Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Funding Agreement with Catholic Community Services for Quince Street Village
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Note referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move a Resolution authorizing a Funding Agreement between the City of Olympia and Catholic Community Services for Quince Street Village.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing a Funding Agreement between the City of Olympia and Catholic Community Services for Quince Street Village.
Staff Contact:
Darian Lightfoot, Director of Housing and Homeless Response, 360.280.8951
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In January 2019, the City of Olympia opened the Mitigation Site at Franklin Street and Olympia Avenue to provide tent sites for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Mitigation Site was established to improve safety and access to services for unsheltered individuals and couples, and to reduce the impact of scattered encampments to downtown residents and businesses.
In April 2020, the City contracted with Catholic Community Services (CCS) to operate and manage the site. Over time, many site and service improvements have been added, including: construction of tiny home units to replace tents, hygiene units with plumbed restroom facilities, and data entry of participants into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track outcomes.
In October 2021, the City used American Rescue Act funds to purchase the former Quality Inn property located at 1215 Quince Street. Site preparation and infrastructure was mostly completed in August 2022 and allowed for people to transition to the new site from downtown. Moving the site included expanding the number of residents served from 80-100. This expansion allowed the Homeless Response team to close Ensign Rd and transition residents to more stable and safe housing.
Quince Street Village has now been in full operations for almost two years. City staff have been able to coordinate a direct referral process that allows Homeless Response to still work through Coordinated Entry while also supporting residents they interact with during their outreach to receive a direct placement. Quince Street Village has also been included in the State’s Rights-of Way Initiative, reserving 30 beds for residents being transitioned off public right-of-way.
Climate Analysis:
No addition impact has been identified in this contract.
Equity Analysis:
Quince Street Village is a low-barrier village meaning there are few exclusions that would prohibit a person from obtaining access to a tiny home. This includes previous evictions, mental illness, substance use, etc. People with higher acuity are often those who are chronically homeless and are a part of a marginalized community. Quince Street allows those residents with compounding barriers to access multiple services without having to navigate them independently. Catholic Community Services has a wonderful reputation in the community of providing equitable service delivery and supporting the residents in Olympia with the greatest need.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is significant public interest in homelessness and the City’s homeless response efforts. Catholic Community Services connects with neighborhood residents and business owners frequently about community impacts and opportunities for engagement. Staff have work with law enforcement and surrounding businesses to lessen the congregation in the neighboring parking lots and mitigating community impacts. High staff turnover by providers in this field of work can sometimes lead to miscommunication and a lapse in engagement. City staff are working to create processes to help address that and keep neighbors informed and community meeting more consistent.
Financial Impact:
The City of Olympia will contract with Catholic Community Services to operate the site with 24/7 staffing for an annual maximum budget of $1,446,762. Through evaluation at the Regional Housing Council, Quince Street Village is now being seen as a regional site offering housing to Thurston County residents via Coordinated Entry. This shift has prompted regional funding support, dedicating $600,000 of Thurston County ARPA funding to help pay for operations. Quince Street Village is also supporting residents from the State’s Rights-of-Way Initiative, which now covers $500,000 of the annual operating budget. This leaves the City paying for $346,762 with local Home Funds.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a funding agreement with Catholic Community Services.
2. Modify the funding agreement before approving.
3. Do not approve a Resolution authorizing a funding agreement with Catholic Community Services and direct staff to take other action
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement