Yakima Council Talking About Homelessness on Tuesday

Hundreds of people are homeless in Yakima and the Yakima City Council will get an updated report on homelessness during a study session at Yakima City Hall on Tuesday.

A recent survey found hundreds homeless in Yakima

The 2022 Point in Time survey of homeless people found 670 people experiencing homelessness in Yakima County, an increase of 4% from the previous 2021 PIT Survey.
Of the 670 individuals counted, 183 were unsheltered, 59 were in a Sanctioned Encampment, and 428 were sheltered in either an Emergency Shelter or Transitional Housing. Local officials say the number of unsheltered people decreased by 5% from the previous year while the number in Emergency Shelters increased by 40% from the previous year.

Two organizations in Yakima will make presentations to the council

The Yakima Homeless Network and Yakima Homeless Coalition will make presentations to the Yakima City Council Tuesday showing the great need for affordable housing in Yakima. The reports will tell council members that 34% of all households in Yakima are paying more than 30% of their income towards housing. The Point in Time survey shows the reason for a growing homeless problem in Yakima is tied to eviction and the lack of affordable housing.

The Director of the Yakima Union Gospel Mission says many are homeless

Yakima Union Gospel Mission Director Mike Johnson says homelessness in Yakima grew by 49% over the last year putting a lot more people on city streets. That means more people are looking for services and ways to panhandle in areas of the city they have not been seen in before like many parts of west valley where no services are provided.
The mission is asking for your help this week sending an email to thousands in the Yakima area that says;
"You can help feed a homeless person.
Each meal costs just $2.07. So we hope you’ll reach deep into your heart and give generously to provide meals and care for our people right now. If you'd like to donate you'll find information at the Yakima Union Gospel Mission website at yugm.org."

You can help today by donating canned goods and nonperishable food to the Yakima Union Gospel Mission located at 1300 North 1st Street.

You can attend in person or watch on ZOOM

The Yakima City Council study session is set for 5:00 pm Tuesday at Yakima City Hall. You can watch live on zoom at Yakimawa.gov or by dialing 1-253-215-8782 or 1-971-247-1195, enter meeting ID 945 5212 5389#, participant ID # and meeting password 899882#.