GOLDENDALE — Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), the non-profit social services organization, gave updates to the Klickitat Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 19 about their houseless housing funding and services.
WAGAP will be increasing its use of the county’s houseless housing funds for the first time since 2018. WAGAP Executive Director Leslie Naramore cited rent increases, job losses, substance abuse and mental health issues as reasons for the increase.
“I wanted to bring this before you because in years past, with the other boards, anytime we increased the amount we wanted to let [the board] know since we are stewarding these funds on behalf of the county,” Naramore said.
The funds have been divided by WAGAP into two allotments: $60,000 for rental assistance, and $88,000 for permanent supportive housing (the latter is limited to people with disabilities). The permanent supportive housing program is run via partnerships with multiple local agencies.
“Prevention goes a lot further than if you get involved after someone becomes houseless,” Naramore said. She also stated that — for the first time — the Goldendale Food Bank is now serving more people than the Bingen Food Bank.
Chairman Dan Christopher said he is working on fulfilling a promise made by the previous board to give WAGAP $40,000 for domestic violence services. The board hopes to have the funds available in January.
When Christopher asked about the status of affordable housing, Naramore replied that, although she didn’t have the exact number, she could definitely say that availability is decreasing.
Sharing a success story, a WAGAP member told of a family who stayed in a warming shelter for about three months after relocating to the area. Before receiving further housing assistance, however, the family was able to find employment and afford their own home. The four kids from the family are now enrolled in school as well.
WAGAP also listed the number of households they assisted per program:
Permanent Supportive Housing assisted six households; Turning Point Rapid Rehousing assisted 10 households; Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP) assisted 196 households; 20 households received essential housing items and rental assistance; 48 households received eviction prevention and rapid rehousing resources; Community Behavioral Health Rental Assistance (CBRA) assisted eight households; eviction housing funds supported 28 households; funds for people exiting facilities, such as a jail or hospital, assisted 13 people; and the Klickitat County Warming Shelter supported 10 households.
“You’re all doing an incredible job,” Commissioner Jacob Anderson said.
When the board asked how they can further help WAGAP, Naramore said to make sure people are aware of their services and work, and to keep funding available.
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