This past Friday, Federal Way volunteers participated in the One Night Count of the Homeless.

I believe it is important to recognize the progress that has been made addressing homelessness in our community. The street count brings together a diverse group of citizens, staff from service agencies, local businesses and the faith community to collaborate and coordinate efforts to address this serious problem.

Efforts in Federal Way have been the spark to respond to the question, “What now?” Our faith community, social services agencies, local businesses, elected officials and citizens have stepped up to expand services for the homeless including a men’s shelter, a day center, a dental van and additional resources becoming available.

As Chief of Police, I have seen the positive impact these services have on our vulnerable citizens. This past December with our extreme weather, churches opened their doors to provide shelter and services to the homeless. Our police officers are better able to direct homeless residents to resources within our community given these outstanding efforts.

We are all seeing the impacts of the economy with jobs being lost and significant cuts in family budgets. In spite of these tough times, this community has responded in amazing ways to enhance resources at local food banks and to increase other services available to those in need.

It is important for all of us to come together, continue with these remarkable efforts, and find new ways to help those in need within the Federal Way community.

Brian J. Wilson, Chief of Police, Federal Way Police Department