News
Progress in the Pacific Northwest
Impatient Optimists, 1/22/13
David Bley, Director of the Pacific Northwest Initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, reports on results from the foundation's investment in local efforts to strengthen and improve family stability, education, and communities.
Helping Homeless Youth Realize Their Boundless Promise
Impatient Optimists, 1/16/13
Blog post based on a keynote speech that Tricia Raikes delivered to the Legislative Breakfast of the Committee to End Homelessness in King County on January 9, 2012. Because of the strong connection between youth and family homelessness, the Raikes and Gates Foundations are working in partnership in Washington state to address these issues.
2013 State Legislative Priorities
Our two lead priorities: A request for $6 million in continued support of the successful Washington Families Fund and continued support of the Housing Trust Fund.
// Read more...$2.24M in New Grants Announced
Washington Families Fund grant awards support programs and strategies that lead to family stability and improved systems for addressing homelessness.
// Read more...Our “Aha” Moments in Tracking Washington Families Fund Data
Impatient Optimists, 11/14/12
Alice Shobe, Executive Director of Building Changes, reflects on what we're learning and how data is guiding the Washington Families Fund Systems Initiative.
Creating 'The Big Tent' - Collaboration Key to Ending Homelessness
Impatient Optimists, 11/14/12
Lisa Gustaveson, Program Manager for Seattle University’s Faith and Family Homelessness Project, reflects on the "Big Tent" approach of the October 2012 Washington Families Fund Systems Initiative Data Convening.
Election-weary Politicians Can Work Together to Combat Homelessness
The Seattle Times, 11/9/12
Columnist Lance Dickie outlines a shared mission for lawmakers in 2013—invest in the Washington Families Fund to help end family homelessness.
Taking Risks and Learning from Systems Change Work in Washington State to End Family Homelessness
USICH Blog, 11/7/12
Jennifer Ho, Deputy Director of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), reflects on systems change work and lessons from the October 2012 Washington Families Fund Systems Initiative Data Convening.
Lessons on Ending Homelessness From 200 Smart Thinkers
Impatient Optimists, 11/6/12
David Wertheimer, Deputy Director of the Pacific Northwest initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, reflects on the audacious goal of ending family homelessness in Washington state and lessons from the October 2012 Washington Families Fund Systems Initiative Data Convening.
Mindy’s Story: A Journey of Homelessness
Impatient Optimists, 11/4/12
Melinda Woods, who is featured in the Building Changes' video "Open Doors," tells her story.
