Homelessness

The Homeless Policy Advisory Committee (HPAC)  
  

The purpose of the HPAC is to provide a forum for the coordination of information among local citizens and stakeholders to seek thoughtful, effective, and lasting solutions to the City’s homelessness crisis, and to facilitate assistance for unsheltered persons in the Monroe community. The HPAC will provide the Mayor and City Council with nonbinding advice and recommendations regarding issues related to homelessness.

For more information, go to the Homeless Advisory Committee page.

Homelessness is a humanitarian crisis with many causes. These range from losing a job, losing a home, mental/behavioral health or substance abuse, domestic violence and more. The impact of homelessness is a growing challenge that presents its own issues in the broader community. Obtaining treatment for mental health or substance abuse can be difficult, finding housing for individuals is lengthy, and getting people off the streets can be a process. Below you will find questions, answers and resources for helping those who need it. 
 
What is the City doing to address homelessness?
 
In April 2017, the City of Monroe in partnership with Snohomish County, established a Community Outreach Team which includes an embedded social worker, Elisa Delgado.  Social Worker Delgado is in the City twenty (20) hours a week working with Sergeant Paul Ryan, making contact with homeless people who are in need of services.  The goal of the program is to consistently contact and engage people to address short and long term needs.  Often this is accomplished by substance abuse treatment and clean and sober housing.  This team regularly responds to complaints and goes into our City parks and other areas where encampments may be. 

 

2019 1st Quarter Highlights -

  • A client successfully graduated treatment and is housed.
  • A client graduated treatment and is housed.  The client received housing assistance through the First Responders Flex Fund during the snow event in February.  The Outreach Team has continued engagement with the client throughout the process.
  • Four chronically homeless and Opiate addicted clients have obtained identification cards through the Outreach Team.
  • A client is 6 months clean and sober and leading his Narcotics Anonymous Group. The Outreach Team was able to replace an unrepairable bicycle through the First Responders Flex Fund. 

The City Park’s crew is also active in addressing the problems created by illegal encampments in our City parks.  In 2018, parks personnel spent 308 hours removing 169 bags of debris and litter from 28 encampments.  Parks personnel are vigilant in conducting weekly checks of our parks to report to police any new encampments and remove any litter that may be left behind.  If you see an encampment call 911 or the non-emergency number at 425-407-3999.

Parks Homeless Response Data

 

Re​sources


Helpful resources 

Here are some common available resources. If you have other resources that could be added, please email pamb@monroewa.gov with the link and a brief description of services offered. 

211 - Health and human service information and referrals and other assistance to help individuals.

Beck's Place - Foster boarding that cares for pets while families access services that will allow them to achieve stability. 

Cocoon House - Non-profit outreach for homeless and at-risk youth in Snohomish County.

Housing Hope - Affordable housing including emergency shelter, transitional housing, affordable rent units, and home ownership opportunities. 

Monroe Women's Gospel Mission - Temporary emergency shelter serving the homeless population including but not limited to , releases from hospitals, crisis beds and inpatient treatment centers, domestic violence situations, and those living in situations not fit for human habitation.

Take the Next Step - Local community resource center for services and guidance to help meet the basic needs of people.

Snohomish County Health District Opioid Information - Information pertaining to opioids and clean needle exchange program.

Sky Valley Resource Guide - Handout with local resources, support information, and treatment centers.