New centralized fund, report from Olympia, upcoming event What's NewA quick financial boost can be just what people need to end their homelessness First and last month’s rent. Security deposit. Some people simply cannot afford to pay those expenses in advance of moving into a rental home. So instead of signing a lease, they remain homeless. Building Changes believes move-in expenses never should be the factor that prevents people from transitioning out of homelessness. As a result, we have launched a new centralized fund in King County that provides financial assistance to people so they can get past the obstacle of paying those one-time, upfront expenses. The project represents a big step forward for King County because it expands the use of Diversion, which we have found to be an effective and cost-efficient approach for getting people housed quickly, safely, and simply. Learn more. Report from Olympia: Advancing critical supports for children, youth and families With a month left in the 2019 state legislative session, we’re making progress on our legislative priorities: Homeless Student Stability Program (HSSP):
Washington Youth & Families Fund (WYFF):
Many of Building Changes’ support items are also doing well, including bills on early learning; youth representation in the Department of Children Youth & Families; homeless youth services under the Office of Homeless Youth; tenant protections and eviction reform; and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Upcoming Event Promote Progress: A Benefit for Building Changes Please join us for an eye-opening, interactive exploration of solutions to family and student homelessness! This event is free to attend, and we hope you will consider making a tax-deductible gift of $75 or more to support Building Changes. Our goal: raise $50,000 to ensure families and youth in our state are stably housed. REGISTER NOW. Call for Stories Do you have personal insight into homelessness or housing insecurity that you would like to share? Stories and storytellers are needed for an event called Stories About Home, which will be held on June 6, 2019 at Seattle University. The format will be similar last year's Ignite Project Homeless storytelling event. Story pitches welcome from people of all ages, employment, and educational backgrounds. Pitch deadline: April 22 at 11:59 pm. Stories About Home is a collaboration of The Seattle Times' Project Homeless, Seattle University Project on Family Homelessness, and Seattle Public Library. Learn more. Worth a Glance
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