As homelessness and drug overdose deaths continue to spiral out-of-control in Washington State, a group of more than 50 local officials have taken steps to provide alternatives to the political philosophies which they believe are at the root of the problem – progressives’ Housing First homeless strategy and Harm Reduction drug policy.

Last Thursday, Future 42 (an affiliated group with Change Washington) announced that more than 50 city and county officials had already signed a pledge to seek alternatives to the failed policies which they believe have made worse the serious homeless and illegal drug problems facing many Washington state communities.

Since the announcement, more local officials have asked to be included on the list. Organizers expect far more local officials will join the effort in the coming weeks as constituents bring the pledge to their attention.  (Elected officials interested in signing the pledge can learn more by sending an email to pledge@future42.org.)

The list of seven alternative ideas includes requiring those with substance abuse problems to participate in addiction treatment before receiving public housing assistance, defund existing “safe consumption sites” and needle exchanges, increase funding of mental health facilities, and enact/enforce tougher restrictions on illegal encampments. See the complete list of ideas on the pledge here.

This announcement came on the heels of more bad news on the suffering taking place in many Washington communities. 

• The Centers for Disease Control reported that while overdose deaths in the US had dropped 3% last year, in Washington it tragically increased by 27.6%.
• Despite billions being spent to combat homelessness in King County, the latest Point-In-Time count found that the homeless population grew an incredible 23%, from 13,368 in 2022 to 16,385 today.

Snohomish County Councilmember Nate Nehring has been one of the elected officials behind the effort to promote commonsense measures to end the suffering. “It is frustrating to watch billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money being wasted on programs which simply do not work,” said the second term councilmember. “It is time for elected officials to listen to the public and implement policies which end government’s enabling of self-destructive behavior.”

The Housing First philosophy is based on the belief that the homelessness occurs due to economic reasons. Followers believe taxpayers should fund housing for everyone, no matter if they have addiction or mental health issues. After housing is secured, the individual will be able to work on their destabilizing problems.

Progressives believe that Harm Reduction (instead of abstinence and treatment programs) is the best method to reduce both the negative social and/or physical consequences from illegal drug use. Needle exchanges and safe injection sites are typical Harm Reduction programs.

While those who support Housing First and Harm Reduction may have good intentions, the facts prove that these are expensive policies which enable suffering to continue. There is growing hope that change can take place as more West Coast progressives are reversing course. For example, normally very progressive San Francisco Mayor London Breed, whose sister died of an overdose, now asserts, “Harm reduction from my perspective is not reducing the harm.”

If you agree that we must significantly alter our approach to the drug and homeless crises, then you can assist the effort by asking your local officials to sign the pledge. Either email the pledge or print it off and deliver it in person. Questions or completed forms can be emailed to pledge@future42.org.