The Intersection Between Homelessness and Foster Care

Posted on May 31, 2022 in Uncategorized

“We have a long way to go, but every bit of advocacy that our agencies get involved in helps to change the lives of those who have experienced severe trauma, and they deserve a chance for success.” Sara Mack Managing Director of Foster Youth Volunteers of America Eastern WA & Northern Idaho With May being […]

December 2021 Newsletter

Posted on January 18, 2022 in Uncategorized

Our December newsletter looks back at advancements made in 2021 to prevent and end youth and young adult homelessness, along with a preview of what’s on tap for 2022. Read it here

November 2021 Newsletter

Posted on January 18, 2022 in Uncategorized

Check out our November Newsletter with highlights of new staff, as well as our new COVID dashboard that details the impacts of the pandemic on young people experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Read it here

October 2021 Newsletter

Posted on January 18, 2022 in Uncategorized

Read our October Newsletter with highlights of our Centralized Diversion Fund and information about expansion of the Anchor Communities Initiative. Read it here

2021 CDF Press Release

Posted on July 2, 2021 in Centralized Diversion Fund, Uncategorized

New Report Demonstrates Effectiveness of Flexible Diversion Funds for Young People At Risk of Homelessness ‘30 in 30’ challenge leads to 86 young people in Pierce, Spokane, Yakima, and Walla Walla counties prevented from entering the homelessness system or diverted out last month WASHINGTON – A Way Home Washington (AWHWA), the campaign to prevent and […]

What Is the Centralized Diversion Fund?

Posted on June 16, 2021 in Anchor Community Initiative, Centralized Diversion Fund, Reducing Homelessness, Youth Homelessness

A Way Home Washington’s (AWHWA’s) Centralized Diversion Fund (CDF) is a cost-effective, young person-centered solution to homelessness and housing instability that is already transforming the four Anchor Communities. Since its launch last August at the height of the pandemic, Yakima, Pierce, Spokane and Walla Walla counties have collectively housed more than 220 youth and young […]

ACI Impact in Spokane

Posted on May 6, 2021 in Anchor Community Initiative, Behind the Scenes, legislative advocacy, Legislative Advocacy, Lived Experience, Reducing Homelessness, Youth and Young Adult Engagement, Youth Leadership

According to Matt Davis, one of the ACI leads in Spokane, in the short time that the Anchor Community Initiative (ACI) has been active, it has made a noticeable impact on the homeless youth and young adult system. One example of this is the formation of the “Yes to Yes” Committee, which has a focus […]

May 2021: Letter from the Executive Director

Posted on May 6, 2021 in Anchor Community Initiative, Julie's Vision, legislative advocacy, Uncategorized, Youth Homelessness

The 2021 legislative session recently ended, and we are thankful that funding for the Anchor Community Initiative (ACI) is in the final budget! This funding total is $8 million– $4 million for pre-existing communities and $4 million for ACI expansion. The funding is ongoing and not one time, which is a remarkable endorsement from the […]