"Homelessness Resources and Persistent Barriers in Idaho Region 2"

League of Women Voters of Moscow Speaker Series: Casey Bolt. Bolt's background is in economics, and he recently completed his preparation for an academic career, earning a doctorate in economics from Washington State University. He lives in Pullman and most recently took over as executive director at Sojourners Alliance, a Moscow nonprofit dedicated to confronting barriers that lead to homelessness. The issue of homelessness on the Palouse and in Region 2 is complex. Homelessness programs across the country have transformed after changes in legislation, and Sojourners Alliance has followed in this transformation. The organization now serves five counties in Idaho that comprises region 2. Federal money in response to the pandemic expanded the extent of services Sojourners could provide in the region. Now, those resources are coming to an end, and we face no reduction in need. In addition, a shortage of supply in housing has led to increases in the cost of housing. These challenges, in addition to persistent housing barriers faced by many individuals based on their history, will require collaboration between organizations like Sojourners, governments, private entities and individuals.