Leaders urge WA legislators to restore homeless encampment program funding
The Right of Way Encampment Resolution Program, addressing homelessness in Washington, faces funding cuts due to a $12 billion state deficit.
ROW has helped 1,700 people find housing since 2022, but its progress is threatened without renewed $40 million funding by 2025.
Advocates urge legislators to prioritize ROW funding, highlighting its effectiveness and cost-saving benefits.
SEATTLE - Funding is now at risk for a groundbreaking, successful program that addresses Washington's homelessness crisis. The Right of Way Encampment Resolution Program is funded by state dollars to pay for outreach and holistic services, including permanent housing.
However, with state legislators struggling to resolve a $12 billion deficit, money for Right of Way (ROW) is on the chopping block.
ROW was launched in 2022. Since then, more than 50 encampments located on a state right of way were successfully resolved through the statewide program. One site included the Myers Way encampment in Seattle, which made news headlines in 2023. It was one of 23 sites in King County that were cleaned up through ROW and got people the support they needed for a fresh start to life.
Darian Sharif is one person who received that fresh start through the support of ROW. Sharif said he had been experiencing homelessness for more than a year until he began building life-changing relationships with ROW advocates.
What they're saying
"I'm a living example that this program does wonders. And every opportunity that was presented was done with relationships," said Sharif.
ROW has helped about 1,700 people in Washington get inside, which amounts to almost 80% of those initially outreached. In King County, 91% of people removed from encampments went into permanent housing and temporary lodging through the program.
Now, all that progress could come to a halt due to the state's $12 billion budget deficit. City and county officials said if state legislators can't find it in the budget to continue funding ROW, much of their efforts could end.
"I don't want to stand up here and downplay the incredibly difficult decisions that our state lawmakers are being forced to make. King County itself is facing historic budget shortfalls, something that our budget directors said is the worst budget in King County history," said Girmay Zahilay, chair of King County Council. "But when we're talking about one of the most effective solutions to one of the most complex, biggest, most intractable problems our state faces with respect to homelessness, we have to find a way together to prioritize what works."
"To take that away would be a shame because I wouldn't be here without this opportunity," said Sharif. "There's no other answer to this problem other than supporting this."
City and county officials, alongside community advocates, called on state legislators to consider their request to restore ROW's $40 million in biennial funding in fiscal year 2025.
"The current budget proposals only maintain housing for people previously helped through this program. But let's be clear, they do not fund new outreach, shelter, or housing placements. And without restored funding, ROW program's front door will close," said Alexis Mercedes Rinck, of Seattle City Council. "We cannot go back to a patchwork approach that simply ships people from one roadside to another, especially in times like this when the stakes are so high."
County leaders funding the program is an investment that saves the state money.
"It is cheaper to house people through the Right of Way encampment removal program, than it is to house people in jail, have a revolving door at the hospitals, and then try to catch people later when we're moving them by sweeps from place to place," said Teresa Mosqueda of King County Council.
The councilmember also said it helps Washington defend itself from cuts at the federal level.
Big picture view
"Disseminating the Housing and Urban Development program, cuts to section 8 vouchers, things that will actually help people stay housed is what is being cut at the federal level. So, at the local level, we need to double down on our investment of $40 million investment into Right of Way encampment removal. It's smart, but it also needs to be coupled with additional revenue into safety net programs, upstream investments to prevent people from falling into homelessness, and to serve more people who are living outside," Mosqueda.
Ericka Frodsham is a housing specialist with CoLEAD, a community organization that supports ROW outreach. Frodsham is an advocate with her boots to the ground helping people who once stood in her position.
"I was once unhoused. I was unhoused in Seattle before all of these great programs that are being funded were around. And I remember being shuffled around and being told, 'You can't be here,' but where do I go?" said Frodsham.
Those same questions Frodsham had back during her time experiencing homelessness are similar questions people beyond King County will have if money to pay for ROW is cut. Without those state dollars, Frodsham said she worries about what could happen next.
"I see us going back to a system where people are just shuffled along from place to place to place. If people don't have a way to get in, they don't have a way to get out of this," said Frodsham.
What's next
This call to action comes as state lawmakers are in their last days of legislative session, tentatively voting on a budget by April 27. Community advocates and local leaders said if their request for $40 million biennial funding is not renewed, ROW won't be able to respond to new encampments on a state right of way, starting in summer 2025.
