OLYMPIA – Today, Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1177 into law, expanding the Child Welfare Housing Assistance Program. Sponsored by Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self (D-Mukilteo), the bill removes the waitlist for eligible families and ensures housing assistance continues after child welfare involvement ends.
“This bill helps keep families together. It costs the state more to support foster care than it does to provide housing, and we know housing stability directly impacts reunification,” said Rep. Ortiz-Self. “Poverty and housing instability should never be reasons to separate families.”
Since 2019, the program has helped prevent foster care placements by addressing housing needs. Today’s legislation strengthens oversight, improves transparency, and builds on successful partnerships between DCYF and public housing authorities.
By investing in housing assistance, the state saves money—and more importantly—spares children from unnecessary trauma.
The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the legislative session.
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