Kate Baber, Homelessness Policy and Advocacy Specialist

Kate B. here penning this issue of The Week in Housing Advocacy. I have so many highlights from this week that it was difficult to pick just a couple for the blog. Personally, I like starting with advocate testimonies.

Fair Tenant Screening Act, Part 3 (SB 6291)

Fair Tenant Screening Act, Part 3 addresses the high cost to tenants when they have to pay for multiple screening reports that contain the same information. The Senate version of the bill (SB 6291) was heard in the Financial Institutions Housing, and Insurance Committee last Thursday. Two different parents told their stories of how costly duplicate tenant screening reports were obstacles for safe, healthy, affordable homes for their families. One of the parents (Jason) paid over $500 in tenant screening reports in one home search. You can hear their stories in the video below.

Another powerful testimony came from a familiar face to those of you long-term followers of the Housing Alliance. Housing Advocate of the Year 2012 and homeless veteran turned social worker Thomas Green was also at the committee hearing giving his testimony about how repetitive and costly tenant screening reports was not only an obstacle to attaining a home, but also actually ended up hurting the City of Tacoma! You'll have to watch it here:

You can also read about his story on our Fair Tenant Screening Act one-pager here. 

Take Action If you were moved by Lila, Jason, or Thomas' stories of struggle in finding a home because of repeat tenant screening report fees, please take action! If your senator is on the FIHI committee, demand they pass SB 6291 out of this committee! Image

Meanwhile, the House version (HB 2537) will have its day soon in the House Judiciary Committee on Friday, January 31 at 1:30pm. If you are interesting in testifying, please let my co-worker Ben know. His email is benm(at)wliha(.)org or call him up at 206.442.9455 x204.

Document Recording Fees

These real estate document fees account for over 60% of funding for homeless programs across the state, especially in rural counties. The Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee heard the House version (HB 2368), and we had an overwhelming show of testimonial force in support of this bill. Nine advocates, including a county administrator, a direct service staff member, and even someone speaking on behalf of several Washington State cities all spoke in favor of how document recording fees have been crucial in decreasing homelessness around the state. You can listen to their testimonies of support here (TVW was having technical difficulties at the time, so there's no video). Below, I wanted to highlight the testimony of Linda Olsen with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence who talked about how these fees help survivors of domestic violence. She points out that domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness in the state.

The Senate version (SB 6313) will have a hearing in the Senate Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance Committee this Thursday, January 30 at 1:30pm. Again, if you are interested in testifying, again, please let Ben know. Maybe your testimony will end up in this newsletter!

Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day

These past few days, counties all over Washington held their Point in Time counts of homeless individuals in shelters and on the streets. King County's One Night Count was last Thursday night. Most of our staff members were volunteering for the evening. The count found 3,117 individuals without shelter, a 14% increase from last year. If you were part of a count in your community, and are now motivated to make some positive lasting change for fighting homelessness, then you should also sign-up for Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day next Tuesday. It's an opportunity to tell your elected official that any number of homeless folks is TOO MUCH and now is the time for them to do something about it.

Take Action Redux Last week, we set a goal of doubling the amount of action-takers who sent a message to their legislators in support of the Housing Trust Fund. We came a little short of our goal, reaching 133 instead of the projected 160+. You can still take action! If you haven't already, please click here and take action now. Image