'Highly flawed'? Controversy arises over way Pierce County doles out homelessness aid

Pierce County has approved more than $17.6 million in funding for homelessness programs across the region, but the process has left service providers and county council members frustrated by what they call a lack of transparency, community cooperation and expediency.

Pierce County Council Member Ryan Mello (District 4, Democrat) called the funding-procurement process “highly flawed” during the July 2 council meeting where the council approved the funding recommendations made by the Human Services department.

During that meeting, Pierce County policy analyst LeighBeth Merrick said 56 homeless service applications were filed for funding through the Homeless Housing Program and more than $32 million was requested.

The investment is known as the Homeless Housing Program (HHP) and is the county’s largest regular funding opportunity for homeless services. The resolution passed on July 2 included a list of nearly 50 projects that included outreach programs, emergency shelters and various types of housing support for those experiencing homelessness over the next two years.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/07/11/highly-flawed-controversy-arises-over-way-pierce-county-doles-out-homelessness-aid/