About the Homelessness Prevention and Diversion Fund

The Homeless Prevention and Diversion Fund (HPDF), a state-supported program that helps young people ages 12-24 quickly resolve housing crises and prevent homelessness in the first place. This program is a collaborative approach between government and community organizations and is proving to successfully prevent and end homelessness among young people.

Since being implemented in 2016:

  • 1,704 households have been served since 2020, including more than 611 households between 2023 and 2024

  • Has more than doubled in size and now operates in ten counties, including Clark, Clallam-Jefferson, Whatcom, Thurston, and Skagit.

    • The program was originally piloted in Pierce, Spokane, Walla Walla, and Yakima Counties.

The Impact of the Homelessness Prevention and Diversion Fund

A report published by Northstar Advocates highlights the positive impact of HPDF, which is managed by the Washington State Office of Homeless Youth.

The report found that HPDF:

  • Successfully assists youth and young adults in quickly securing housing outside the homelessness response system, usually in less than 72 hours.

  • Is faster and more cost-effective than traditional homeless services.

    • The average cost per household is $2,659, compared to $4,318 per household for emergency services.

Colorful cover art depicting two hooded figures squatting, facing each other. Between them is a small house with swirls and circles. Bold graffiti-style text reads 'Scaling.' The bottom section mentions 'Scaling Equitable Solutions For Youth Homelessness Prevention in Washington State.' Credits include Elisha Pritchett, Kiki Serantes, Liz Harding Chao, MPA, and cover art by Cristina “Pink” Varela.

The study also finds that HPDF has successfully supported young people facing homelessness.

Of the households that accessed support from the HPDF since it began in 2020:

  • 93% stayed stably housed one year later

  • 59% identified as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)

  • Over 1 in 5 households identifies as LGBQ+

    • HPDF does serve and support the transgender community. Individuals identifying as transgender were included in the ”gender-expansive” data set.

  • 1 in 10 households identifies as gender-expansive

    • The term “gender-expansive” includes transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and two-spirit individuals.

  • 38% were pregnant and/or parenting

  • 20% had a disability