"We just need to legislation to hear it and believe it and feel it," said Frodsham. "If there's no way in, there's not a way out. It's just the same revolving door that we've seen not work. Right of Way works. We need the funding."
The Source
Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Franque Thompson.
Boeing 737 reportedly rejected overseas, FOX 13 finds matching jet in Seattle
China retaliates against Trump's tariffs
Docs: Man accused of killing WA grandmother 'meticulously planned' murder
Gov. Bob Ferguson signs bill restricting armed forces from entering WA
Fast Ferry cuts loom as Washington faces budget crisis
Boy shot, killed in Tacoma, WA on Easter Sunday night
Seattle high school student shot, killed in Yakima on Easter Sunday
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
13-06-2025
- New York Post
California lawmakers to back proposal to freeze health care access for some migrants
California lawmakers will vote Friday on a budget proposal to freeze enrollment in a state-funded health care program for immigrants without legal status to help close a $12 billion deficit. Their plan is a scaled-back version of a proposal Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced in May. California, with the largest state budget in the country, is facing a deficit for the third year in a row. This year's budget shortfall has forced Democratic leaders to start cutting back on several liberal policy priorities, including to the landmark health care expansion for low-income adult immigrants without legal status. 8 Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at a press conference. JOHN G MABANGLO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The vote comes as tensions escalate in Los Angeles over President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown across Southern California. As protesters took to the streets and, at times, clashed with law enforcement in dayslong demonstrations, Trump said protests had turned violent and activated more than 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines over the objections of city and state leaders. The demonstrations have largely been peaceful. California has sued the federal government to stop the deployment. The decision to freeze Medicaid enrollment highlights Democratic state leaders' struggle to protect progressive priorities against budget challenges. Illinois and Minnesota, also led by Democratic governors, are on track to end health care access to low-income adults without legal status after facing budget shortfalls. 8 Supporters of proposals to expand California's government-funded health care benefits to undocumented immigrants gather at the Capitol for the Immigrants Day of Action on May 20, 2019. AP 8 Protestors holding signs advocating for guaranteed healthcare in California. AP 8 Protestors holding signs against Proposition 187. TNS It is not the state's final spending plan. Newsom and legislative leaders are still negotiating solutions before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. Lawmakers must pass a balanced budget by Sunday or else they would forfeit their salaries. Democratic state leaders are also bracing for potential federal cuts to health care programs and other broad economic uncertainty such as federal tariff policies that could force them to make even deeper cuts. Republican lawmakers say the Legislature's budget doesn't do enough to rein in costs ahead of future deficits. 'We have a structural deficit of ongoing programs continuing to increase at a greater rate than revenues are increasing,' state Sen. Roger Niello said. 'So far, there's nothing seen to reverse that.' Freezing access and adding premiums The state has more than 1.6 million people without legal status enrolled in its health care program this fiscal year, according to the budget. 8 Republican lawmakers say the Legislature's budget doesn't do enough to rein in costs ahead of future deficits. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images 8 Newsom and legislative leaders are still negotiating solutions before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. AP Under Newsom's plan, low-income adults without legal status would no longer be eligible to apply for Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, starting in 2026. Those who are already enrolled wouldn't be kicked off their plans but would have to start paying a $100 monthly premium in 2027. State officials said the plan would help curb future spending and save $5.4 billion by fiscal year 2028-2029. Lawmakers mostly agreed on the plan to halt enrollment for adults without legal status, but their proposal also includes a provision to allow people to reenroll within six months if they lose coverage for missing payment. The monthly premium would also lower by roughly a third to $30 and would only apply to adults between 19 and 59 under the Legislature's plan. The proposal would save roughly $3.8 billion by fiscal year 2027-2028. The proposals would likely result in people losing coverage because they can't afford the premiums and send more people into emergency rooms, advocates said. 'This is no way to respond to concerns about the health and safety of communities that power our economy and contribute billions in state taxes,' said Masih Fouladi, Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy Center. 8 Under Newsom's plan, low-income adults without legal status would no longer be eligible to apply for Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. AP 8 According to advocates, the proposals would likely result in people losing coverage because they can't afford the premiums and send more people into emergency rooms. AP Democrats divided California was among one of the first states to extend free health care benefits to all low-income adults regardless of their immigration status, an ambitious plan touted by Newsom to help the nation's most populous state inch closer to a goal of universal health care. But the cost ran billions more than the administration had anticipated and is projected to keep growing. California provides free health care to more than a third of its 39 million people. Several Democrats said the Medicaid enrollment freeze does not align with California values, adding the Legislature is breaking promises to taxpayers. 'People have already a decreased amount of trust in government and when we continue to go back on our words, it makes it even harder,' State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat, said of the proposal at a hearing this week. Democratic state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson defended the budget proposal, saying that the plan is not cutting benefits to people who are already enrolled as Legislature also avoided more devastating cuts in social services. Lawmakers rejected the governor's plan to cut funding for a program providing in-home domestic and personal care services for some low-income residents and Californians with disabilities. They also rejected a proposal that would have cut funding for Planned Parenthood's budget by a third. 'No one who is currently covered will lose their health care coverage,' she said.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Geopolitical upheaval tops new shipping concerns survey
For the second year in a row, political instability remains at the forefront of maritime concerns, a reflection of the geopolitical tremors resonating through the globe, according to a new industry survey. The 2024-2025 Maritime Barometer Report released by the International Chamber of Shipping paints a stark picture: with over 70 national elections impacting half the world's population in 2024, the repercussions for maritime operations are profound. As the survey indicates, maritime leaders consistently rank political instability as the top risk, driven by the persistent winds of global conflict and economic upheaval. Emanuele Grimaldi, ICS Chairman, who also heads his family's namesake shipping empire, underscores the gravity of the situation. 'This geopolitical instability is reshaping our operating environments, creating cautious and uncertain commercial landscapes,' Grimaldi said in a preface to the sentiment is echoed across the industry, where a lack of confidence in handling political volatility continues to plague decision-makers, as highlighted by contrasting polls showcasing a drop in industry confidence. Contributing to this volatility are significant policy shifts, particularly from the United States. Recent tariffs and trade investigations exacerbate existing tensions, complicating the global supply chain and challenging the shipping sector's adaptability. The complexity of these dynamics is not lost on maritime executives, who are increasingly turning to Trade Disruption Insurance (TDI) to mitigate uncertain trade outcomes, reflecting a pragmatic yet cautious approach to an unpredictable political concerns, cyber-attacks have consolidated their place as a critical threat. The digital backbone of maritime operations is under siege, with state-sponsored entities increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has voiced 'grave concern,' alongside warnings from the U.S. Government Accountability Office about urgent cybersecurity vulnerabilities. ICS survey data corroborates these apprehensions, ranking cyber-attacks as the second-highest risk. Allianz's 2025 Risk Barometer further cements this position, portraying a landscape rife with cyber-crime and IT network disruptions. For maritime leaders, fortifying digital infrastructures and nurturing a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all levels of the workforce is not just prudent, it's essential. An increasing administrative burden looms large as one of the top risks identified in this year's report. This escalation is attributed to a swirl of regulatory changes that shipowners must navigate. From European Union emissions trading schemes to IMO carbon intensity indicators, the regulatory landscape is dense and unyielding. Although there is a noted dip in confidence, there's also a recognition among maritime stakeholders of the critical need to streamline compliance processes. At the same time, barriers to trade continue to loom, intertwined with political and regulatory complexities. The dual pressures of protectionist policies and shifting trade alliances are forcing maritime leaders to reevaluate strategies and fortify supply chains against emerging disruptions. These barriers, though not new, have gained renewed relevance in the face of potential trade wars and economic nationalism — challenges the maritime industry must adeptly the industry stands on the precipice of a green transformation, decarbonization efforts are gaining momentum, albeit cautiously. The report highlights a commitment to sustainability, with maritime leaders expressing mixed sentiments towards the viability of alternative fuels. While liquefied natural gas (LNG), heavy fuel oil (HFO) with abatement technology, and biofuels emerge as frontrunners, alternative solutions such as methanol and ammonia are gradually gaining ground. The ICS findings reveal a precarious balance between the allure of tried-and-tested fuel options and the promise of innovative green technologies. Methanol and ammonia offer enticing possibilities, yet concerns over infrastructure and safety remain hurdles to their widespread adoption. Nonetheless, shifts toward cleaner fuels signal a promising trajectory, albeit one contingent on sustained regulatory support and financial