Polk County staff on Thursday told supervisors they want permission to make a written offer on a 77‑room hotel and convert it into a family stabilization center, using $3.5 million from the county’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) allocation toward purchase and construction costs.

Rachel Adams, who led the presentation, said the site — which she described as bright and flexible — would allow the county to put services and sleeping spaces under one roof. “Polk County’s ERA 2 funds were allocated to this project in the amount of 3,500,000.0,” Adams told the board, and she said operational costs would be covered by the organization operating the center together with community support.

The property under discussion is being offered at about $4.5 million, according to Realtor Chris Fultz of NAI Iowa Realty, who told the board the seller’s asking price equates to roughly $58,400 per room. Fultz advised that a 30–40 day due diligence period would be reasonable to obtain an appraisal and necessary inspections.

Why it matters: county staff and supervisors said the purchase would respond to a pressing local need identified in the Blueprint for Homelessness. An attendee reported there were 135 families on the family shelter wait list as of the previous Wednesday, and staff said the average stay at the emergency shelter system runs close to 70 days.

What staff proposed and what remains unsettled
Adams said she prepared white papers on multiple options and narrowed the recommendation to two viable properties; she called the recommended site a “Goldilocks moment” because of room configurations and existing spaces that could be converted for services. The recommended option currently has 77 rooms; an alternate option under consideration has about 60 rooms but would require more-extensive renovation.

Adams asked supervisors for permission to make a written offer on the 77‑room property and to proceed with the standard due diligence path, citing a July 29 county resolution that allows an identified county official to sign purchase documents with prior approval. The board did not take a binding vote in the meeting; supervisors expressed support but directed staff to make political and jurisdictional outreach before committing to an offer.

Transportation, operations and funding gaps
Supervisors raised concerns about transit access: Adams said the nearest DART stop mapped to roughly a one‑mile walk from the property and noted that Pleasant Hill has served notice to withdraw from DART, which could affect service. Adams said staff discussed potential van or shuttle options but that the site’s one‑mile distance from the nearest stop would need planning if many guests lack vehicles.

Adams also said she had spoken with a Community Foundation representative who indicated potential donor interest but made no commitments. She noted some hotel‑stay funding controlled by Child and Family Youth Services (CFYS) might be available to help cover overflow or transition costs but that she had not yet confirmed that with CFYS Director Eric Cool.

Next steps and political coordination
Supervisors urged staff to consult with the city of Pleasant Hill and to contact Supervisor Hockensmith because the property lies in his district; they asked staff to coordinate next steps through county lead staff (Frank) and to return with further information. Adams said she would pursue due diligence materials and begin outreach if supervisors directed further movement toward an offer.

The meeting closed without a formal vote on the offer. Supervisors said they were broadly supportive of the concept but wanted more information about renovation costs, the remaining funding gap and transit arrangements before authorizing a formal purchase.