Thursday, October 1, 2026
Five counties are preparing a draft request urging Gov. Bob Ferguson to increase funding for the Encampment Resolution Program (ERP) in the state’s fiscal year 2026 supplemental budget.
The Regional Housing Council (RHC) reviewed the draft request at its Nov. 12 meeting. Although the letter is not yet finalized, the council has expressed support for moving forward once the letter is complete and the participating counties reach an agreement.
Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention Manager Tom Webster said King County is taking the lead in coordinating the document.
It is expected to be signed by representatives from all five counties receiving ERP funds — King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane and Thurston.
The ERP was launched in 2022 with $143 million allocation over three fiscal years and distributed among the five counties. It funded outreach teams, non-congregated shelters and permanent housing placements that helped close 80 encampments and bring more than 1,700 people indoors.
The current biennial budget provides $45 million in both 2026 and 2027 — the same level funded when the ERP launched in 2022.
The counties argue the level of funding in the current biennial budget does not account for inflation or the rising operational costs tied to permanent supportive housing. Without an increase, the counties claim, shelter availability and long-term housing placements could be at risk.
Thurston County currently receives about $5.5 million in ERP funds. Webster said the county is seeking to raise that figure to $6.6 million, in order to cover inflationary increases and continued support for Maple Court, Quince Street and Community Commons.
The council has authorized RHC Chair Emily Clouse to sign the final version of the multi-county letter once King County distributes it.
The RHC also continued reviewing its own 2026 legislative agenda, which includes three draft priorities:
The council is expected to revisit both the ERP funding request and its overall legislative agenda in December.
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treedolympia
"The ERP was launched in 2022 with $143 million allocation over three fiscal years and distributed among the five counties. It funded outreach teams, non-congregated shelters and permanent housing placements that helped close 80 encampments and bring more than 1,700 people indoors."
Before people start trying to come for me. I work in housing and worked in homeless services and believe 100 percent in folks getting support to get housed and stay housed.
What I can't understand is why counties are not being held accountable for what they spend this money on. We have some great providers AND some are not. The point is that we need to invest in the services and programs that work and stop throwing stuff at the wall and hoping some sticks.
*1700 people were brought indoors with $143,000,000.00 that equals approximately $87,000 per person. How many people were permanently housed?
*At the rate of 1500.00 for a one bedroom ( which is kinda high even with skyrocketing rents) that's 18000 per year that's almost 5 years worth of rent payments
I know it's for 5 counties......I'm sure the numbers are worse if Thurston County dared to share their data, including how many people they have served and are now have permanent housing.
Does the county really want to end homelessness?
The funding doesn't need to get cut, the counties need to be better stewards.
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 Report this
JW
Time to fleece the local taxpayer again. Quince Street Village needs more money? Has anyone driven by that place? It looks like a garbage dump from the street with all manner of vagrancy in the surrounding areas. There appears to be little to no rules and like treedolympia said, where is the stewardship??
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 Report this
Southsoundguy
Homeless-Industrial Complex
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 Report this
LindaD
Tiny villages and other housing providers want exemptions from the RLTA because it’s too onerous. Is it not too onerous for the rest of us who own one or a very few rentals as well?
Friday, November 28, 2025 Report this