During the Moses Lake City Council meeting on May 13, 2025, community leaders voiced urgent concerns about the dwindling resources available for local nonprofits and the impact on vulnerable populations. As funding challenges loom, many organizations are struggling to maintain essential services that support individuals facing homelessness and addiction.

A representative from a local nonprofit highlighted the critical role their organization plays in providing basic needs such as showers, meals, and job training. With funding cuts expected as the fiscal year approaches, they warned that nonprofits are losing staff and programs at an alarming rate. “We are already so tasked that now to be able to ask the nonprofits to take on more with less is something we really need to awaken to,” they stated, emphasizing the unsustainable nature of the current situation.

The discussion also touched on the importance of existing resources, such as the 2-1-1 website, which connects residents to community services. The representative urged the city to utilize this established platform rather than invest in creating new resources that may not be effective. “Don’t recreate the wheel; use what’s working,” they advised.

Concerns were raised about the future of the sleep center, a vital resource for those experiencing homelessness. The representative noted that once funding is lost, it is challenging to secure grants again, leaving many without a place to turn. “We have no resource once that sleep center is gone,” they lamented.

Joseph Moriarty, another community member, shared updates on a project aimed at addressing gaps in addiction recovery services. He reported that while some individuals have successfully accessed detox facilities, there remains a significant need for more resources to assist those in crisis.

The meeting underscored the pressing need for collaboration and support among city officials, nonprofits, and community members to address these challenges. As the city navigates funding uncertainties, the voices of those directly impacted by these decisions highlight the importance of maintaining and enhancing support systems for the most vulnerable residents. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively they can respond to these ongoing community needs.