Rep. Melanie Stambaugh has been appointed to the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee, which provides recommendations to the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs (OHY) on ways to reduce and prevent youth homelessness in Washington state.

The 12-member advisory committee is comprised of legislators, advocates, law enforcement personnel, service providers and other stakeholders. With the exception of legislative members, advisory committee members are appointed by the governor. Stambaugh is the newest member of the committee, replacing former Rep. Linda Kochmar.

“Over the past two years, I have worked to bring additional resources and opportunities to homeless students in our state,” said Stambaugh, R-Puyallup. “These young people are our future, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the advisory committee to ensure they have the support necessary to succeed in school and in life.”

Stambaugh was born and raised in Puyallup, and has served in the Legislature since 2015. During her first session, she worked closely with fellow 25th District lawmaker Rep. Hans Zeiger to secure funding for the completion of Highway 167. Stambaugh is a graduate of the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business. She also serves on the board of Communities In Schools of Puyallup.

The OHY and the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee were both established in 2015 by Senate Bill 5404. The primary goals of the advisory committee are to ensure: (1) Every family and youth in Washington state has the individualized support they need so no young person has to spend a single night without a safe and stable home; and (2) Every community has services that are equitable, accessible, effective, responsive and coordinated. The next advisory committee meeting will be held May 9 in Olympia.
– Washington House Republicans