Together, we can create lasting change.

Our work impacts people across Washington and the systems that serve them.

Communities thrive when people have safe and stable housing. Unfortunately, homelessness and housing instability is a reality for far too many of us, particularly children, youth, and families of color. Systemic failings, inequitable access to services, and lack of coordination between the housing, education, and health systems contribute to this growing problem. That is why Building Changes works at the intersection of these systems, advancing racial equity and advocating for change, in service to people experiencing homelessness in Washington. We focus our experience and expertise at this unique level because it is where we see great need and where we can have greatest impact.

Evidence of Our Impact

  • With financial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Building Changes led the Family Homelessness Initiative, a decade-long intensive effort to create high-performing homeless systems in Washington’s three most populous counties: King, Pierce, and Snohomish. From 2011 through 2020, we assisted in the design and implementation of 79 projects totaling $29.8 million. We are documenting and sharing what we learned through the initiative about making homeless systems more equitable and effective. 
  • Our statewide policy and advocacy efforts, in concert with those of our allies, have bolstered public investments in the Homeless Student Stability Program and Washington Youth & Families Fund; increased funding for Diversion statewide through the Department of Commerce; supported and provided leadership for Project Education Impact, a statewide coalition focused on increasing educational equity for young people experiencing homelessness and/or foster care; helped extend the statewide eviction moratorium to support children, youth, and families experiencing housing crises during the pandemic; and helped pass new legislation that provides critical support for pregnant and postpartum persons experiencing homelessness and others on Medicaid.
  • Our leadership and administration of the Washington Youth & Families Fund has resulted in the investment of additional public and private dollars towards innovative housing interventions and strategies that support youth and families experiencing homelessness. To date, we have awarded $62.7M in funding to 122 grantees — including two tribes — across 26 counties.

Our Statewide Grantmaking

Explore awards we’ve granted by county through the Washington Youth & Families Fund (WYFF) and the Washington State Student and Youth Homelessness COVID-19 Response Fund.

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