Audit: Snohomish County lacks data-driven approach to homeless services
EVERETT — Snohomish County and other local governments across the state need to rely more heavily on data and address gaps in services if they want to reduce homelessness, according to a new report from the Washington State Auditor’s Office.
The 73-page audit released earlier this month focused on Snohomish County, Yakima County, Seattle and Spokane.
“Washingtonians are growing more frustrated and concerned as the number of people living on the streets and in encampments continues to grow, even as government spends more on programs to address homelessness,” the report reads.
In 2021, Washington state reportedly spent $357 million on homeless services. One-third of that amount came from federal coffers. From 2018 to 2021, statewide spending on homelessness increased by $102 million, the report says, while the number of people experiencing homelessness remained “stubbornly high.” In 2020, about 23,000 people were reported as experiencing homelessness across the state.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/audit-snohomish-county-lacks-data-driven-approach-to-homeless-services/