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County OKs $3.8 million encampment-resolution interagency agreement; county contracts providers for $3.68 million in projects
Summary
Thurston County approved a $3.8 million interagency agreement with the Washington Department of Commerce for Encampment Resolution Program funding and authorized contracts totaling $3.68 million with Interfaith Works and the Low Income Housing Institute to fund four regional projects.
The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 19 approved an interagency agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce providing $3,800,000 to the county for the Encampment Resolution Program (ERP) and separately authorized contracts with Interfaith Works and the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) totaling $3,680,000 to run four county projects.
The county’s portion of Commerce funding is $3.8 million of a regional $5,576,751 award; the balance of the regional allocation goes to the City of Olympia. The period of performance for the county agreement is July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Tom Webster of the Thurston County Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention briefed the board and clarified award numbers after questions from commissioners. “The correct number is 3,800,000,” Webster said when staff corrected an earlier draft agenda error. Public Health and Social Services Director Jen Preihite and other staff answered technical questions during the discussion.
County staff said the $3.8 million will support four ERP projects and county administrative costs. The board later approved provider contracts to fund four named projects with Interfaith Works and LIHI—Unity Commons, Sandy’s Flats, Lehigh Lotus Court and Lehigh Maple Court—totaling $3,680,000 for the July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 performance period. Commissioners emphasized the contracts reflect recent negotiations with Commerce and the Regional Housing Council’s prioritization; Commerce made some adjustments and staff worked with the regional partners to reallocate funds.
The board voted to authorize the Director of Public Health and Social Services to sign the interagency agreement and to execute provider contracts and amendments that do not exceed 10%. The motions carried with all commissioners present voting in favor.
County officials said they plan to use the funds to support shelter capacity (including Unity Commons) and housing projects intended to resolve encampments and provide stable alternatives. Staff noted the award reflected an active negotiation with Commerce to align regional priorities and maintain support for projects that are already operating successfully.
Next steps include executing the Commerce interagency agreement and provider contracts and beginning project implementation under the July 1 start date for the one-year performance window. Staff will also coordinate required reporting to Commerce and work with the City of Olympia on the regional funding allocation.
