Background and Context
In 2021, recognizing the many challenges related to homelessness and housing instability, the Washington State Legislature directed the William D. Ruckelshaus Center (the Center) to conduct a multi-year process of gathering information and facilitating discussions to inform recommendations for a long-term strategy to create pathways to housing security (House Bill 1277, Section 6).
Status reports were released in December 2021 and December 2022, with final reporting released in December 2023. The “Final Report of Facilitated Discussions and Recommendations” includes a cumulative summary of discussions and recommendations which were developed and informed by the participation of hundreds of individuals with knowledge or experience related to homelessness and housing instability. Through June 2024, the project team will be developing follow-up activities to disseminate the report and offer further opportunities for dialogue and engagement around applying the report’s findings.
Upcoming Workshops
In May and June 2024, the Ruckelshaus Center will be holding free online workshops. The workshops will provide opportunities to delve deeper into specific recommendations and to explore how the report’s framework can be used. The workshops will also provide structure for participants to identify, share, and discuss action ideas.
Please use this scheduling link to RSVP for the workshops listed below.
Stabilizing Precarious Housing: May 3rd, 9:30 – 12:00
Across the state, many people have expressed concern about the limited effort being directed to individuals on the brink of becoming unhoused. In this workshop, participants will identify ways to integrate homelessness prevention into the overall response. Agenda.
Coordinated Pathways & Person-Centered Navigation: May 14th, 12:30 – 3:00
Previous discussions have highlighted the need to improve coordination. Given that interventions must be well-matched to specific circumstances, this workshop will provide an opportunity to explore a response that is coordinated around what people need.
Applying Guiding Principles: June 13th, 9:30 – 12:00
Informed by individuals from across the state, the Ruckelshaus Center has identified 11 guiding principles to align decisions and actions with the goal of advancing housing security. In this workshop, participants will explore how the principles align with their actions and strategies.
Participant Stipends
If your time will not otherwise be compensated by an employer or another entity, stipends are available for those who are low income and/or sharing lived experience related to homelessness, housing instability, and/or programs or services for individuals who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. If that’s you, please email molly.stenovec@wsu.edu for more information. The Ruckelshaus Center is administered by Washington State University, which requires a W9 and an invoice to process stipends.