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Poulsbo seeks $25,000 for regional STEP-housing needs assessment; RFP expected in February
Summary
Poulsbo staff proposed using $15,000 in local affordable-housing tax funds plus $10,000 in grant match to commission a regional needs assessment and prioritization plan for STEP housing in North Kitsap. Draft study expected in March, final in April 2025.
City staff presented a proposal to spend a combined $25,000 for a "needs assessment and prioritization plan" that would evaluate shelter, transitional, emergency and permanent supportive housing (STEP housing) options in North Kitsap.
"We were able to obtain grant funding from the Department of Commerce, back in the fall of 2024 by applying with Bainbridge Island and the County," said Kim Hendrickson, who outlined objectives for the RFP: assess STEP-housing need in North Kitsap, examine grant and voucher opportunities, identify challenges to projects, and produce actionable recommendations prioritized by land availability and financing. Hendrickson said staff hopes to issue the RFP quickly, see a draft in March and a final study in April 2025.
Council members commended the regional approach and urged staff to include prevention, supportive services (including mental-health and recovery supports), and tribal partners in the planning process. Council also noted that the city’s affordable-housing fund is largely programmed for 2025, leaving limited discretionary capacity for projects this year, and asked staff to clarify trade-offs before committing funds beyond the study.
