here and try not to just 211 00:10:43,557 --> 00:10:46,139 entirely repeat everything that he said. 212 00:10:46,139 --> 00:10:48,995 So as the executive mentioned, the King County 213 00:10:48,995 --> 00:10:51,778 Regional Homelessness Authority was formed 214 00:10:51,778 --> 00:10:54,538 for some really good and important reasons. 215 00:10:54,538 --> 00:10:56,298 Homelessness is a regional crisis. 216 00:10:56,298 --> 00:10:59,820 It doesn't stop at the borders of any one city. 217 00:10:59,820 --> 00:11:03,019 And in order to be successful, we know that we need to take 218 00:11:03,019 --> 00:11:05,139 a regional approach that is based in collaboration 219 00:11:06,139 --> 00:11:09,000 and on a really realistic understanding of this crisis, 220 00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:12,220 its causes, and how we help people out of homelessness. 221 00:11:13,519 --> 00:11:17,057 And the agency has faced really deep challenges 222 00:11:17,057 --> 00:11:17,899 since its founding. 223 00:11:17,899 --> 00:11:21,500 And I think when I reflect on the reasons for that, 224 00:11:21,500 --> 00:11:24,316 And also, I know that many people in this room have been 225 00:11:24,316 --> 00:11:27,860 through multiple iterations of imagining our homelessness 226 00:11:27,860 --> 00:11:29,460 response in this region. 227 00:11:29,460 --> 00:11:32,125 When I reflect on the reasons for those challenges, 228 00:11:32,125 --> 00:11:34,360 one that sticks out to me is that this agency 229 00:11:34,360 --> 00:11:38,115 was given incredible responsibility without 230 00:11:38,115 --> 00:11:41,677 sufficient capacity or authority to really 231 00:11:41,677 --> 00:11:45,485 effectively create and drive an overall strategy for addressing 232 00:11:45,485 --> 00:11:48,447 the homelessness crisis in our region and I think 233 00:11:48,447 --> 00:11:51,263 that the audit really reflects this reality 234 00:11:51,263 --> 00:11:54,456 and also of course brings to light specific problems 235 00:11:54,456 --> 00:11:57,301 that have to be urgently addressed so the actions 236 00:11:57,301 --> 00:11:59,686 that we are announcing today are aimed at 237 00:11:59,686 --> 00:12:02,951 strengthening the King County Regional Homelessness 238 00:12:02,951 --> 00:12:05,913 Authority as the foundation for an effective 239 00:12:05,913 --> 00:12:07,440 regional response. 240 00:12:08,860 --> 00:12:10,639 So we are stabilizing, right? 241 00:12:10,639 --> 00:12:13,658 We are embedding outside consultants 242 00:12:13,658 --> 00:12:16,860 who can shore up the agency's ability 243 00:12:16,860 --> 00:12:20,839 to manage its finances, shore up its ability 244 00:12:20,839 --> 00:12:22,320 to do compliance. 245 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:25,581 This is really, really important as we focus the agency on 246 00:12:25,581 --> 00:12:27,538 its core regional functions. 247 00:12:27,538 --> 00:12:29,340 The King County Regional Homelessness Authority 248 00:12:29,340 --> 00:12:32,408 is our designated applicant for continuum of care 249 00:12:32,408 --> 00:12:35,100 funds and we recognize the deep importance that 250 00:12:35,100 --> 00:12:37,399 we are able to submit the strongest possible 251 00:12:37,399 --> 00:12:40,807 application for those federal resources. 252 00:12:40,807 --> 00:12:43,840 The agency will also continue to be the 253 00:12:44,840 --> 00:12:47,009 vehicle for coordinated entry and for our homelessness 254 00:12:47,009 --> 00:12:49,375 management information system. 255 00:12:49,375 --> 00:12:52,094 So these are properly regional functions 256 00:12:52,094 --> 00:12:55,509 and our goal here is to really allow the KCRHA to focus 257 00:12:55,509 --> 00:12:59,312 on those regional functions effectively and responsibly 258 00:12:59,312 --> 00:13:01,019 and with accountability. 259 00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:06,134 And as the executive mentioned, we are reabsorbing our 260 00:13:06,134 --> 00:13:09,899 city and county contracts to the city and the county. 261 00:13:11,019 --> 00:13:15,445 And this, I feel, is really, for me, a matter of taking 262 00:13:15,445 --> 00:13:17,860 political responsibility. 263 00:13:17,860 --> 00:13:21,778 It is a reflection of the fact that I and the executive, 264 00:13:21,778 --> 00:13:25,172 as new elected leaders, We are really the ones 265 00:13:25,172 --> 00:13:29,120 who have been given the authority by voters to drive 266 00:13:29,120 --> 00:13:31,139 a response to this crisis. 267 00:13:31,139 --> 00:13:33,798 And we need to welcome and accept that responsibility. 268 00:13:33,798 --> 00:13:36,460 And that is what we are doing with these actions today. 269 00:13:37,860 --> 00:13:41,984 In doing this, we recognize that what is so crucial is 270 00:13:41,984 --> 00:13:44,139 continuity and stability. 271 00:13:45,158 --> 00:13:48,451 For the service providers who are out there every day doing 272 00:13:48,451 --> 00:13:51,086 the hard work of serving our homeless population and 273 00:13:51,086 --> 00:13:53,519 helping people into shelter and stability and housing, 274 00:13:54,778 --> 00:13:57,899 and continuity for the people that we are serving, 275 00:13:57,899 --> 00:14:00,798 because ultimately this work is about people. 276 00:14:00,798 --> 00:14:04,197 And so we are trying to do this in a deliberate and 277 00:14:04,197 --> 00:14:07,764 measured way so that we do not have disruption that 278 00:14:07,764 --> 00:14:11,418 is harmful to the people that we are aiming to serve. 279 00:14:13,278 --> 00:14:17,384 And as we do this, we recognize the deep importance of alignment 280 00:14:17,384 --> 00:14:20,682 and coordination between the city and the county and 281 00:14:20,682 --> 00:14:22,259 all of our other partners. 282 00:14:22,259 --> 00:14:25,961 And our teams have been hard at work, honestly, throughout 283 00:14:25,961 --> 00:14:29,379 this year, meeting almost daily to make sure that we are 284 00:14:29,379 --> 00:14:33,019 doing this work with that alignment and that coordination. 285 00:14:33,019 --> 00:14:36,403 And I'll just close by saying that although we are in this 286 00:14:36,403 --> 00:14:39,488 really challenging moment for this agency and for our 287 00:14:39,488 --> 00:14:42,412 region and our homelessness crisis generally, right, 288 00:14:42,412 --> 00:14:44,875 we just got the results of the recent point 289 00:14:44,875 --> 00:14:45,820 in time count. 290 00:14:45,820 --> 00:14:48,081 We have seen another significant increase, 291 00:14:48,081 --> 00:14:50,899 especially in our rates of unsheltered homelessness, 292 00:14:50,899 --> 00:14:55,109 which we should all feel is unacceptable and feel a real 293 00:14:55,109 --> 00:14:59,230 urgency around addressing that So we are in this challenging 294 00:14:59,230 --> 00:15:01,916 moment, and at the same time, I want to say that I 295 00:15:01,916 --> 00:15:03,500 am filled with a lot of hope. 296 00:15:03,500 --> 00:15:05,778 I'm filled with a lot of hope because we are in a 297 00:15:05,778 --> 00:15:08,239 moment again where we have new leadership that is 298 00:15:08,239 --> 00:15:11,057 really, I think, committed to tackling this crisis with 299 00:15:11,057 --> 00:15:12,557 the urgency that it deserves. 300 00:15:12,557 --> 00:15:15,504 And I think there is a huge amount of alignment in terms 301 00:15:15,504 --> 00:15:18,322 of the values and the vision between the executives 302 00:15:18,322 --> 00:15:21,663 breaking the cycle initiative and the shelter acceleration 303 00:15:21,663 --> 00:15:24,479 work that we have embarked on at the City of Seattle. 304 00:15:24,480 --> 00:15:28,461 We are in a moment where we can learn from the past and we can 305 00:15:28,461 --> 00:15:32,527 also learn from other cities that have seen some success in 306 00:15:32,527 --> 00:15:36,591 greatly reducing their rates of homelessness from Denver 307 00:15:36,591 --> 00:15:38,500 to Boston to San Francisco. 308 00:15:38,500 --> 00:15:41,711 I think we are open to drawing all the lessons that 309 00:15:41,711 --> 00:15:43,360 we can from other places. 310 00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:48,081 And we can learn from and we can expand on the successful 311 00:15:48,081 --> 00:15:52,500 models and the work that is already being done here. 312 00:15:52,500 --> 00:15:54,649 And we have a lot of that as well. 313 00:15:54,649 --> 00:15:57,298 And I just want to call out one example. 314 00:15:57,298 --> 00:16:00,182 And this was reported on, I believe, in the Seattle 315 00:16:00,182 --> 00:16:01,418 Times, among others. 316 00:16:01,418 --> 00:16:04,340 during the World Cup over the last few weeks, over the 317 00:16:04,340 --> 00:16:07,341 last couple months, there has been a concerted 318 00:16:07,341 --> 00:16:11,057 effort to navigate people who have been sleeping 319 00:16:11,057 --> 00:16:14,168 unsheltered in Pioneer Square into shelter with 320 00:16:14,168 --> 00:16:16,826 services. This has been a collaboration between 321 00:16:16,826 --> 00:16:19,340 multiple service providers including Purpose Dignity 322 00:16:19,340 --> 00:16:22,754 Action, DESC, the Downtown Seattle Association 323 00:16:22,754 --> 00:16:26,480 working with Community Solutions and they have 324 00:16:26,480 --> 00:16:31,019 successfully navigated over 70 people and these are 325 00:16:31,019 --> 00:16:34,446 the people who are hardest to serve into shelter with 326 00:16:34,446 --> 00:16:37,690 services and I'll say that the shelter that we recently 327 00:16:37,690 --> 00:16:40,240 opened up in Interbay the first large shelter of 328 00:16:40,240 --> 00:16:43,182 our shelter acceleration efforts has been key to 329 00:16:43,182 --> 00:16:46,740 providing that space to to bring people inside to. 330 00:16:46,740 --> 00:16:48,840 So this is a demonstration of what works. 331 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:51,500 We know what works and we have an opportunity now 332 00:16:51,500 --> 00:16:56,259 to expand on what works and to really make progress 333 00:16:56,259 --> 00:16:59,980 on this issue which has been so challenging for so long. 334 00:16:59,980 --> 00:17:04,750 So I'm here with a sense of hope and I am so grateful to the 335 00:17:04,750 --> 00:17:09,093 partnership with King County, all of the people 336 00:17:09,093 --> 00:17:11,576 and organizations who are represented here today, 337 00:17:11,576 --> 00:17:14,219 and we will move forward and we will do this work together. 338 00:17:14,220 --> 00:17:14,519 Thank you. 339 00:17:18,337 --> 00:17:22,900 And I think I'm turning it over to Representative Nicole Macri. 340 00:17:27,317 --> 00:17:30,259 Thanks, Mayor, and thank you all for being here. 341 00:17:30,259 --> 00:17:33,856 It's actually quite fitting, I think, that we're here 342 00:17:33,856 --> 00:17:37,250 today at Blake House, which is such a great example 343 00:17:37,250 --> 00:17:40,913 of what regional, state, and federal partnership can 344 00:17:40,913 --> 00:17:44,327 really deliver for people who need stable housing 345 00:17:44,327 --> 00:17:46,116 and wraparound services. 346 00:17:46,117 --> 00:17:49,298 So thank you, Karen, for hosting us today here and 347 00:17:49,298 --> 00:17:51,160 the entire team at Plymouth. 348 00:17:51,160 --> 00:17:54,373 I am Representative Nicole Macri, and I want to thank 349 00:17:54,373 --> 00:17:57,441 the executive, the mayor, and all of the partners, 350 00:17:57,441 --> 00:18:01,818 including our service providers, our labor and community partners 351 00:18:01,818 --> 00:18:05,699 whose work really together has brought us to this moment. 352 00:18:05,700 --> 00:18:09,336 The public rightly expects urgency, accountability, 353 00:18:09,336 --> 00:18:12,337 and results from those of us who are entrusted 354 00:18:12,337 --> 00:18:14,741 with responding to homelessness. 355 00:18:14,741 --> 00:18:19,136 They expect us to use taxpayer dollars wisely, be transparent, 356 00:18:19,136 --> 00:18:22,596 and to make changes when systems are not working 357 00:18:22,596 --> 00:18:24,239 the way we intend them. 358 00:18:24,239 --> 00:18:26,942 That's why today's announcement from the mayor and the 359 00:18:26,942 --> 00:18:28,057 exec are so important. 360 00:18:29,700 --> 00:18:33,028 The idea behind regional response to homelessness, I 361 00:18:33,028 --> 00:18:34,880 agree, remains the right one. 362 00:18:34,880 --> 00:18:37,730 Homelessness doesn't stop at city boundaries and 363 00:18:37,730 --> 00:18:39,500 neither should our solutions. 364 00:18:39,500 --> 00:18:42,342 The desire to bring jurisdictions together to 365 00:18:42,342 --> 00:18:45,837 address a shared challenge is a good and worthwhile goal. 366 00:18:45,837 --> 00:18:50,030 But regional coordination must be matched by a real sense 367 00:18:50,030 --> 00:18:54,313 of urgency, strong financial stewardship, clear lines of 368 00:18:54,313 --> 00:18:58,681 responsibility, and public confidence that our resources 369 00:18:58,681 --> 00:19:01,038 are being managed effectively. 370 00:19:01,038 --> 00:19:04,082 The plan that you heard today, I think, begins to 371 00:19:04,082 --> 00:19:05,680 deliver on those values. 372 00:19:05,680 --> 00:19:08,919 It takes seriously the findings of the forensic review. 373 00:19:08,919 --> 00:19:12,019 It advances the stronger accountability and 374 00:19:12,019 --> 00:19:15,038 clearer oversight that taxpayers deserve. 375 00:19:15,038 --> 00:19:17,843 It builds a more stable foundation for a regional 376 00:19:17,843 --> 00:19:19,278 homelessness response. 377 00:19:19,278 --> 00:19:23,201 And most importantly, it keeps our focus on the people who 378 00:19:23,201 --> 00:19:24,999 depend on these services. 379 00:19:24,999 --> 00:19:28,409 Throughout my career, both in my community work 380 00:19:28,409 --> 00:19:31,769 and in the legislature, I have worked towards 381 00:19:31,769 --> 00:19:35,097 a vision where in our communities everyone 382 00:19:35,097 --> 00:19:37,891 has the opportunity to live in safe, stable housing 383 00:19:37,891 --> 00:19:40,375 and have their health care needs met. 384 00:19:40,375 --> 00:19:42,708 This includes older adults 385 00:19:42,708 --> 00:19:46,747 trying to age with dignity, families working to keep 386 00:19:46,747 --> 00:19:49,919 a roof over their heads and food on the table for 387 00:19:49,919 --> 00:19:53,326 their children, veterans who've served our country, and people 388 00:19:53,326 --> 00:19:56,271 living with disabilities, including those living with 389 00:19:56,271 --> 00:19:58,076 complex behavioral health needs. 390 00:19:58,077 --> 00:20:01,719 For them, most especially, stability matters. 391 00:20:02,759 --> 00:20:06,086 As these changes move forward, people receiving services 392 00:20:06,086 --> 00:20:08,980 should not experience disruption in care. 393 00:20:08,980 --> 00:20:12,269 Providers should be able to focus on serving people rather 394 00:20:12,269 --> 00:20:14,019 than navigating uncertainty. 395 00:20:14,019 --> 00:20:16,730 And the workers who deliver outreach, shelter, 396 00:20:16,730 --> 00:20:19,778 supportive housing, and case management should have 397 00:20:19,778 --> 00:20:22,557 the support they need to continue to do this work. 398 00:20:24,200 --> 00:20:26,287 I want to especially recognize the people who 399 00:20:26,287 --> 00:20:28,538 keep our homelessness response system running. 400 00:20:28,538 --> 00:20:32,968 Every day, frontline workers across our housing, healthcare, 401 00:20:32,968 --> 00:20:36,980 human services, and public sectors, including at KCRHA, 402 00:20:36,980 --> 00:20:40,134 help to connect people to stability, maintain essential 403 00:20:40,134 --> 00:20:42,895 services, and ensure that public dollars are used 404 00:20:42,895 --> 00:20:44,739 effectively and transparently. 405 00:20:45,960 --> 00:20:49,385 And I want to recognize that no single entity can 406 00:20:49,385 --> 00:20:51,357 solve homelessness alone. 407 00:20:52,396 --> 00:20:54,960 Federal resources matter. 408 00:20:54,960 --> 00:20:57,259 State investments matter. 409 00:20:57,259 --> 00:21:01,192 Counties, cities, service providers, labor organizations, 410 00:21:01,192 --> 00:21:04,374 health care systems, philanthropy, businesses, 411 00:21:04,374 --> 00:21:07,778 and community members have an important role to play. 412 00:21:07,778 --> 00:21:10,499 And our greatest progress comes when we can partner effectively. 413 00:21:11,837 --> 00:21:16,134 This partnership is especially important right now as we work 414 00:21:16,134 --> 00:21:18,117 to protect federal funding. 415 00:21:18,117 --> 00:21:22,692 This plan reinforces the strong governance, accountability, 416 00:21:22,692 --> 00:21:26,057 and fiscal stewardship that taxpayers and our 417 00:21:26,057 --> 00:21:29,376 federal partners expect, while helping ensure that 418 00:21:29,376 --> 00:21:32,605 critical resources remain available to support people who 419 00:21:32,605 --> 00:21:35,636 are experiencing homelessness throughout our region. 420 00:21:35,636 --> 00:21:40,057 At the same time, accountability runs in both directions. 421 00:21:40,057 --> 00:21:43,144 Local communities have a responsibility to administer 422 00:21:43,144 --> 00:21:46,720 public resources effectively, and federal agencies 423 00:21:46,720 --> 00:21:50,117 have a responsibility to follow the law. 424 00:21:50,117 --> 00:21:53,471 This week's federal court ruling in favor of Attorney General 425 00:21:53,471 --> 00:21:56,633 Nick Brown's lawsuit against HUD was an important victory 426 00:21:56,633 --> 00:21:59,597 for communities in Washington and across the country. 427 00:21:59,597 --> 00:22:02,961 It affirmed that HUD must follow the law when administering 428 00:22:02,961 --> 00:22:05,586 these programs, and it protects our ability to 429 00:22:05,586 --> 00:22:08,680 continue delivering services to people who need them. 430 00:22:09,940 --> 00:22:13,201 The most recent point in time count reminds us 431 00:22:13,201 --> 00:22:16,726 that homelessness remains one of the most urgent 432 00:22:16,726 --> 00:22:18,959 challenges facing our region. 433 00:22:18,960 --> 00:22:23,699 That reality demands both accountability and partnership. 434 00:22:23,700 --> 00:22:27,344 It requires us to learn from what has worked, improve what 435 00:22:27,344 --> 00:22:31,366 has not, and bring together governments, providers, workers, 436 00:22:31,366 --> 00:22:35,087 businesses, philanthropy, and community members around 437 00:22:35,087 --> 00:22:38,659 a shared commitment to swift and sustainable progress. 438 00:22:38,659 --> 00:22:42,544 Every resident, worker, and visitor in our region benefit 439 00:22:42,544 --> 00:22:46,429 when more people are housed, when services are effective, 440 00:22:46,429 --> 00:22:50,153 and when public resources are managed responsibly, and 441 00:22:50,153 --> 00:22:53,960 when our neighborhoods are healthy, safe, and thriving. 442 00:22:53,960 --> 00:22:56,876 That's what today's announcement is intended to advance. 443 00:22:57,980 --> 00:23:01,565 There is much more work to do, and I look forward to 444 00:23:01,565 --> 00:23:03,836 continuing the work together. 445 00:23:03,837 --> 00:23:04,239 Thank you. 446 00:23:05,357 --> 00:23:07,940 And I'm going to turn it over to Jane. 447 00:23:14,180 --> 00:23:15,597 Good morning, everyone. 448 00:23:15,597 --> 00:23:18,775 I'm Jane Hopkins, and I'm a registered nurse 449 00:23:18,775 --> 00:23:21,778 and the president of SEIU Healthcare 1199 450 00:23:21,778 --> 00:23:26,135 Northwest, a union of more than 38,000 members, 451 00:23:26,135 --> 00:23:28,096 healthcare workers. 452 00:23:28,096 --> 00:23:32,006 It might not feel like it today with the World Cup out there, 453 00:23:32,006 --> 00:23:34,979 but this is the most important thing that's happening 454 00:23:34,979 --> 00:23:35,959 in our community today. 455 00:23:37,699 --> 00:23:39,817 Outside people are excited. 456 00:23:39,817 --> 00:23:41,519 I am sorry. 457 00:23:41,519 --> 00:23:41,939 I will... 458 00:23:44,499 --> 00:23:46,680 Outside our streets are alive. 459 00:23:46,680 --> 00:23:50,979 There's joy, there's hope, and there's celebration. 460 00:23:50,979 --> 00:23:54,296 It reminds us what it's like when we are all of one mind 461 00:23:54,296 --> 00:23:55,876 and we all come together. 462 00:23:57,199 --> 00:23:58,798 I love that. 463 00:23:58,798 --> 00:24:04,813 My dad was a soccer player, you guys say soccer, in 464 00:24:04,813 --> 00:24:08,038 England, in Sierra Leone. 465 00:24:08,038 --> 00:24:11,480 And so I'm really excited about the excitement 466 00:24:11,480 --> 00:24:13,159 that's out here today. 467 00:24:13,159 --> 00:24:16,317 But when that's all gone, what are they going to remember? 468 00:24:16,317 --> 00:24:19,768 What are we going to be talking about? 469 00:24:19,768 --> 00:24:23,105 Today we're here to make a pivot that 470 00:24:23,105 --> 00:24:27,365 doesn't need to be done but is going to be done because 471 00:24:27,365 --> 00:24:31,317 we have to do that so that everyone has a home to return to 472 00:24:31,317 --> 00:24:32,643 at the end of the day. 473 00:24:32,643 --> 00:24:35,365 Our union of healthcare workers includes 474 00:24:35,365 --> 00:24:39,211 those of those at the front line of homelessness like 475 00:24:39,211 --> 00:24:43,096 DESC and Harborview and emergency departments 476 00:24:43,096 --> 00:24:44,940 all across the county. 477 00:24:44,940 --> 00:24:49,193 We are guided by the clear fact that every single one of us and 478 00:24:49,193 --> 00:24:53,790 the entire healthcare system are better when people are housed. 479 00:24:53,790 --> 00:24:55,663 It is the right thing to do. 480 00:24:55,663 --> 00:24:57,876 It is the effective thing to do. 481 00:24:58,959 --> 00:25:01,242 Whether we're asking to take care of other 482 00:25:01,242 --> 00:25:04,116 people, whether we're thinking about pocketbooks, 483 00:25:04,116 --> 00:25:07,636 our hospitals, our businesses, or ourselves. 484 00:25:08,817 --> 00:25:10,419 But it's not an easy thing to do. 485 00:25:10,419 --> 00:25:13,729 That's why I'm really excited to be here because this was 486 00:25:13,729 --> 00:25:15,420 not an easy decision to make. 487 00:25:16,459 --> 00:25:20,192 We have not succeeded and so we have to keep asking if we 488 00:25:20,192 --> 00:25:23,881 are on the right track, make make changes when we learn 489 00:25:23,881 --> 00:25:25,419 that we must do better. 490 00:25:26,479 --> 00:25:31,078 Our members support this effort that strengthens accountability, 491 00:25:31,078 --> 00:25:36,038 protects services, and keeps the focus on housing people. 492 00:25:36,038 --> 00:25:39,288 That is why we are encouraged by the steps that have 493 00:25:39,288 --> 00:25:40,759 been announced today. 494 00:25:40,759 --> 00:25:44,577 This new path gives us opportunity to sharpen 495 00:25:44,577 --> 00:25:48,400 our regional homelessness authority focus. 496 00:25:48,400 --> 00:25:52,419 It recognizes that regional coordination remains essential. 