Some cities have been interested in home-sharing programs to match up community members who have empty bedrooms in their homes with people in need—and a bill sponsored by Rep. Michelle Caldier (R–Port Orchard) does just that.

HB 2639 directs the Department of Commerce to create and manage a grant program to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations that operate home-sharing programs. These organizations would help people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, to locate host homes. Services could include screening for compatibility, background checks, case management, and conflict resolution. The bill authorizes the state document recording fees to invest in this program.

Dates to remember

HB 2639 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Housing, Community Development & Veterans Committee at 10 am on Tuesday, January 28. The bill is also scheduled for a committee vote at 10 am on Friday, January 31.