Clark County details RFA process, CAB role to sustain homelessness and anti-poverty programs

Clark County Community Services staff briefed the County Council on Aug. 6 on the request-for-application (RFA) process used to allocate Community Action Program and Homeless Crisis Response System funds, the role and composition of the Community Action Advisory Board (CAB), and near-term steps the county will take to support severe-weather sheltering and a new five-year homeless plan.

The RFA cycle covered two separate solicitations: one for anti-poverty programs under the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and local human services funds, and another for homeless crisis response funded primarily by the Consolidated Homelessness Grant (CHG) and local document-recording fees. Michael Torres, program manager for Clark County Community Services, said the county used the results of the 2024 community needs assessment to set categories and funding proportions for the CSBG-funded RFA, and that program eligibility for CSBG-funded services allows households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

The CAB, a statutorily required advisory body under CSBG rules, reviewed applications and provided funding recommendations that went to the council for approval earlier this year. Vanessa Gaston, director of Clark County Community Services, told the council CHG funds—awarded by the Washington State Department of Commerce under the Homeless Housing and Assistance Act—are directed by the state to prioritize maintaining existing service levels. She also said local document-recording fees generated in Clark County must, by state…