497 00:25:54,919 --> 00:25:59,057 It asks KCRHA to focus on the functions that really, 498 00:25:59,057 --> 00:26:03,199 truly regional, that strengthens accountability 499 00:26:03,199 --> 00:26:06,239 accountability for resources and trust to all of us. 500 00:26:07,499 --> 00:26:11,940 For those people we serve, success means continuity. 501 00:26:11,940 --> 00:26:15,365 It means counselors, case managers can focus on 502 00:26:15,365 --> 00:26:19,136 helping people instead of navigating uncertainty. 503 00:26:19,136 --> 00:26:22,740 It means someone sleeping outside today continues 504 00:26:22,740 --> 00:26:25,759 to receive services tomorrow, next month, 505 00:26:25,759 --> 00:26:26,875 and next year. 506 00:26:26,875 --> 00:26:29,768 As this transition moves forward, we 507 00:26:29,768 --> 00:26:34,020 must support the workers like Jarrell Campbell, who is 508 00:26:34,020 --> 00:26:37,778 in the room today, who makes this system function 509 00:26:37,778 --> 00:26:38,699 every day. 510 00:26:38,699 --> 00:26:42,375 Frontline caregivers, outreach workers, 511 00:26:42,375 --> 00:26:46,430 case managers, housing housing specialists, support 512 00:26:46,430 --> 00:26:49,597 staff, and people solving the problem every day. 513 00:26:50,616 --> 00:26:53,653 Maintaining a stable workforce and uninterrupted 514 00:26:53,653 --> 00:26:56,479 services must remain the center of this effort. 515 00:26:58,179 --> 00:27:03,298 Joy, hope, connection, and celebration of healthy bodies, 516 00:27:03,298 --> 00:27:06,979 determined minds, and working together. 517 00:27:06,979 --> 00:27:10,336 That same spirit doesn't have to leave our streets 518 00:27:10,336 --> 00:27:12,179 today as the World Cup ends. 519 00:27:12,179 --> 00:27:14,804 It is the spirit that our members bring to 520 00:27:14,804 --> 00:27:16,038 the work every day. 521 00:27:16,038 --> 00:27:20,275 And if this region and our partners stand with them, 522 00:27:20,275 --> 00:27:22,640 we can bring everybody home. 523 00:27:22,640 --> 00:27:27,259 Our community deserves both compassion and accountability. 524 00:27:27,259 --> 00:27:31,240 This plan is about making sure every dollar is 525 00:27:31,240 --> 00:27:34,726 spent responsibly every provider can focus on 526 00:27:34,726 --> 00:27:37,798 delivering services and every person experiences 527 00:27:37,798 --> 00:27:42,557 is experiencing homelessness has a clearer path home thank you 528 00:27:48,179 --> 00:27:56,459 good afternoon elected officials friends and members 529 00:27:56,459 --> 00:28:01,722 of the press my name is Karen Lee and I am one of your 530 00:28:01,722 --> 00:28:06,038 service providers and I'm also the CEO of Plymouth Housing 531 00:28:07,096 --> 00:28:10,765 I'm especially grateful to be here today we are 532 00:28:10,765 --> 00:28:14,896 at Blake House which was named after Blake Nordstrom 533 00:28:14,896 --> 00:28:19,125 This building exists for people who have been 534 00:28:19,125 --> 00:28:21,239 told no too many times. 535 00:28:21,239 --> 00:28:24,461 Most of our residents have been homeless for 536 00:28:24,461 --> 00:28:28,298 over a year, have complex medical and support needs, 537 00:28:28,298 --> 00:28:33,278 and all of our residents are human beings deserving of 538 00:28:33,278 --> 00:28:36,160 dignity, stability, and hope. 539 00:28:38,057 --> 00:28:42,247 So many of these residents I've seen over the years and 540 00:28:42,247 --> 00:28:46,248 since it opened and I've talked to a few and I'm going 541 00:28:46,248 --> 00:28:50,343 to highlight one today but before I do that I just want 542 00:28:50,343 --> 00:28:54,903 to say there's a resident that lives here in the third floor 543 00:28:54,903 --> 00:28:59,182 that slept for seven years right here across the street 544 00:28:59,182 --> 00:29:03,278 and his his room overlooks his former sleeping area. 545 00:29:03,278 --> 00:29:05,636 And he talked about why he chose that area. 546 00:29:05,636 --> 00:29:09,979 He talked about it was on a corner, it was safer here, 547 00:29:09,979 --> 00:29:12,719 and that he could see danger coming. 548 00:29:12,719 --> 00:29:16,076 And today he has a guitar collection, and he's working 549 00:29:16,076 --> 00:29:18,179 and improving himself. 550 00:29:18,179 --> 00:29:23,136 Another resident here had a home that he rented 551 00:29:23,136 --> 00:29:27,759 with several others, and then the building was razed, 552 00:29:27,759 --> 00:29:31,009 and he no longer could afford a place to live and he was 553 00:29:31,009 --> 00:29:32,557 homeless for over a year. 554 00:29:34,219 --> 00:29:37,459 Our site director here, Baruch, told me another 555 00:29:37,459 --> 00:29:40,132 story about a resident here named Tina. 556 00:29:40,132 --> 00:29:42,067 And when Tina moved into this 557 00:29:42,067 --> 00:29:45,365 building, she had lost nearly all of her vision to 558 00:29:45,365 --> 00:29:49,096 cataracts. She struggled to get food, she couldn't read her 559 00:29:49,096 --> 00:29:52,419 mail, couldn't read her cell phone, and she couldn't keep 560 00:29:52,419 --> 00:29:55,396 track of critical identification information. 561 00:29:55,396 --> 00:29:58,719 And she became increasingly isolated. 562 00:29:58,719 --> 00:30:00,959 But our staff didn't give up on her. 563 00:30:00,959 --> 00:30:04,305 They brought her meals, they helped her replace 564 00:30:04,305 --> 00:30:07,396 her documents, they walked alongside her to 565 00:30:07,396 --> 00:30:11,631 her appointments until she was finally able to receive 566 00:30:11,631 --> 00:30:15,594 the care that restored her vision and this didn't 567 00:30:15,594 --> 00:30:19,419 happen because of one agency or one program it 568 00:30:19,419 --> 00:30:22,977 happened because people show up day after day and 569 00:30:22,977 --> 00:30:27,028 because there's a stable system that allows our staff 570 00:30:27,028 --> 00:30:30,836 to do their work as this transition moves forward 571 00:30:30,836 --> 00:30:34,969 let's remember who this is really about somewhere in 572 00:30:34,969 --> 00:30:38,893 the county today another person is facing the same 573 00:30:38,893 --> 00:30:42,798 barriers that Tina once did and to our gentleman on 574 00:30:42,798 --> 00:30:47,057 the third floor there's a fence around where he used 575 00:30:47,057 --> 00:30:50,730 to sleep and and I've had people come and beg on 576 00:30:50,730 --> 00:30:54,576 this door here and beg to move in to Blake House and 577 00:30:54,576 --> 00:30:59,981 it's quite quite sad regardless of which entity manages 578 00:30:59,981 --> 00:31:04,326 contracts our neighbors must remain at the center 579 00:31:04,326 --> 00:31:08,278 of our focus and every decision that we make we can't 580 00:31:08,278 --> 00:31:11,265 allow this transition to come at the expense 581 00:31:11,265 --> 00:31:15,132 of people because people sleeping outside cannot 582 00:31:15,132 --> 00:31:19,576 wait I'm very encouraged by today's commitment to a 583 00:31:19,576 --> 00:31:22,961 regional response because homelessness 584 00:31:22,961 --> 00:31:26,105 does not stop at city boundaries and our response 585 00:31:26,105 --> 00:31:29,117 cannot either people deserve access to housing 586 00:31:29,117 --> 00:31:32,316 and services wherever they are and across King 587 00:31:32,316 --> 00:31:36,096 County the need is greater than the resources that are 588 00:31:36,096 --> 00:31:39,798 currently available and as a provider operating in 589 00:31:39,798 --> 00:31:44,115 three cities soon to be four we understand that 590 00:31:44,115 --> 00:31:48,913 our regional approach is exactly exactly what we need 591 00:31:48,913 --> 00:31:53,038 at Plymouth we are ready to do our work and we love 592 00:31:53,038 --> 00:31:53,815 our work. 593 00:31:53,815 --> 00:31:56,721 No one can face this crisis alone and 594 00:31:56,721 --> 00:32:01,246 it's why we'll continue working every day with our 595 00:32:01,246 --> 00:32:06,419 partners, with you, the city, King County, KCRHA and 596 00:32:06,419 --> 00:32:09,269 anyone else who wants to volunteer. 