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City staff updates commission on Lacey Veterans Services Hub expansion, operations and volunteer growth
Summary
Human Services Coordinator Michelle Chavez briefed the commission on the Lacey Veterans Services Hub's growth, a $500,000 congressional appropriation for accessibility improvements, a management transition to joint city-county oversight and plans to hire a permanent coordinator.
City staff briefed the Lacey Human Services Commission on operations, growth and planned improvements at the Lacey Veterans Services Hub at the Feb. 6 meeting.
Human Services Coordinator Michelle Chavez said the hub began as a mobile outreach program, expanded to leased office space in 2014 and opened a remodeled, permanent community space in 2021. Chavez said a 2025 phase of improvements is funded by a $500,000 congressional appropriation for accessibility upgrades; planning and environmental review are complete and staff hope to go to bid in 2025 for an internal lift and other accessibility improvements.
Chavez noted the hub brings together multiple veteran service providers to act as a one-stop shop for veterans, active-duty members and families and listed partners including the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, Tacoma Vet Center, Thurston County Veterans Assistance Fund, HUD VASH, DAV and other service providers.
The hub offers a community room, private offices, a free computer lab and transportation for veterans to medical appointments. Chavez said volunteer engagement has increased: volunteers doubled in January and the hub had 15 volunteers at the time of the update. Volunteers provide van shuttles for medical appointments, front-desk coverage and community outreach; the hub operates weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Chavez said management of day-to-day hub operations transitioned to a joint city-county oversight model on Jan. 2 while the city recruits a permanent, full-time coordinator who will be a Lacey employee. Staff plan additional outreach, volunteer recruitment and a strategic planning process with partners.
Commissioners discussed hosting a commission meeting or tour at the hub and noted the facility can accommodate meetings in its community room. Chavez said the city will recognize long-term volunteer drivers at a Feb. 18 City Council meeting.
Chavez closed by encouraging commissioners to visit the hub and participate in future strategic-planning conversations with county and state partners.
