Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Funding Agreement with Low Income Housing Institute for Plum Street Village
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution authorizing a funding agreement with the Low Income Housing Institute for the Plum Street Village Tiny Home Project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the resolution authorizing a funding agreement with the Low Income Housing Institute for the Plum Street Village Tiny Home Project.
Staff Contact:
Cary Retlin, Home Fund Manager, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3956
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
On September 18, 2018, the City Council approved the first funding plan for implementing homeless response strategies, including a Plum Street Village tiny house project. In February 2019 Plum Street Village opened and has been in constant operation to shelter up to 40 homeless individuals and couples in 29 houses since that time. The City of Olympia funds staffing and other services which are operated by the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI).
This funding agreement with LIHI must be approved by City Council to continue operations through 2020.
LIHI works with the Community Action Council to screen vulnerable homeless adults in the county Coordinated Entry system and place them at Plum Street Village. Since Plum Street Village began providing shelter last year, 17 households have transitioned to permanent housing.
Hygiene services (bathrooms, showers and laundry), a communal kitchen area and connection to social services are provided. LIHI is responsible for 24/7 staffing as well as providing on-site case management.
Last year a separate contract was developed for the City to fund LIHI to provide case management at the eight tiny houses at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Boulevard Road. This year that case manager is included in this funding agreement.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is significant public interest in the City’s actions to address homelessness.
Options:
1. Move to approve the resolution authorizing a funding agreement with the Low Income Housing Institute.
2. Modify the funding agreement before approving.
3. Do not approve the funding agreement with the Low Income Housing Institute at this time (this may disrupt services at these sites).
Financial Impact:
Annual operating costs are currently $475,820 which includes two case managers (one for Westminster) and 24-7 staffing on site at Plum Street Village. Some supplies and some food for residents are other examples of project expenses. Staff and LIHI are currently negotiating an amendment - so staffing costs are likely to increase from this current budget.
In November City Council’s Finance Committee directed staff to try to reduce 2020 operating costs at Plum Street Village. Staff worked with LIHI managers to identify ways to reduce costs in this year’s agreement. A budget amendment is being negotiated for 2020 but it will still be below 2019 operating costs.
2019 Agreement operating costs $640,986 (including Westminster case manager)
2020 Agreement operating costs $475,820 (any amendments will not exceed 2019 operating costs).
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement