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San Juan County moves to release NOFA for cold‑weather shelter grants, staff proposes $150,000
Summary
County staff proposed accelerating its affordable housing awards NOFA to make up to $150,000 available for cold‑weather shelters and related capital or operating costs; the housing advisory committee recommended the amount and council approved releasing the NOFA with staff directions to separate capital vs. operating funding and provide pre‑application support.
San Juan County Council on Feb. 3 authorized staff to release a Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) for affordable housing awards that will prioritize cold‑weather shelter operators and related projects, with staff proposing up to $150,000 from O1 and O4 fund balances.
Housing Program Coordinator Ryan Page said the Orcas Island cold‑weather shelter (run by Orcas Island Community Church and partners) has been open nightly since the day after Thanksgiving, logging more than 200 bed‑nights and several successful client outcomes, including enrollments in rehabilitation and moves into permanent housing. Page outlined five county housing funds, explained allowable uses under county and state RCWs, and said the O1 fund may be used for operating costs of emergency shelters.
Staff proposed a simple application process, a shortened timeline (announce later this month with a 30‑day application window, or an announcement followed by a 30‑day application window to allow pre‑application meetings), and the flexibility to award less than the available amount. Page suggested the O4 fund be reserved for capital costs and O1 for operating support; staff estimated annual O1 revenues at about $25,000 and emphasized that spending down ending cash balances is not a sustainable recurring commitment.
Council members asked that the NOFA distinguish capital and operating requests, provide pre‑application support for island partners (including Lopez), and clearly communicate that the proposed funding is pilot or one‑time spending from fund balances. The housing advisory committee recommended the $150,000 figure; Council member Fuller moved to release the NOFA with staff direction and the motion carried by voice vote.
