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County outlines state encampment-resolution and homeless-services funding allocations, plus affordable housing awards
Summary
Thurston County staff presented planned uses for Department of Commerce encampment-resolution program funds, a $14.7 million slate of homeless services contracts, and $5.24 million in affordable housing capital awards; most awards will be finalized after state contracts arrive.
Thurston County public health and housing staff on Tuesday described multiple incoming state and local funding streams to address encampments, homelessness and affordable housing construction, and asked the board to accept state contracts and approve recommended awards once state contracts are executed.
Public Health Director Jen Freidheit said the county expects to receive a Department of Commerce encampment-resolution program (ERP) award for the region and recommended the county's share total $3,630,000 for county-managed projects. The county's proposed ERP allocations include $200,000 for Interfaith Works' Unity Common Shelter, $402,000 for Interfaith Works Sandy's Flats, $2,900,000 for Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) for the Maple Court project, and $120,000 for county administration. Freidheit said the regional award to the first region is about $5,576,751, with the difference allocated to city-managed projects in Olympia.
Alex (Affordable Housing Program Manager) presented affordable housing capital funding awards: a recommended set of eight projects with combined estimated awards of $5,236,242; staff said contracts will be finalized once projects meet pre-contract requirements. Separately, staff presented a proposed slate of homeless services contracts with 17 nonprofit organizations funding 49 projects for a total estimated one-year amount of $14,696,319; those awards were recommended through the Homeless Services Advisory Board and Regional Housing Council processes.
Commissioners discussed oversight and scope of work for specific recipient projects (including Maple Court) and asked staff to continue refining scopes and oversight expectations. Staff said they will adjust award sequencing so the county's contract with Commerce is accepted first and then sub-awards are executed. Several commissioners asked staff to return with additional oversight details where projects have raised community complaints.
Staff said the items will be on the June 17 agenda in the correct sequence so state contracts are accepted before award contracts are signed.
