As the 2020 election approaches, political candidates in southeastern Washington are putting forth their proposed plans for addressing two pressing issues in the region: homelessness and poverty. With a growing population and limited resources, these issues have become major concerns for both residents and politicians.
The Current State of Homelessness and Poverty in Southeastern Washington
Southeastern Washington, which includes cities such as Spokane, Yakima, and Walla Walla, has seen a significant increase in homelessness in recent years. According to a report by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the number of homeless individuals in the region has risen by 14% since 2018. This is a trend that is mirrored across the state, with Washington experiencing a 6.2% increase in homelessness overall. At the same time, poverty rates in southeastern Washington remain high. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Spokane County is 14.5%, while Yakima County has a poverty rate of 19.4%. These numbers are well above the national average of 10.5%.
The Proposed Plans of Political Candidates
With these issues at the forefront, political candidates in southeastern Washington are proposing various plans to address homelessness and poverty. While each candidate has their own unique approach, there are some common themes that emerge.Increasing Affordable Housing
One of the main strategies proposed by political candidates is to increase the availability of affordable housing.This includes both rental units and affordable homeownership options. Many candidates believe that by providing more affordable housing options, they can help reduce homelessness and alleviate poverty. For example, mayoral candidate Nadine Woodward in Spokane has proposed a plan to build 1,000 new affordable housing units in the city over the next five years. She also plans to work with developers to incentivize the construction of more affordable housing units.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Services
Another common theme among political candidates is the need to address mental health issues, which are often linked to homelessness and poverty. Many candidates believe that by expanding access to mental health services, they can help prevent individuals from becoming homeless and provide support for those who are already struggling. For example, mayoral candidate Dave Wilson in Yakima has proposed a plan to increase funding for mental health services and create a mobile crisis response team to assist individuals in crisis situations.He also plans to work with local organizations to provide mental health resources for homeless individuals.
Implementing Job Training and Education Programs
Several political candidates have also proposed plans to address poverty by providing job training and education programs. These programs aim to equip individuals with the skills they need to secure stable employment and break the cycle of poverty. In Walla Walla, mayoral candidate Soo Ing-Moody has proposed a plan to partner with local businesses and organizations to provide job training programs for low-income residents. She also plans to work with schools and community colleges to offer education programs for individuals looking to improve their job prospects.The Challenges Ahead
While these proposed plans show promise, there are still challenges that need to be addressed in order for them to be successful. One major challenge is funding.Many of these plans require significant financial resources, and it will be up to the candidates to find ways to secure this funding. Another challenge is ensuring that these plans are implemented effectively. This will require collaboration between political candidates, local governments, and community organizations. It will also be important to regularly evaluate and adjust these plans as needed to ensure they are making a positive impact.
In Conclusion
Homelessness and poverty are complex issues that require comprehensive solutions. Political candidates in southeastern Washington are taking steps to address these issues, but there is still much work to be done.By increasing affordable housing, expanding access to mental health services, and implementing job training and education programs, these candidates hope to make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling in their communities.
