This report provides an in-depth analysis of Washington State’s efforts to combat youth and young adult homelessness through the Homelessness Prevention and Diversion Fund (HPDF). Initiated in 2020, the HPDF began as a public-private partnership in four counties, providing $1.5 million in public funding and $50,000 in private contributions biannually. By 2023, the program expanded to ten counties, with public funding increasing to $5 million biannually and an additional $500,000 in private investments. To date, the HPDF has assisted over 1,704 households across both urban and rural communities in Washington.
The HPDF employs a centralized diversion model, emphasizing person-centred and strengths-based approaches. This model enables youth and trained providers to collaboratively develop strategies for securing stable housing outside traditional homeless response systems, often supplemented with one-time financial assistance. The fund’s community-level management ensures broad access and promotes equity through a “no wrong door” approach.
The report also highlights the HPDF’s cost-effectiveness, noting that it costs 78% less than other housing services, averaging less than $2,000 to house a young person within two days. Additionally, 93% of those served remain stably housed, demonstrating the program’s success in providing lasting stability for youth and young adults.