Public health to issue consolidated RFPs totaling millions for affordable housing, homeless services and veterans aid

Thurston County public-health and social-services staff told commissioners Jan. 14 they will issue a consolidated Request for Proposals (RFP) on Jan. 24 that combines four separate RFP processes for affordable housing, homeless services, veterans shelter funding and related programs. Tom (last name not specified in transcript) and Public Health Director Jennifer Freiheit described the schedule and funding sources.

Key figures provided by staff: the affordable housing RFP will distribute more than $7,000,000 in federal and local funds (including Community Development Block Grant money targeted to South County jurisdictions and unincorporated county); the homeless services RFP will distribute approximately $13,000,000 of combined state and local funding; and the veterans emergency shelter fund is approximately $75,000. Staff said applications will be due Feb. 28 and that reviews will involve advisory boards, including the homeless services and affordable housing advisory boards. The county intends to have most funds flow through the regional housing council; CDBG allocations are identified by the county manager and mayors of South County jurisdictions.

Staff noted continuing discussions about potential reductions in right-of-way funding at the state level and will prepare contingency plans accordingly. Commissioners urged staff to pursue additional funding opportunities from state agencies and other sources during the 2025 session to expand available resources. The county indicated it needs to issue the RFP on the published timeline to meet contract and fiscal-year deadlines ahead of the July 1 state fiscal year start.