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Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness

In November 2015, Mayor Nancy Backus convened a citizen task force to address homelessness in Auburn. This task force was comprised of community leaders, service providers, citizens, faith community, police and fire, school district, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, business owners and key city staff. This page provides information regarding the committee's progress, discussions and meetings.

For additional information please contact Kent Hay, Outreach Program Administrator, at [email protected] or 253-294-6429.


Latest News

On April 12, 2021, City of Auburn staff and community members presented information to the Auburn City Council on the current state of homelessness in Auburn. The report can be seen here in its entirety.

Meeting Materials:


Task Force Outcome

(updated June 2016)

The Task Force completed their work in April 2016 and presented a suggested action plan to the City Council on May 23, 2016.

View May 23 Council Study Session | Task Force Presentation to City Council (PDF) | Proposed Action Plan (PDF)


Homelessness in Auburn

  • According to the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness One Night County Data there are approximately 352 homeless men, women and children in Auburn.
  • Approximately 40% of Auburn's homeless population is unsheltered.
  • Auburn's homeless population has increased over 20% since 2014.

Task Force Mission Statement

The Task Force aimed to better understand the scope and causes of homelessness in Auburn, the systems in place to address homelessness, and considered the range of concerns and ideas identified by the community. The Task force identified and recommended a set of short-term and longer-term actions that our community can undertake to address these issues.

Task Force Members

  • Denise Daniels (Co-Chair), Family Engagement Coordinator
    Auburn School District

  • Carla Hopkins (Co-Chair), Library Cluster Manager
    Auburn Library

  • Kathie Blaschke, Auburn Resident

  • Cara Brinkley, PATH Outreach Case Manager
    Sound Mental Health

  • Debbie Christian, Executive Director
    Auburn Food Bank

  • Sarah Christensen, Director of Residential and Homeless Services
    Auburn Youth Resources

  • Diane Cimino-Kelly, Director, South King County Personal Health Partner Program
    MultiCare Emergency Department

  • Alexander Foster, Program Therapist
    Valley Cities

  • Virginia Gannon, Executive Director
    Christ Community Clinic

  • Dennis Grad, McKinney Vento Liaison
    Auburn School District

  • Jeremy James, Council Member
    Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

  • Laura Kniss, Church Program Volunteer
    Messiah Lutheran

  • Ted Leonard, Auburn Resident

  • Leticia Figueroa, Auburn Resident

  • Ron Roberts, Owner
    Gosanko Chocolate

  • Alexis Schleiss, Behavioral Health Care Coordinator
    HealthPoint

  • Kacie Bray, President & CEO
    Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce 

Meetings

Meetings were open to the public. Those attending meetings were offered opportunity to provide comments on comment cards if desired.

Helpful Information