WASHINGTON STATUTES AND CODES

43.330.175 - Disability lifeline housing voucher program.

Disability lifeline housing voucher program.

(1) To address the housing issues faced by the disability lifeline applicants in RCW 74.04.005(5)(b), the department of commerce and the department of social and health services shall jointly develop a housing voucher program. The departments also shall develop housing resources to be used by the applicants in RCW 74.04.005(5)(b). To the greatest extent possible, the housing resources shall follow the supportive housing model. The department of commerce shall administer the housing voucher program and shall:

     (a) Identify the current supply of private and public housing including acquisition and rental of existing housing stock;

     (b) Develop funding strategies for the development of housing resources; and

     (c) Design the voucher program to maximize the ability of the department of social and health services to recover federal funding.

     (2) If the department of commerce determines that the housing supply is inadequate to meet the need for those applicants qualifying for housing vouchers under RCW 74.04.005(5)(b), those applicants shall instead receive a cash grant administered by the department of social and health services. Upon the department of commerce's determination that the housing supply is adequate to meet the needs of the applicants in RCW 74.04.005(5)(b), housing vouchers rather than cash grants shall be issued to these applicants who apply on or after the department's determination.

     (3) The department of commerce and the department of social and health services shall evaluate the impact of the use of housing vouchers under this section and report to the governor and relevant policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by November 30, 2012, on the following items:

     (a) The supply, affordability, appropriateness, and use of stable housing;

     (b) The following outcomes for persons receiving disability lifeline housing vouchers:

     (i) Participation in and completion of chemical dependency or mental health treatment;

     (ii) Contact with law enforcement, including arrest and conviction data;

     (iii) Use of emergency room services; and

     (iv) Involuntary commitment under chapter 71.05 RCW.