Rep. Paul Graves (right center) with NAMI-Eastside volunteers during "Mental Health Lobby Day."
NAMI-Eastside members spent all day yesterday lobbying our Eastside legislators for mental health funding. Many of us asked for out-patient psychiatric services. This photo was taken of us with Representative Paul Graves in his office.
Representative Graves is in the 5th Legislative District encompassing Maple Valley, Issaquah, North Bend, Carnation and Black Diamond. He responded very favorably to our message, with sensitivity to the shame we face. He's a big advocate for foster children and is the primary sponsor of House Bill 2256 "Online Availability Of Foster Parent Preservice Training," The bill passed House and is currently under review by the Senate.
NAMI-Eastsiders lobbied 10 other legislators including: Senator Patty Kuderer, Representative Joan McBride and Representative Vandana Slatter of the 48th Legislative District; and Senator Manka Dhingra, Larry Springer, and Roger Goodman of the 45th Legislative District.
Bob Yoder 48th District resident |
EVERETT, Wash. - The Everett City Council voted to approve the plans for low-barrier housing and to transfer land to Catholic Housing Services.
The Everett Herald reports the Safe Streets housing project on Berkshire Drive is set to be a 65-unit complex with around-the-clock staffing primarily for the chronically homeless or those living with mental illness.
Tenants cannot have convictions for arson, sex crimes or producing methamphetamine.
About half the residents would be from Everett.
The construction budget is $10.5 million. Most of the costs are borne by Catholic Housing Services and funded by tax credits and grants, which the city helped secure.
Groundbreaking is planned for later this month.
Rendering of Everett's "Safe Street project" |
Mayor Marchone's comment on the Everett Herald article:
"Thank you Bob. We are always interested in, and staff work to stay apprised of, what other jurisdictions are doing to address the challenge of homelessness. That said, not every strategy is appropriate for every jurisdiction. Everett is essentially the Seattle of Snohomish County, with both the largest population and greatest concentration of resources.
As one of many connected suburban cities, Redmond works closely with our Eastside neighbors to craft policies and strategies that will serve the sub-region as a whole. In addition, Redmond has been very proactive in developing strategies focused on our local community.
I appointed a Community Task Force on Homelessness in 2016 that developed a list of recommended action items. A recent staff report to the City Council summarized the status of those action items which have been almost completely implemented.
I appointed a Community Task Force on Homelessness in 2016 that developed a list of recommended action items. A recent staff report to the City Council summarized the status of those action items which have been almost completely implemented.
Two key strategies to emerge included the addition of a dedicated outreach specialist to work in partnership with the Redmond Police, and a new website to provide information about homelessness in general, and ways that individual community members can get involved. I encourage you to check it out: http://www.redmond.gov/ Residents/homelessness
Our activities in 2018 will include an exploration of what we as a community should do to most effectively further this work. We will make sure you are included when we reach out to the community on this topic.
Thanks again and Happy New Year."
John