Thurston County public-health staff outline $4.08 million Encampment Resolution Program award and provider contracts

Jennifer Freiheit, Director of Public Health and Social Services (PHSS), briefed the board on a Washington State Department of Commerce Encampment Resolution Program (ERP) award of $4,080,000 for Thurston County and on proposed contracts with Interfaith Works and the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) to fund four ERP projects totaling $3,960,000.

Freiheit said the proposed contracts are a continuation of work discussed at previous meetings and that PHSS staff will present additional detail at an upcoming meeting, including the distribution among program buckets affecting the Office of Homeless Services. "We have reached out to the cities of Olympia and Lacey, who are in agreement to join a meeting with the chair and city and county managers," Freiheit said.

Why it matters: ERP funding supports coordinated efforts to address encampments, increase housing supports and fund provider projects. The board heard staff emphasize coordination with cities and the state Department of Commerce and signaled a near-term follow-up presentation with more granular budget and project details.

Provider contracts: Staff presented a request to approve contracts with Interfaith Works and LIHI to fund four projects under the ERP for a total of $3,960,000. Freiheit said the organizations and county staff have already been in communication with state commerce staff as part of the implementation planning.

Next steps: PHSS will present more detailed budget breakdowns and implementation plans at a follow-up meeting to which city staff from Olympia and Lacey will be invited. Commissioners did not finalize detailed contract language in the presentation at this meeting.