597 00:32:09,269 --> 00:32:12,499 Providers are ready to lead and deliver. 598 00:32:12,499 --> 00:32:16,929 Now we ask our public partners to work alongside us so that 599 00:32:16,929 --> 00:32:21,356 we can achieve the results that this community deserves. 600 00:32:22,538 --> 00:32:26,365 In the end, people won't judge this transition 601 00:32:26,365 --> 00:32:30,198 by an organizational chart, but they'll judge 602 00:32:30,198 --> 00:32:32,259 it by what truly matters. 603 00:32:32,259 --> 00:32:34,836 Did more people move inside? 604 00:32:34,836 --> 00:32:37,199 Did more people find stable housing? 605 00:32:37,199 --> 00:32:41,678 And did they stay housed because that's what matters 606 00:32:41,678 --> 00:32:46,019 whether we keep our promise and keep our promise to 607 00:32:46,019 --> 00:32:50,759 those who today don't have a place to stay thank you and 608 00:32:50,759 --> 00:32:52,179 I'll turn it back over to you executive 609 00:32:57,116 --> 00:33:01,717 Thank you so much, Karen, for just keeping our eye 610 00:33:01,717 --> 00:33:03,959 on what really matters. 611 00:33:03,959 --> 00:33:06,086 Thank you to all of our speakers, especially 612 00:33:06,086 --> 00:33:08,038 those of you who were able to humanize the 613 00:33:08,038 --> 00:33:10,453 people who are suffering from this crisis that 614 00:33:10,453 --> 00:33:11,817 we're all trying to solve. 615 00:33:11,817 --> 00:33:15,659 We know that the announcements that we made today are not easy. 616 00:33:15,659 --> 00:33:16,836 They're not going to happen overnight. 617 00:33:16,836 --> 00:33:19,884 They're going to require really thoughtful implementation 618 00:33:19,884 --> 00:33:22,901 and strong collaboration, but that's something that every 619 00:33:22,901 --> 00:33:25,699 single one of us in this room and beyond are committed to 620 00:33:25,699 --> 00:33:27,519 because there are a lot of people counting on us. 621 00:33:27,519 --> 00:33:29,380 And with that, we'll take some questions, and Callie 622 00:33:29,380 --> 00:33:30,096 will call on people. 623 00:33:30,096 --> 00:33:31,798 Yeah, we are going to take questions. 624 00:33:31,798 --> 00:33:32,538 Please raise your hand. 625 00:33:32,538 --> 00:33:34,616 We'll start with Michelle in the back. 626 00:33:34,616 --> 00:33:35,616 Thanks very much. 627 00:33:35,616 --> 00:33:36,576 Michelle from KOMO News. 628 00:33:36,576 --> 00:33:39,663 I was curious on how much federal funding 629 00:33:39,663 --> 00:33:42,527 is at stake here, one, And then two, what are the 630 00:33:42,527 --> 00:33:45,275 contracts worth that we're talking about transferring 631 00:33:45,275 --> 00:33:46,679 from the city and the county? 632 00:33:46,679 --> 00:33:50,741 Yeah, I believe the continuum of care funds that the KCRHA 633 00:33:50,741 --> 00:33:54,713 receives are about $67 million, and those go on to house 634 00:33:54,713 --> 00:33:56,179 about 4,500 people. 635 00:33:57,239 --> 00:33:58,699 And then what was the second part of that question? 636 00:33:58,699 --> 00:34:01,053 The city and county contracts that will be 637 00:34:01,053 --> 00:34:02,596 transferred will be worth? 638 00:34:02,596 --> 00:34:03,596 I don't have that number. 639 00:34:03,596 --> 00:34:04,640 Anybody have that number? 640 00:34:06,317 --> 00:34:09,318 About $160 million, it's over 200 contracts. 641 00:34:10,978 --> 00:34:12,539 Alejandra then Erica. 642 00:34:12,539 --> 00:34:16,878 Yeah, so several council members have actually called for the 643 00:34:16,878 --> 00:34:19,539 dissolution of KCRHA. 644 00:34:19,539 --> 00:34:21,780 Council member Dembowski just put out a statement 645 00:34:21,780 --> 00:34:24,425 that he said this is a failed experiment, 646 00:34:24,425 --> 00:34:25,918 Mayor, Executive. 647 00:34:25,918 --> 00:34:29,315 Why do you not support these legislations to dissolve 648 00:34:29,315 --> 00:34:30,599 KCRHA at this point? 649 00:34:30,599 --> 00:34:31,358 You want to start off? 650 00:34:33,797 --> 00:34:35,000 Yeah, thank you for the question. 651 00:34:36,858 --> 00:34:38,628 Homelessness is a regional problem, and I 652 00:34:38,628 --> 00:34:40,867 think as we've laid out, there are some really 653 00:34:40,867 --> 00:34:43,797 core functions that are really properly regional. 654 00:34:43,797 --> 00:34:45,759 The King County Regional Homelessness Authority is 655 00:34:45,759 --> 00:34:48,318 the designated applicant for continuum of care funds. 656 00:34:48,318 --> 00:34:50,498 We have the Homelessness Management Information System. 657 00:34:50,498 --> 00:34:53,099 We have the Coordinated Entry System. 658 00:34:53,099 --> 00:34:55,918 And so we think it is really important that we 659 00:34:55,918 --> 00:35:00,259 are focusing this agency on those core functions. 660 00:35:00,259 --> 00:35:04,460 Female Speaker: Erica, question for either the 661 00:35:04,460 --> 00:35:05,478 mayor or executive, both. 662 00:35:06,739 --> 00:35:09,059 In what way -- I mean, this seems like a return to the 663 00:35:09,059 --> 00:35:12,239 pre-KCRHA status quo for the most part, with I think 664 00:35:12,239 --> 00:35:14,777 some other changes, you know, coming. 665 00:35:14,777 --> 00:35:17,340 So I guess the question is, you know, would you 666 00:35:17,340 --> 00:35:19,719 characterize it that way, and does this mean that the 667 00:35:19,719 --> 00:35:20,797 agency has failed? 668 00:35:20,797 --> 00:35:23,998 Eric Green: I would not characterize it that way. 669 00:35:23,998 --> 00:35:28,568 I, as the mayor mentioned, there are some core regional services 670 00:35:28,568 --> 00:35:30,599 that will remain with KCRHA. 671 00:35:30,599 --> 00:35:33,838 And so those are continuing to stay regionalized. 672 00:35:33,838 --> 00:35:36,275 And then with respect to the contracts that are coming 673 00:35:36,275 --> 00:35:38,440 back to the city and the county in the short term, 674 00:35:38,440 --> 00:35:42,940 it is true that a provider will have to respond to two different 675 00:35:42,940 --> 00:35:45,018 entities versus one entity. 676 00:35:45,018 --> 00:35:47,797 But I am confident that Director Kim at HSD and 677 00:35:47,797 --> 00:35:51,163 Director McLaughlin at DCHS are going to work together 678 00:35:51,163 --> 00:35:54,454 to harmonize the terms of those contracts, to make the 679 00:35:54,454 --> 00:35:58,476 responsibility of responding to those contracts as streamlined 680 00:35:58,476 --> 00:35:59,940 and simple as possible. 681 00:35:59,940 --> 00:36:03,083 And like we mentioned before, in the long run, our 682 00:36:03,083 --> 00:36:06,378 goal is to create a more effective regional system. 683 00:36:06,378 --> 00:36:09,364 And that requires much more than the input of 684 00:36:09,364 --> 00:36:10,818 just me and the mayor. 685 00:36:10,818 --> 00:36:14,400 We want to make sure that we have the broad stakeholdering 686 00:36:14,400 --> 00:36:17,681 with providers, with cities, with federal and state 687 00:36:17,681 --> 00:36:20,891 partners and beyond to really build something that 688 00:36:20,891 --> 00:36:24,099 is resilient and has the buy-in of many more people. 689 00:36:24,099 --> 00:36:26,938 Yeah, just to add to that, I think that the assumption of 690 00:36:26,938 --> 00:36:29,530 city and county contracts by the KCRHA was not 691 00:36:29,530 --> 00:36:31,039 terribly successful. 