investment. Climate concerns remain a constant undercurrent in maritime planning, woven deeply into the industry's decision-making process. While leaders acknowledge the sector's environmental impact, tapping into sustainable practices presents a combination of challenges and opportunities. The ICS survey delineates a hopeful yet guarded stance: that confidence towards handling green regulations is growing, even as the specter of mixed public funding damps some enthusiasm. Technological advances and regulatory progress at forums like the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee offer glimmers of optimism. Likewise, greater collaboration between public and private sectors could galvanize the needed leap toward sustainable maritime practices, echoing the sentiments of many surveyed industry stakeholders. The report delivers a holistic portrayal of an industry poised at a crossroads. Political instability, cyber threats, regulatory pressures, and the drive for sustainability converge to present both formidable challenges and unprecedented opportunities for change. Industry collaboration and a collective push for resilient frameworks are more vital than ever, shaping the course for a maritime future that is greener, safer, and more adaptable to an ever-changing world ecosystem. Said Grimaldi, 'Above all, collaboration and communication are key.' Find more articles by Stuart Chirls peak coming as trans-Pacific container rates double Retailers see cargo surge coming WATCH: Four crew missing after container ship explosion off coast of India Trac Intermodal preps 200K chassis for China container surge The post Geopolitical upheaval tops new shipping concerns survey appeared first on FreightWaves.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Zambia's president not wanted at predecessor's funeral, family says
Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu, who died last week, left instructions that his successor Hakainde Hichilema "should not be anywhere near" his body, a family spokesman has said. This is the latest development in the bitter feud over funeral plans for the late president following his death in South Africa at the age of 68. The government had planned to fly his body back home on Wednesday, but failed to do so because of a dispute with Lungu's family and his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), over mourning and funeral arrangements. The two leaders were long-standing political rivals, with Hichilema defeating Lungu in the 2021 election after failing in five previous attempts. Lungu died of an undisclosed illness, but the PF said last week that he had been receiving "specialised treatment" in South Africa. The PF alleged that Lungu was banned from leaving the country for years and that if he had been allowed to travel to seek medical treatment sooner, he might still be alive. The government has denied the allegation. Funeral row causes chaos for mourners of Zambia's ex-president Zambia's Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe was among government officials who flew to South Africa on Wednesday for talks with Lungu's widow, Esther, and his influential daughter, Tasila, to break the deadlock over what happens next. The government wants to give Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, a state funeral. The Lungu family's spokesman, lawyer Makebi Zulu, previously told the BBC that the family was not opposed to this, but it wanted a say over who would preside over the service. However, in a video released from South Africa on Thursday, Mr Zulu said the family had put in place "all logistics" to fulfil Lungu's wishes to be given a private funeral and that Hichelema "should not be anywhere near" his body. The government was behaving as though the family had "no say" over his burial and the way he should be mourned, Mr Zulu added. It was the family's desire that the "conscience of the deceased should not be betrayed", he said. In his response, Haimbe said that while the bereaved family had put forward its wishes, Lungu's funeral affected all Zambians. "I'm sure all of us would want to have a fitting send-off for our former president, and that is what we must work towards achieving," the foreign minister told local journalists. In an earlier statement, the government said that "constructive consultations" were continuing with Lungu's family to ensure the "smooth repatriation" of his body. The dispute has caused much sadness and confusion among Zambians who are unclear how to mourn the ex-president. The government declared a seven-day national mourning period starting last Saturday, even though the PF announced one days earlier. The government declared that the official venue for mourning would be a lodge it owns in the capital, Lusaka, but the PF dismissed this plan, directing mourners to its headquarters instead. Constitutional lawyer John Sangwa told the BBC that the "tug-of-war" highlighted the need for Zambia to come up with a law which outlined funeral arrangements for presidents and ex-presidents, but he believed that at the end of the day the wishes of the family should be respected. After Lungu's defeat in the 2021 election, he stepped back from politics but later returned to the fray. He remained the biggest political drawcard of the PF, and he had ambitions to vie for the presidency again. However, at the end of last year the Constitutional Court barred him from running, ruling that he had already served the maximum two terms allowed by law. 'My son is a drug addict, please help' - the actor breaking a Zambian taboo An ancient writing system confounding myths about Africa Zambia president orders ministers to stop sleeping in cabinet Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Focus on Africa This Is Africa
