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In 2016, the state Department of Commerce counted 23,961 homeless or unstably-housed youth statewide. Just six years later, that number got 40% smaller. On Wednesday, federal officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services visited Washington state to learn about our "one of a kind" approach.
The state Department of Commerce operates an Office of Homeless Youth dedicated to the issue of youth housing stability. The office has helped bridge gaps that vulnerable youth were falling into before. Better collaboration with school districts exists now. A statewide strategy to prevent youth homelessness exists now. And so does enhanced funding to help youth at risk of homelessness.
These efforts and their results are encouraging, but there’s more to be done. Specifically, pregnant or parenting young adults still face a disproportionate risk of homelessness. Youth in crisis, or those experiencing chronic mental health issues, struggle to access resources. BIPOC and LGBTQ youth are dramatically overrepresented among unaccompanied youth.
 WIC, the national Women, Infants & Children nutritional program, turned 50 this year. The very first WIC clinic opened in Pineville, Ky. in 1974. Now more than 10,000 clinics operate nationwide – 6.5 million infants, children, pregnant women, and new mothers benefit.
WIC is for pregnant people, new and breast and chest feeding parents, infants, and children under age 5. WIC helps improve the health of parents and children through:
- Nutrition education
- Breast and chest feeding support
- Healthy foods
- Health screenings and referrals
Celebrations of the anniversary are taking place across the country, including here in Washington state. Gov. Jay Inslee joined the state Department of Health to acknowledge the occasion this Friday in Mount Vernon.
In Washington state last year, WIC nourished 147,166 infants and children and 56,860 pregnant women and new mothers.
DOH provides helpful information about enrolling in WIC.
Award-winning planners in Clark County recognized for their focus on housing, seniors and solar
The 2024 Governor’s Smart Communities Awards announced last month acknowledged several ambitious Clark County projects: the county’s housing study to provide more affordable options, its aging plan to support the health and safety of seniors, and the Port of Camas-Washougal’s community solar project. Gov. Jay Inslee visited Clark County Thursday to celebrate their work.
“Leaders here in Clark County have their eyes where they’re supposed to be – on the future,” said Inslee. “Our state is growing. Our state is aging. And our state is ever in need of more clean power. On all counts, these leaders are showing proactivity and innovation.”
More than 685,000 Washington households received $200 electric utility credit
Earlier this year, legislators approved the Washington Families Clean Energy Credit program to provide a $200 credit to an estimated 650,000 low and medium income households. The program closed this week after the Washington State Department of Commerce tallied more than 685,000 recipients. Utilities were able to post credits automatically for most customers, and an application was available for anyone else who wanted to know if they qualified.
The one-time rebates were funded by Washington's Climate Commitment Act. Many utilities offer ongoing assistance programs, so check for other programs you could qualify for. The state will soon launch an expanded weatherization program that can also help homeowners install efficiency improvements that bring energy bills down.
Free College in the High School program expands by 10,000 students
The Washington State Standard reported that since legislators and Gov. Jay Inslee made it free for school districts to offer College in the High School programs, enrollment jumped by about 10,000 students. College in the High School is one of several programs that allow a high school student to earn credits that apply to both their diploma and a college degree or credential.
The Washington Student Achievement Council offers information about other dual credit programs such as Running Start and qualifying Advanced Placement courses. These programs give students a head start on their post-secondary education without the cost of tuition.
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