Public‑health staff to apply for homelessness capacity grant; county directs transfer plan for two county-owned supportive homes

Sam Jackal, the county’s senior homeless housing and program coordinator, asked the board to approve applying for a Community Solutions capacity‑building grant to add a full‑time data‑lead/case‑conferencing position to support a by‑name list and coordinated case conferencing. The board approved the application unanimously.

Separately, the board considered the future of two county‑owned residential properties used for developmental‑disability housing (Valencia and Fern properties) that are currently managed by Valley Residential Services. Commissioners discussed three options: (1) explore transferring ownership to the Wallowa Housing Authority and establish a one‑year lease with Valley Residential, (2) keep county ownership and establish a new long lease with Valley Residential, or (3) transfer ownership to the housing authority and not renew the lease with Valley Residential.

Valley Residential and a Walla Walla housing authority representative described their partnership history and current management of the homes; Valley Residential said properties have been maintained with a dedicated maintenance fund. Commissioners directed staff to pursue Option 1: work with Wallowa Housing Authority on a transfer and establish a one‑year lease with Valley Residential while transitioning ownership and confirming maintenance‑fund status. The board’s motion passed 3–0.

Ending: Community Health will apply for the capacity‑building grant; staff will coordinate with Valley Residential and Wallowa Housing Authority to pursue the transfer/one‑year lease option and to document maintenance funds and responsibilities for a transition.