Oct. 7, 2020

Disability, Unemployment and Homelessness – Program Support

By Peter Tassoni - Disabilities Workgroup Manager

Homeless service providers are well aware that Washington has the fifth-highest prevalence of homelessness in the nation, with 9,600 people living unsheltered and more than 11,000 people living in temporary homeless housing. Did you also know that 12.9% of Washington's residents, 942,318 individuals, live with a disability? Add to that the pre and post-pandemic unemployment rates, and the impact on a person's life can be overwhelming.

Commerce sponsors two financial programs that can help people with disabilities avoid homelessness.

Read more

New 2021 Fair Market Rents (FMRs) posted

Please make sure to start using the new FMRs!

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html

Recovery Homes in Washington

Recovery housing is the next step for a long-term safe environment for people who have completed treatment or for anyone who cannot afford treatment so they can learn to live their life sober. Learn more about Recovery Homes in Washington by attending this webinar. 

Click here for more details. 

If you would like to be part of the Recovery Houses Stakeholder workgroup, which meets quarterly, please reach out to Kira Schneider at kira.schneider@hca.wa.gov

Equity corner

New grant opportunity for victim services in Black communities

The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy is accepting applications to help address emergent victim service needs in the Black community. This is an open, ongoing funding opportunity. Staff will review applications as they are received. The funding opportunity will remain open as long as funds are available.

Read more

Commerce furloughs for fall 2020

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 Friday, Oct. 16 and Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Online Trainings available at your convenience Self-directed trainings and certificates are accessible at your convenience on our training webpage.

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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