Lacey Human Services Commission hears presentations from 20 applicant groups seeking $300,000 in city human services grants

The Lacey Human Services Commission on June 5 heard short presentations from 20 nonprofit applicants asking the commission to recommend allocations from the city’s $300,000 human services grant program.

Michelle Chavez, human services coordinator, told the commission the applications were open April 8–May 23 and that the commission will score applications using a rubric (electronic copies to be provided). The program allows up to $50,000 per capital or service project; applicants may seek a mix of capital and services funding. The commission received 21 applications originally for a total request of about $848,000; one applicant later withdrew, leaving 20 applicants competing for $300,000.

Presenters described a wide range of services. Examples from the meeting: • Olympia Camp Kitties (presenter Carrie Graff) asked for funding to provide free spay/neuter services for cats owned by people experiencing homelessness; Graff said the group transports animals from encampments and shelters and covers veterinary costs, and estimated roughly 50–70 cats per year in the Lacey urban growth area. • For the Love Foundation (Tiffany Munoz, Tessa Eflin) described small-dollar rental and survival supports, holiday food programs and rapid fulfillment that the group said has already delivered more than $80,000 in assistance countywide year-to-date; the group requested $50,000 and said it fills gaps when other resources are exhausted. • Rebuilding Together Thurston County (Pete) described no-cost home repairs, accessibility work and yard repairs for low-income homeowners; the group said construction costs vary widely but that $50,000 could fund repairs on roughly 5–7 homes and that it completed about 13 projects in Lacey last year. • Community Action Council (Carrie Blackburn) summarized the agency’s housing stabilization work and said last year’s city grant enabled the agency to serve dozens of Lacey households with case management, eviction prevention and move-in assistance. • Habitat for Humanity, Homes First, Senior Services for South Sound (HomeShare), YWCA Olympia (Kathleen’s Closet), All Kids Win (weekend school food bags), North Thurston Education Foundation (McKinney-Vento student supports), Grub/Garden Raised Bounty (free backyard gardens), World Relief (refugee housing stabilization), and other organizations also presented projects addressing housing, food, elder services, youth and family stability.

Presenters frequently noted partnerships with school districts, shelters and other local nonprofits; several asked how the commission would ensure grant dollars benefit residents specifically within the Lacey city area. Chavez and other staff said applicants’ records and fulfillment spreadsheets will allow staff to map client locations and verify Lacey residency where required. Several applicants said their funding requests were scalable.

Commissioners asked about outreach methods, how applicants prioritize Lacey residents, follow-up care (for animal surgeries and medical follow-up), and program capacity. Commissioners were reminded that the commission is advisory: the commission will score and recommend allocations to the city council, which has final authority.

The commission will receive the scoring rubric electronically, meet again to review scores and send a recommendation to council. Chavez said she will email instructions and the rubrics the next day; the commission will meet again June 26 for other business related to the consolidated CDBG plan.

No funding awards were made at the June 5 meeting; commission members will now score proposals and prepare a recommendation for city council review.