692 00:36:31,039 --> 00:36:34,634 So that is not saying the agency was a failure, but I think 693 00:36:34,634 --> 00:36:38,751 that that particular part of its function, talking to service 694 00:36:38,751 --> 00:36:42,938 providers, right, that was not a successful part of its work. 695 00:36:42,938 --> 00:36:46,072 And I think the other thing to point out is that, you 696 00:36:46,072 --> 00:36:49,056 know, right now the city and the county both have 697 00:36:49,056 --> 00:36:52,117 homelessness funds that they deploy separately 698 00:36:52,117 --> 00:36:53,759 and contract separately. 699 00:36:53,759 --> 00:36:56,478 So the status quo right now is not that there is only one 700 00:36:56,478 --> 00:36:59,199 entity that service providers are having to apply to. 701 00:36:59,199 --> 00:37:02,358 Already many many service providers are separately 702 00:37:02,358 --> 00:37:05,733 contracted with the KCRHA the city the county 703 00:37:05,733 --> 00:37:07,079 and so as we're 704 00:37:08,318 --> 00:37:12,565 we resetting those contracts back to the city in the 705 00:37:12,565 --> 00:37:16,021 county we are our teams are exploring how we can make 706 00:37:16,021 --> 00:37:18,400 sure that we are doing that in a way that creates 707 00:37:19,478 --> 00:37:22,454 consistency and simplicity for service providers and 708 00:37:22,454 --> 00:37:25,068 so we're not we are not going to go back to the way it 709 00:37:25,068 --> 00:37:25,697 was before. 710 00:37:25,697 --> 00:37:28,280 We are going to make sure that we are combining our 711 00:37:28,280 --> 00:37:32,284 processes in some fashion to be determined to make this 712 00:37:32,284 --> 00:37:34,199 as clear and simple for the 713 00:37:35,438 --> 00:37:37,119 organizations that are applying for funding. 714 00:37:38,119 --> 00:37:42,949 Hi, do you think the changes over the past six years 715 00:37:42,949 --> 00:37:47,949 focusing really on structure, how we manage bureaucracies has 716 00:37:47,949 --> 00:37:51,898 kind of distracted from the real core solutions that are needed 717 00:37:51,898 --> 00:37:55,266 and perhaps the real fundamental need to address 718 00:37:55,266 --> 00:37:58,797 homelessness requires just resources and scaling 719 00:37:58,797 --> 00:38:02,425 up the investments to levels that maybe are common in other 720 00:38:02,425 --> 00:38:06,012 countries, European countries, but really in the U.S. 721 00:38:06,012 --> 00:38:08,534 We're not yet experienced since the 722 00:38:08,534 --> 00:38:11,371 Reagan era to really handle the issue. 723 00:38:11,371 --> 00:38:15,168 So to the first part of your question about 724 00:38:15,168 --> 00:38:19,128 whether all of the focus on structure has distracted 725 00:38:19,128 --> 00:38:22,259 from how we really address the crisis, I think that 726 00:38:22,259 --> 00:38:25,920 that is true, although structure is important. 727 00:38:25,920 --> 00:38:28,985 What I would say is that resources are one piece of 728 00:38:28,985 --> 00:38:31,338 this, but I think also we can do a lot better with 729 00:38:31,338 --> 00:38:33,518 the resources that we have. 730 00:38:33,518 --> 00:38:36,458 I think that this is really a matter of 731 00:38:36,458 --> 00:38:39,568 making sure that we are spending the resources 732 00:38:39,568 --> 00:38:42,255 that we have as effectively as possible, and that 733 00:38:42,255 --> 00:38:44,920 means that we need to be thinking about how across the 734 00:38:44,920 --> 00:38:47,818 whole system, from how we are interacting with people who are 735 00:38:47,818 --> 00:38:51,181 unsheltered, to how we are doing our shelter and what kinds 736 00:38:51,181 --> 00:38:54,253 of services we are providing, you know, through a range of 737 00:38:54,253 --> 00:38:57,139 different kinds of shelter, to the pathways into housing, 738 00:38:57,139 --> 00:39:00,699 through to public health and interactions with Heart Review. 739 00:39:00,699 --> 00:39:03,219 There are many, many pieces to the system 740 00:39:03,219 --> 00:39:06,838 that need to be put together in the right way, 741 00:39:06,838 --> 00:39:08,978 and that has, I think, not been done. 742 00:39:08,978 --> 00:39:12,407 I mean, there are certain areas where collaborations have 743 00:39:12,407 --> 00:39:14,568 been really successful, but I think across 744 00:39:14,568 --> 00:39:16,739 the whole system, we are not aligning 745 00:39:16,739 --> 00:39:19,717 all of the players, all of the organizations 746 00:39:19,717 --> 00:39:22,898 in the most effective way, and that is the work that, 747 00:39:22,898 --> 00:39:25,150 regardless of what the kind of overall structure 748 00:39:25,150 --> 00:39:27,480 looks like that is the work that we need to be doing 749 00:39:27,480 --> 00:39:29,838 and the work that I think both I and the executive 750 00:39:29,838 --> 00:39:34,032 and our council members and everyone in this room is 751 00:39:34,032 --> 00:39:38,795 committed to yeah yeah Guy that's a really great question 752 00:39:38,795 --> 00:39:42,719 DESC put out information this week that showed 753 00:39:42,719 --> 00:39:46,905 that the provider network that KCRHA is working with every 754 00:39:46,905 --> 00:39:49,297 year houses thousands of people. 755 00:39:49,297 --> 00:39:52,463 It's just that the people coming into homelessness 756 00:39:52,463 --> 00:39:55,259 are coming in at a much higher rate than people 757 00:39:55,259 --> 00:39:56,746 are able to exit. 758 00:39:56,746 --> 00:39:59,722 And so it's my opinion that even if 759 00:39:59,722 --> 00:40:03,835 KCRHA was batting at 100%, do I think that our homelessness 760 00:40:03,835 --> 00:40:05,217 crisis would have ended? 761 00:40:05,217 --> 00:40:06,137 The answer is no. 762 00:40:06,137 --> 00:40:08,565 I think the mayor right, we need to be doing a 763 00:40:08,565 --> 00:40:11,920 lot better with the resources that we have, but also to meet 764 00:40:11,920 --> 00:40:16,121 this moment at the scale that it requires absolutely requires 765 00:40:16,121 --> 00:40:19,248 much more resources, much more effective systems, and 766 00:40:19,248 --> 00:40:22,059 that's what some of the work that we described outside of the 767 00:40:22,059 --> 00:40:24,652 KCRHA system is designed to implement with 768 00:40:24,652 --> 00:40:27,619 better government, with the Breaking the Cycle 769 00:40:27,619 --> 00:40:30,791 initiative with a shelter acceleration plan and 770 00:40:30,791 --> 00:40:33,577 also partnering with our state and federal 771 00:40:33,579 --> 00:40:38,322 partners who do have much more flexible tools for raising the 772 00:40:38,322 --> 00:40:42,268 revenue that's needed to truly put a roof over everybody's 773 00:40:42,268 --> 00:40:45,059 head and give everybody wraparound services that 774 00:40:45,059 --> 00:40:48,161 that are needed to help everybody get onto 775 00:40:48,161 --> 00:40:49,579 a path of recovery. 776 00:40:49,579 --> 00:40:52,614 Brandon? Understanding the technical aspects of the 777 00:40:52,614 --> 00:40:55,581 continuum care, HMIS, as well as coordinated entry, 778 00:40:55,581 --> 00:40:58,547 what about the work itself of getting people indoors 779 00:40:58,547 --> 00:40:59,695 and off the streets? 780 00:40:59,695 --> 00:41:01,447 Is sufficient for you two to say 781 00:41:01,447 --> 00:41:02,998 KCRHA should stick around? 782 00:41:02,998 --> 00:41:05,630 I think it should stick around to manage those 783 00:41:05,630 --> 00:41:08,398 regional functions that you described before. 784 00:41:08,398 --> 00:41:12,027 But in terms of the work of getting people off of the street 785 00:41:12,027 --> 00:41:15,277 with the basic homelessness contracts that exist, 786 00:41:15,277 --> 00:41:18,467 I believe that the city and the county's departments 787 00:41:18,467 --> 00:41:22,018 have the expertise needed to administer those contracts. 