In a recent meeting, the Cowlitz County homeless housing task force discussed the ongoing development of a five-year plan aimed at addressing homelessness in the region. This initiative is mandated by state law and will utilize funding allocated for various housing programs. The task force emphasized the importance of transparency in how these funds are spent, with decisions ultimately resting with the county commissioners.

For the upcoming year, several programs have been contracted, including coordinated entry, emergency support shelters, and housing opportunities for the Phoenix House. The funding for these initiatives primarily comes from document recording fees, which have shown fluctuations in revenue. Last year, the county collected approximately $516,000, with projections indicating a potential increase to around $600,000 this year.

The task force highlighted the need for public awareness regarding the complexities of managing these funds and the significant efforts involved in addressing homelessness. Members expressed a desire to share their findings with the public and suggested that a version of their presentation be made available to the health board to enhance understanding of the county's initiatives.

Concerns were raised about the reliability of funding sources, particularly as revenues have decreased by 50% in recent years, prompting discussions about potential budget provisos from the state legislature. The task force noted that while they are exploring additional funding sources, including a small portion of state sales tax, the overall financial landscape remains challenging.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue engaging with the community and ensuring that the efforts to combat homelessness are well communicated and understood.