The Home Fund deserves a vote

I am writing this letter in strong support of The Home Fund and to encourage the members of the Olympia City Council to place this proposal on the November ballot.

The Home Fund would levy a small tax on property and would create 250 units of housing over seven years to help our most vulnerable citizens who are homeless. In Olympia, we have a housing affordability crisis that is causing significant hardship to many individuals and families. Providing affordable housing is one way to help reduce homelessness.

The Home Fund will target chronically homeless individuals including youth and the elderly, veterans, people with disabilities, people with special needs, people with mental illness, people with substance abuse issues, families with children and low wage workers. Showing compassion and respect to those of us who are struggling, strengthens our community as a whole.

Safe and stable housing is fundamental to lifting people out of poverty. I urge t he Olympia City Council members to place The Home Fund on the November ballot.

This story was originally published April 6, 2017 at 2:29 PM with the headline "The Home Fund deserves a vote."