Chelan-Douglas Task Force seeks members with lived experience of homelessness

WENATCHEE — The Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force is seeking new members who have personally experienced homelessness to help guide decisions on housing services and funding in the region.

Candidates must either have lived unhoused in the past or currently be without stable housing. Applicants must also reside in Chelan or Douglas counties. The task force is looking to fill one member position and one alternate position. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 17.

“We are looking for people who are willing to share their own lived experience and use that knowledge to advocate for other community members living in similar situations,” said Madison Calloway, Homeless Program supervisor at Chelan County. “Such a unique perspective will help guide the task force in making important decisions such as funding allocations.”

The appointments carry two-year terms, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and ending Dec. 31, 2027.

The task force, which currently has five voting members and 16 non-voting members, meets quarterly from 3 to 5 p.m., typically on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The annual schedule is set in December.

Applicants are asked to share details about their life experiences and how they would advocate for others who are experiencing homelessness. Applications are available on the Chelan County website and may be submitted by email to Calloway at madison.calloway@co.chelan.wa.us.

A selection committee will interview candidates on Oct. 29 and recommend up to five applicants to the full task force for consideration. Final appointments will be made by the Chelan County Board of Commissioners. Successful candidates will be notified in mid-November.

The Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force includes elected officials, agency representatives, and other community stakeholders. The group helps shape a five-year homeless housing plan for the two counties and allocates grant funding to local organizations.