The Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) made significant strides in addressing local housing needs during its meeting on February 26, 2025. A key highlight was the announcement of a collaborative effort to finalize funding for the Franz Anderson permanent supportive housing facility in Olympia. Alisa Sparkman, the communication specialist for the RHC, shared that a news release detailing this accomplishment would be distributed to media outlets and posted on social media, marking a notable achievement for the council.

The funding for the project was bolstered by contributions from the Washington State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity and the Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Trust Fund. However, additional support was necessary, prompting the RHC to coordinate a combined contribution from local jurisdictions, including Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater, amounting to $1.5 million. This collaborative funding effort underscores the commitment of the RHC and its partners to enhance housing solutions in the region.

In addition to the funding announcement, the council discussed upcoming initiatives, including the release of the 2024 RHC annual report and the first issue of a regional housing newsletter aimed at engaging the community. Members expressed enthusiasm for the newsletter, viewing it as a valuable tool for communication and outreach.

The meeting also touched on a request from Habitat for Humanity to support a $5 million capital budget request for a project on Boulevard Road. The council voted to endorse the letter of support, further demonstrating its proactive approach to addressing housing challenges in the area.

As the RHC continues to navigate these critical housing issues, the collaborative efforts and upcoming initiatives signal a strong commitment to improving housing accessibility and support for the community.