Homeless Services

Since 2013, Washington has spent $5.3 billion on homeless prevention programs and low-income housing construction. 1

About 80% of that – more than $4 billion -- has been budgeted over the past four years. 2

What do the outcomes look like?

Over the past decade, Washington’s homeless population has increased by 71%.3-4

After surpassing Texas, Massachusetts and Florida, Washington now has the 3rd largest homeless population after California and New York.5

Over half of Washington’s homeless population – 51% – is unsheltered and sleeping outside, compared to 4% in New York.6

Washington has over 16,000 people sleeping outside – more than two-and-a-half times the number in New York, a state with a homeless population five time as large.7

57% of Seattle’s homeless is unsheltered, compared to 6% in New York City.8

Seattle’s unsheltered homeless population has increased 88% since 2015. 9

Did Washington provide improved circumstances for unhoused people?