The 2026 Washington State Legislative Session is underway, and DESC is advocating for investment in life-saving programs, including permanent supportive housing, behavioral health treatment, and mobile crisis response.
Read our 2026 Legislative Priorities.
This year, to protect our clients in these programs, we have four main legislative priorities:
1. Protect Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) from federal cuts and chaos
Earlier this year, uncertainty with the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)’s Continuum of Care (CoC) program put $120 million at risk for programs like DESC.
CoC funding is essential for PSH and the stable homes our neighbors rely on. State investment in PSH will ensure the continuation of these life-changing programs.
2. Stabilize investment in state-funded PSH Operations, Maintenance, & Services (OMS)
Once housed, many individuals need ongoing support to remain in their homes. Thousands of housing units, paired with wraparound services, are critical to ending homelessness in our region.
Maintaining and possibly increasing resources to Washington State’s OMS programs will ensure capital investments in permanent supportive housing units, keeping tenants housed and supported.
3. Preserve behavioral health programs that bring care to people where and how they need it
People experiencing chronic homelessness and behavioral health disabilities need access to housing, mental health care, medication for opioid use disorder, and mobile crisis outreach. Sustained state investment in behavioral health programs and crisis response services is essential to make these supports possible.
4. Grow our state’s housing legacy through preservation & preparation for the future
Continuing to fund emergency shelter, affordable housing, and transitional housing is key to ending homelessness and creating a sustainable future for the region.