788 00:41:22,018 --> 00:41:24,338 And the provider network is still going to exist, right? 789 00:41:24,338 --> 00:41:27,219 Those providers are the ones out there on the street doing 790 00:41:27,219 --> 00:41:30,277 outreach, providing people resources, getting people into 791 00:41:30,277 --> 00:41:33,460 housing, and I think they will continue to do that effectively. 792 00:41:34,458 --> 00:41:36,918 I'm thinking that David and then the next question. 793 00:41:36,918 --> 00:41:39,398 Or let's go to Connor since he had the last question first. 794 00:41:39,398 --> 00:41:42,001 Yeah, Mayor Wilson, you talked about the political 795 00:41:42,001 --> 00:41:43,797 responsibility of homelessness. 796 00:41:43,797 --> 00:41:47,188 Why is the governing board of KCRHA not sufficient 797 00:41:47,188 --> 00:41:50,498 to bring that political responsibility onto the 798 00:41:50,498 --> 00:41:52,759 shoulders of elected officials? 799 00:41:54,259 --> 00:41:57,023 I mean, I think we've just seen in practice that hasn't 800 00:41:57,023 --> 00:41:58,556 been the way that it's worked. 801 00:41:58,559 --> 00:42:01,202 And I don't necessarily want to get into all the kind of 802 00:42:01,202 --> 00:42:04,139 exact structure of the agency that maybe has made that hard. 803 00:42:04,139 --> 00:42:07,449 But I'll just I just think that it is demonstrable looking 804 00:42:07,449 --> 00:42:10,621 at how the history of the last five years or whatever has 805 00:42:10,621 --> 00:42:13,724 gone that that has not been the way that that agency was 806 00:42:13,724 --> 00:42:15,516 structured or has functioned. 807 00:42:15,518 --> 00:42:19,739 And so for me, I just, you know, in this moment, I believe that 808 00:42:19,739 --> 00:42:23,621 this is the right move so that the executive and I and our 809 00:42:23,621 --> 00:42:28,094 council members, our respective jurisdictions, working with 810 00:42:28,094 --> 00:42:31,976 other cities, jurisdictions around the county, we can 811 00:42:31,976 --> 00:42:35,942 really put our brains to work figuring out with all of our 812 00:42:35,942 --> 00:42:39,909 service providers what is that approach that is going to 813 00:42:39,909 --> 00:42:42,018 be successful in that moment. 814 00:42:42,018 --> 00:42:43,916 And that is the work that we are already have 815 00:42:43,916 --> 00:42:45,338 separately committed to doing. 816 00:42:45,338 --> 00:42:47,539 Right. So the executive and his breaking the cycle 817 00:42:47,539 --> 00:42:49,739 initiative, we in our shelter acceleration work. 818 00:42:49,739 --> 00:42:52,632 Right. This is work that has already started. 819 00:42:52,632 --> 00:42:54,233 And so in this moment, the 820 00:42:54,233 --> 00:42:57,659 correct home for that work is in our administrations, 821 00:42:57,659 --> 00:43:00,695 in collaboration with with everyone else, as opposed 822 00:43:00,695 --> 00:43:02,179 to at the governing board. 823 00:43:03,898 --> 00:43:05,398 Connor, and then we'll go back to Michelle and Erica. 824 00:43:06,918 --> 00:43:09,858 So, we're all talking, like this whole press conference is 825 00:43:09,858 --> 00:43:12,485 about the KCRHA, but they're not taking questions right now, 826 00:43:12,485 --> 00:43:14,418 and the last time I checked, they're in the back of the 827 00:43:14,418 --> 00:43:17,139 Why was the decision not to have them up here make a 828 00:43:17,139 --> 00:43:18,797 speech and answer questions? 829 00:43:18,797 --> 00:43:21,679 Because it seems like we're all talking about them, but they're 830 00:43:21,679 --> 00:43:23,039 not here to answer questions. 831 00:43:24,338 --> 00:43:26,612 They are here and available to take questions after the 832 00:43:26,612 --> 00:43:27,699 press conference is over. 833 00:43:27,699 --> 00:43:29,259 Well, that was the choice I had to have. 834 00:43:29,259 --> 00:43:32,527 I think just being able to talk about the future 835 00:43:32,527 --> 00:43:35,818 of narrowing its scope and making sure that as we 836 00:43:35,818 --> 00:43:39,619 plan for a future that is broader than the organization, 837 00:43:39,619 --> 00:43:42,556 that's kind of what we wanted to talk about up here. 838 00:43:42,559 --> 00:43:44,478 I'll go back to Michelle and Erica. 839 00:43:44,478 --> 00:43:45,458 Thank you. 840 00:43:45,458 --> 00:43:50,739 So fair to say significant shift, not eliminating KCHRA, 841 00:43:50,739 --> 00:43:52,818 but shrinking it significantly. 842 00:43:52,818 --> 00:43:56,659 So with that in mind, is there any sort of job loss, 843 00:43:56,659 --> 00:43:59,818 any other consequences as a result of this? 844 00:43:59,818 --> 00:44:01,277 Mr. Could you repeat the question one more time? 845 00:44:01,277 --> 00:44:02,518 The Press: Yeah, sure. 846 00:44:02,518 --> 00:44:05,398 Just because we're not eliminating KCHRA, 847 00:44:05,398 --> 00:44:06,719 that's not what you're proposing, 848 00:44:06,719 --> 00:44:08,498 but you're shrinking it significantly. 849 00:44:08,498 --> 00:44:13,039 That said, is there any job loss or consequences as a result? 850 00:44:13,039 --> 00:44:15,936 I think there will be what if we're narrowing the scope 851 00:44:15,936 --> 00:44:18,639 to just focusing on those core regional functions 852 00:44:18,639 --> 00:44:20,139 We do anticipate that there will be 853 00:44:21,139 --> 00:44:23,378 transitions of positions at that organization 854 00:44:25,059 --> 00:44:28,079 cost on the transfer to send those contracts from 855 00:44:29,338 --> 00:44:31,358 The agency to the city in the county 856 00:44:31,358 --> 00:44:35,427 I mean, if someone wants to come up, I mean, you know, I 857 00:44:35,427 --> 00:44:39,398 think the city and the county, we're both working on our plan. 858 00:44:39,398 --> 00:44:41,554 This is partly why this announcement coming is 859 00:44:41,554 --> 00:44:43,599 coming at this time is because we are working 860 00:44:43,599 --> 00:44:47,425 on our plans to staff up in order to be able to 861 00:44:47,425 --> 00:44:49,659 handle those contracts. 862 00:44:49,659 --> 00:44:52,552 And we may or may not have, you know, facts and figures 863 00:44:52,552 --> 00:44:53,998 at this point about costs. 864 00:44:53,998 --> 00:44:58,010 But the hope is that, and the assumption is that once that 865 00:44:58,010 --> 00:45:01,259 happens, our overall system will be able to work more 866 00:45:01,259 --> 00:45:02,818 effectively and efficiently. 867 00:45:02,818 --> 00:45:06,112 To give you specific numbers, at King County, we're looking 868 00:45:06,112 --> 00:45:09,806 to hire between 10 to 12 people to work at DCHS to help manage 869 00:45:09,806 --> 00:45:12,199 and administer those contracts. 870 00:45:14,018 --> 00:45:17,072 Erica? The Press: The changes -- the 871 00:45:17,072 --> 00:45:20,898 stuff that's staying at KCRHA right now is basically all 872 00:45:20,898 --> 00:45:24,449 for short-term reasons -- the continuum of care, federal 873 00:45:24,449 --> 00:45:27,619 contracts, point-in-time count -- they've got to finish that. 874 00:45:28,978 --> 00:45:31,958 What do you anticipate will happen after all that's done? 875 00:45:31,958 --> 00:45:34,996 I mean, is the ultimate -- is it likely that ultimately this 876 00:45:34,996 --> 00:45:37,231 agency is going to get shut down and those functions 877 00:45:37,231 --> 00:45:38,018 are going to move back? 878 00:45:38,018 --> 00:45:42,277 I think severe weather shelter is also a case area. 879 00:45:42,277 --> 00:45:45,380 Erica, I think the short answer is we don't know yet. 880 00:45:45,380 --> 00:45:47,449 That's what the broad stakeholdering 881 00:45:47,449 --> 00:45:50,052 is designed to do, is to give us a path 882 00:45:50,052 --> 00:45:53,898 forward in the coming years that is co-designed by 883 00:45:53,898 --> 00:45:56,094 all the necessary people and not just the 884 00:45:56,094 --> 00:45:56,918 mayor and myself. 