July 8, 2020

It’s not enough to just agree with the idea of equity

The Office of Adult and Family Homelessness is recommitting to an anti-racist homeless housing administration. We want an equitable system and that means we must be persistent in our examination of how our current actions harm people, and then work to institutionalize new policies and practices. Staff took one step last year and workshopped the characteristics of white supremacy culture from “Dismantling Racism: A Workbook for Social Change.” We are thinking about how our workplace norms around “urgency,” “quantity of quality,” “fear of open conflict” translate into the program work we deliver to grantees.

We want you to know we are on this transformational journey with you!

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Thank you!

We know there is a lot coming your way right now and that you are working tirelessly to serve your communities while also caring for yourselves and your families. Thank you for the dedication you have shown to this work and to those who are unhoused in your communities. We appreciate you!

Program funding update

Below is an update on OFAH program funding for state fiscal year 2021. Make sure to check out the program web pages for additional information and updates.

BoS Racial Equity Subcommittee feature

By Amanda Ford

Together, let us acknowledge Washington States' Tribal Nations, people and sovereignty, on whose ancient and sacred land we live, work and play on. We must recognize the ever-present systemic inequities that derive from past wrongdoings and commit ourselves indefinitely to respecting and reconciling this long history of injustice. Let us honor their culture and elders past, present and future. We must unite in this commitment to reconciliation and truth telling and amplify our history so we can own our part in the story. Without that component, we cannot write a brave new ending.

The BoS CoC Racial Equity Subcommittee is a safe and inclusive online community committed to discussing and normalizing white supremacy and root causes that directly impact our houseless neighbors and communities so that we can dismantle those norms and create equitable and anti-racist systems. This online community meets through a monthly webinar. Our goal in community is to further the conversation through education and expert presentations to address the systemic, institutional racism and implicit, explicit bias within our own communities in Washington State and within ourselves.

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Commerce will be closed for furloughs in July

In keeping with Governor Inslee’s furlough directive to help the state reduce costs and weather the economic fallout of the pandemic, Commerce will be closed on the following Fridays: July 10, July 17 and July 24.

Family resources

DCYF’s Family Support Programs division has developed a resource guide to help parents and caregivers navigate the increased demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Washington State Resource Guide for Parents and Caregivers: Caring for Your Family During COVID-19 is a compilation of information and resources to help bolster the resilience of parents and families.

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New online training available Visit the OFAH training web page to see the new online training videos. Topics include: Introduction to Housing First Rapid Rehousing Progressive Engagements for Programs and Systems Working with Survivors of Domestic Violence Introduction to Diversion/Problem Solving

In-person training moving to new virtual platforms We are excited to let you know that the Trauma-Informed Services, Mental Health First Aid, Racial Equity and LGBTQ+ Competency training will resume later this summer – online. All of the trainers are working to adapt their curricula to a new platform and are excited to make these available for you. This approach will also allow for much more flexibility as participants will not need to travel and will have more choice about when they attend.

Washington State Health Care Authority mental health resources SAMHSA Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance and resources ACL COVID-19 guidance and resources VA's Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) webpage VA's Coronavirus FAQs page

Questions? Contact us

Grant Managers

Jessica Simon jessica.simon@commerce.wa.gov

Julie Montgomery julie.montgomery@commerce.wa.gov

Kathryn Dodge kathryn.dodge@commerce.wa.gov

Megan Kendig megan.kendig@commerce.wa.gov

Sarah Harrison sarah.harrison@commerce.wa.gov

Grant Coordinator

Kim Murillo kim.murillo@commerce.wa.gov

Training & Benefits Verification System Coordinator

Linda Terry linda.terry@commerce.wa.gov

OFAH Program Director

Kathy Kinard Kathy.kinard@commerce.wa.gov

About Commerce

Commerce works with local governments, businesses, community-based organizations and tribes to strengthen communities. The department’s diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and effective public and private partnerships promote sustainable community and economic development to help all Washingtonians thrive. For more information, visit http://www.commerce.wa.gov. For information on locating or expanding a business in Washington, visit choosewashingtonstate.com.

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