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Head Scullery Maid's avatar

Could this be an opportunity to reallocate the money for better use and more targeted outcome?

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Derek Brown's avatar

Totally fair question. I’m all for reviewing programs and using that to streamline or improve outcomes. But so far, there hasn’t been a review—just cuts. Without a clear process or transparency, it feels less like reallocation and more like simply reducing services. I'd feel more confident if the language and actions actually supported a real evaluation, which takes time and resources too.

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Head Scullery Maid's avatar

I'm hearing "The message at the federal level is to cut waste and invest in recovery oriented programs not housing first." Please keep us posted!

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Derek Brown's avatar

Oh, where is this quote from?

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Head Scullery Maid's avatar

Andrea Suarez, the founder of We Heart Seattle. It was just a comment on my Facebook post (I shared your article). She is my go to for info on successful grassroots homeless/addiction action. https://weheartseattle.org

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Head Scullery Maid's avatar

This was her whole comment: "The message at the federal level is to cut waste and invest in recovery oriented programs not housing first (which means no requirement to quit drugs and get a job). Some overhaul may be needed across the board. There is a lot of general statements and reporting out there without the details being also considered. Generally speaking any approach that fund programs who help people reach self sufficiency should be funded."

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Derek Brown's avatar

Thank you for sharing my article! I like her statement about helping promote self sufficiency. And, yes, right now it's not exactly clear what will be cut. Just that there will be less resources, which will undoubtedly affect programs. Hopefully, we can preserve the programs that are showing real impact and changing communities for the better!

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Head Scullery Maid's avatar

Hoping you'll come out of your presentation to congress on Wednesday with some new insights while you emphasize the importance of this work.

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