885 00:45:58,259 --> 00:46:01,472 Do you have any thoughts on what you would like to 886 00:46:01,472 --> 00:46:03,077 see as an ideal outcome? 887 00:46:05,438 --> 00:46:07,672 I want to see an effective homelessness response 888 00:46:07,672 --> 00:46:09,855 system that dramatically reduces unsheltered 889 00:46:09,855 --> 00:46:11,219 homelessness on our streets. 890 00:46:12,259 --> 00:46:13,699 I'm going to go back to Brandon. 891 00:46:13,699 --> 00:46:16,235 Councilmember Dembowski and Rivera in the City and 892 00:46:16,235 --> 00:46:18,943 County who have sponsored the dissolution legislation 893 00:46:18,943 --> 00:46:21,652 have celebrated this saying this is a first step towards 894 00:46:21,652 --> 00:46:22,748 unwinding the agency. 895 00:46:22,748 --> 00:46:24,478 Is unwinding inevitable right now? 896 00:46:26,139 --> 00:46:27,239 The answer is no. 897 00:46:27,239 --> 00:46:30,050 And I would also note that this is a press conference, 898 00:46:30,050 --> 00:46:31,518 but it's not a celebration. 899 00:46:31,518 --> 00:46:34,498 We're not taking a celebratory attitude toward this. 900 00:46:34,498 --> 00:46:38,369 I actually think this is a sober moment of taking responsibility 901 00:46:38,369 --> 00:46:41,139 and taking necessary next steps. 902 00:46:41,139 --> 00:46:44,934 But in terms of is the entity being dissolved, the 903 00:46:44,934 --> 00:46:46,878 answer at this time is no. 904 00:46:46,878 --> 00:46:49,041 And not just that it's not being dissolved, it is 905 00:46:49,041 --> 00:46:50,338 being strengthened, right? 906 00:46:50,338 --> 00:46:52,889 So we are trying to position it so that it can perform those 907 00:46:52,889 --> 00:46:54,217 core functions and crucially 908 00:46:55,619 --> 00:46:57,871 being a strong applicant for continuum of care funds, 909 00:46:57,871 --> 00:46:59,974 that is the intention of these actions to actually 910 00:46:59,974 --> 00:47:01,978 strengthen, stabilize the agency so that it can 911 00:47:01,978 --> 00:47:03,059 perform those functions 912 00:47:04,579 --> 00:47:05,539 really, really well. 913 00:47:06,539 --> 00:47:07,858 Guy, can we go back to Connor? 914 00:47:08,858 --> 00:47:12,427 For the 60 to 70 or so KCRHA employees that will 915 00:47:12,427 --> 00:47:16,864 presumably be laid off, is there any plan to have them 916 00:47:16,864 --> 00:47:21,646 transition, either giving them preferential 917 00:47:21,646 --> 00:47:25,539 hiring into HSD or being CHS? 918 00:47:25,539 --> 00:47:28,699 And will they also be given severance? 919 00:47:28,699 --> 00:47:31,099 Is there any specifics at this time? 920 00:47:31,099 --> 00:47:33,954 I don't think we have specifics at this time, but we're 921 00:47:33,954 --> 00:47:35,478 in conversation about that. 922 00:47:35,478 --> 00:47:38,715 And again, part of the reason why we are figuring this out 923 00:47:38,715 --> 00:47:41,018 now is that we have some time to figure that out. 924 00:47:43,159 --> 00:47:47,210 It seems like the transition from city and county taking 925 00:47:47,210 --> 00:47:50,219 over is going to happen early in 2027. 926 00:47:50,219 --> 00:47:53,335 If the city council and county council vote to dissolve 927 00:47:53,335 --> 00:47:57,751 the organization before then, would the KCRHA be ready to 928 00:47:57,751 --> 00:48:03,559 do that dissolving, or would there be additional time? 929 00:48:03,559 --> 00:48:05,699 Can you ask that one more time, Connor? 930 00:48:07,179 --> 00:48:09,264 Currently, you guys are taking over the 931 00:48:09,264 --> 00:48:10,719 contracts in January 2027. 932 00:48:10,719 --> 00:48:15,079 If the county and city councils vote to dissolve KCRHA earlier, 933 00:48:15,079 --> 00:48:17,972 would the city and county be ready to take over those 934 00:48:17,972 --> 00:48:19,518 responsibilities sooner? 935 00:48:19,518 --> 00:48:21,829 I don't believe there's any chance that the city council 936 00:48:21,829 --> 00:48:23,159 will vote to dissolve the KCRHA. 937 00:48:24,277 --> 00:48:27,838 I don't believe that's going to happen either. 938 00:48:28,958 --> 00:48:31,550 The short answer, though, is that we believe we will 939 00:48:31,550 --> 00:48:33,780 be ready to take those contracts in January, 940 00:48:33,780 --> 00:48:38,320 and I don't believe any of our colleagues would jeopardize 941 00:48:38,320 --> 00:48:42,398 our ability to manage those contracts prematurely. 942 00:48:42,398 --> 00:48:44,639 We have time for one more question. 943 00:48:44,639 --> 00:48:49,277 I have a question about the continuing care funding. 944 00:48:49,277 --> 00:48:53,762 It seems, setting aside KCRHA's issues, it seems highly unlikely 945 00:48:53,762 --> 00:48:57,630 that the city is competitive and the county are competitive 946 00:48:57,630 --> 00:49:00,938 right now given all the changes in the contract rules. 947 00:49:00,938 --> 00:49:04,699 So how optimistic are either of you that we're going to get, 948 00:49:04,699 --> 00:49:08,438 you know, some significant portion of that 67 million? 949 00:49:08,438 --> 00:49:12,469 - We are committed to submitting the strongest 950 00:49:12,469 --> 00:49:13,818 possible application. 951 00:49:13,818 --> 00:49:17,358 And, you know, I think it's no secret that Seattle, 952 00:49:17,358 --> 00:49:20,199 King County, you know, we have a target on our backs 953 00:49:20,199 --> 00:49:21,277 because of our values. 954 00:49:22,679 --> 00:49:26,958 So we are obviously also preparing for a situation 955 00:49:26,958 --> 00:49:29,536 where we lose some or all of that funding and I 956 00:49:29,536 --> 00:49:32,896 think we are jointly very committed to making sure that 957 00:49:32,896 --> 00:49:36,159 the people who are currently served by continuum of 958 00:49:36,159 --> 00:49:38,259 care funds through permits for housing through rapid 959 00:49:38,259 --> 00:49:40,532 rehousing through other kinds of shelter that they 960 00:49:40,532 --> 00:49:43,179 do not become homeless so we are absolutely committed 961 00:49:43,179 --> 00:49:47,146 to that outcome and we are going to do our darndest 962 00:49:47,146 --> 00:49:50,858 to get that federal money because we need it yeah 963 00:49:50,858 --> 00:49:54,039 I echo everything the mayor said I think the 964 00:49:54,039 --> 00:49:57,172 truth is that none of us in this room know what 965 00:49:57,172 --> 00:50:01,275 the federal government is going to do it's kind of 966 00:50:01,275 --> 00:50:06,217 like reading tea leaves but we are taking all of the 967 00:50:06,219 --> 00:50:08,980 actions that we believe put us in the strongest 968 00:50:08,980 --> 00:50:12,570 position when we look at what happened in Los Angeles 969 00:50:12,570 --> 00:50:16,259 the way the mayor and I interpret that is that in 970 00:50:16,259 --> 00:50:19,012 action by local authorities and perceptions of 971 00:50:19,012 --> 00:50:21,920 mismanagement and fraud were the driving reasons 972 00:50:21,920 --> 00:50:25,119 why that agency was defunded by the federal government 973 00:50:25,119 --> 00:50:28,251 and we want to make sure that those perceptions 974 00:50:28,251 --> 00:50:32,005 are minimized here that we We are showing that we are 975 00:50:32,005 --> 00:50:37,018 strengthening this agency to focus on its core responsibility 976 00:50:37,018 --> 00:50:40,922 of managing well those federal resources and taking all 977 00:50:40,922 --> 00:50:44,407 other actions to put us in the strongest possible position 978 00:50:44,407 --> 00:50:45,599 to receive those funds.