Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Walla Walla County adopts 2026–2030 five‑year homeless housing plan after resident testimony
Summary
After in-person testimony from a resident with lived experience and staff warnings about federal funding shifts, the Board unanimously (2‑0; one absent) adopted the county’s 2026–2030 five‑year homeless housing plan and authorized submission to the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2 adopted a 2026–2030 five‑year homeless housing plan and authorized staff to submit the plan to the Washington State Department of Commerce.
Sam Jackal, human services manager for the Department of Community Health, summarized the plan as a living document developed with a work group and focus groups and said the Council on Housing recommended adoption. Jackal noted that annual reports will track how funds are used and whether priorities need revision.
A resident who identified herself as Alyssa said she has been homeless for more than a year, described barriers to shelter access — including being unable to bring animals — and urged immediate housing and local treatment options. "I had 20 people in my RV last night," Alyssa told the board, describing informal sheltering and outreach gaps.
"It is not in the homeless housing plan," Jackal said when asked whether the plan includes a local methadone center, adding that homelessness funds administered by the county would not necessarily cover that service but that staff are coordinating with other systems.
Commissioner Clayton said she supported approving the plan and urged that it be used to guide cross‑jurisdictional decisions, including planning, law enforcement, treatment and housing investments. The Chair expressed frustration with data gaps and said the plan’s monitoring and a recently hired data analyst are key to identifying what works.
Jackal also told the board that a recent HUD notice of funding opportunity reduces federal emphasis on permanent supportive housing at the Continuum of Care level, a change that may have implications for local priorities. "There is a federal divestment in permanent housing through that NOFO," Jackal said, urging local leaders to lean on local solutions.
Commissioner Clayton moved to adopt Proposal 2025‑12‑DCH‑01 to approve the 2026–2030 five‑year homeless housing plan and submit the plan to the state; the Chair seconded and the motion carried 2‑0 with one absent. The board also approved the county’s final annual report for the 2019–2025 plan and will submit that report to the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The plan establishes an ongoing work group, annual reporting and metrics collection intended to track outcomes and inform requests for applications for homeless assistance funds. Staff said they will return with annual reports and implement best practices — including a by‑name list and wraparound services piloted after a recent conference.
