Yakima County Commissioners finalize homeless coalition appointments

Yakima County Commissioners have officially appointed members to the Yakima County Homeless Coalition Executive Committee, a significant step towards addressing homelessness in the region. Announced on January 21, 2025, the committee's foremost objective is to update the Five-Year Plan to Address Homelessness, which is a critical document reviewed annually by the Board of County Commissioners. This plan aims to create actionable strategies for tackling homelessness and guiding funding decisions. Comprising 13 members from diverse stakeholder backgrounds, the committee will bring oversight and accountability to homelessness issues in Yakima County. Key appointees include local government officials, healthcare leaders, and individuals with direct experience of homelessness.

The first meeting is set for February 18, where the focus will be on assessing needs and identifying opportunities within the local homeless response system. Additionally, public update sessions are planned throughout the year to foster community engagement in the strategic planning process. Community participation is encouraged, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing this pressing social issue.