Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Funding Agreement with Valeo Vocation for the Operations at Plum Street Village
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a funding agreement with Valeo Vocation for the operations of Plum Street Village.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing a funding agreement with Valeo Vocation for the operations of Plum Street Village.
Staff Contact:
Darian Lightfoot, Director of Housing and Homeless Response, 360.280.8951
Kim Kondrat, Homeless Response Coordinator, 360.742.6448
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In 2018, the City created Plum Street Village to offer transitional housing for unhoused residents in the community. The 29 units, community space, and hygiene facilities, have been operated by the Low-Income Housing Institute (LIHI) since the site’s inception and has served as a typical low-barrier site for the past few years supporting adults experiencing homelessness.
In the summer of 2023, the Washington State Department of Commerce partnered with City staff to review additional needs in the State’s Rights of Way initiative. Plum Street Village was identified as a site that could pivot the scope and offer workforce development support for residents exiting encampments along the right-of-way. Valeo Vocation was chosen as the site operator by the City of Olympia to start this program at Plum Street Village after a transition period for staff and residents. Valeo had previously been actively present in the City of Olympia for the year prior, implementing their Journey2Jobs program which supports unhoused people entering the workforce. They currently operate shelters in Tacoma, WA and are excited to tie their employment program with secured housing and a path to sobriety, a model yet to be seen throughout the state.
The attached contract is a funding agreement for Valeo Vocations to operate the site beginning January 1, 2025 for the full calendar year with options to renew if the program is successful and compliant.
Climate Analysis:
There are no immediate carbon emission impacts that are foreseen in continuing this contract.
Equity Analysis:
Plum Street Village provides a next step for persons experiencing homelessness to exit homelessness. A resident must express interest in becoming sober and working 40 hours a week in the next 6 months. The best success for folks exiting homelessness is to be surrounded by a community that supports sobriety, wellness and employment. The goal is to have more folks taking the necessary steps to live independently and exit homelessness, which in turn frees up more available shelter beds for our more vulnerable persons experiencing homelessness.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Valeo Vocation holds quarterly meetings with neighboring businesses and City Staff about site operations and other community concerns. Valeo Vocation has partnered with area businesses to increase wellness (YMCA for free memberships, Thurston County Conservation District, the YMCA and GRUB for gardens on site, Saint Michael’s for community meals, etc). There is parking available for residents and is actively monitored by Valeo Vocation to decrease the impact with neighbors at the Justice Center.
Financial Impact:
The Washington State Department of Commerce has agreed to fund $1Million for operations of Plum Street Village for the fiscal year July 2024-June 2025. Valeo has submitted a $1 Million budget for the 2025 Calendar year. (Exhibit C in the attached Funding Agreement). The Washington State Department of Commerce will pay $500,000 for the operations of Plum Street Village between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2025. If the Washington State Department of Commerce does not continue the funding for Plum Street Village, then we anticipate that the City of Olympia will need to fund the remaining $500,000 from our local Home Fund to cover expenses from July 1- December 31,2025, with the knowledge that additional funds will be needed in order to renew a future contract.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a funding agreement with Valeo Vocation for the operations of Plum Street Village.
2. Approve the Resolution authorizing the funding agreement with Valeo Vocations for the operations of Plum Street Village with amendment.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement