Supportive-housing dashboard shows progress but officials warn of funding uncertainty

County staff presented the supportive-housing system dashboard and program highlights, noting that the county has exceeded prior housing goals while the inflow of people experiencing homelessness remains a policy challenge. Staff said federal subsidy programs face uncertainty and the county is coordinating with housing authorities and philanthropic partners to protect current assistance.

In response to a question about inflow and capacity, staff said, "WE HAVE SEEN A DECREASE IN FLOW OF ABOUT 20 PERCENT. OUR GOAL WAS 30 PERCENT." The office noted efforts to expand homelessness-prevention programs and pursue funding but said budget constraints limit the ability to rapidly expand capacity. Committee members pressed on the role of philanthropy and asked whether the board could play a more active fundraising or partnership role.

The discussion also covered safe parking: staff described case management additions to several safe-parking programs to help participants develop housing plans and reported that roughly one-third of participants exit safe parking directly to other housing outcomes; capacity limits remain a constraint for some program types.