On January 26, staff, residents, and clients from the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) participated in the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance’s (WLIHA) annual Housing and Homelessness Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in Olympia. About 750 advocates engaged in 130 meetings with legislators to discuss housing and homelessness priorities. Notable speakers included WLIHA Director of Equity, Racial Justice, and Culture, Caroline Malabanan Alonzo Lopez, and various lawmakers who emphasized the importance of sharing personal stories with legislators.

Key legislative priorities included support for the Well Washington Fund Act, which aims to generate over $2 billion annually to aid healthcare and education programs. Advocates called for investments in the Housing Trust Fund and legislation to facilitate the development of new shelters and supportive housing. They also urged support for bills to prevent the criminalization of homelessness and to secure housing vouchers for youth in extended foster care. Efforts to ensure access to education for unhoused children were highlighted, alongside calls for fair tax contributions from wealthy individuals and corporations to sustain community support programs. Advocates were encouraged to contact their local representatives to express support for these initiatives.