Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Lease Agreement with Catholic Community Services for the Operation of Quince Street Village
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to Approve a Resolution authorizing a Lease Agreement with Catholic Community Services for the operation of Quince Street Village.
Report
Issue:
Whether to Approve a Resolution authorizing a Lease Agreement with Catholic Community Services for the Operation of 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.
The City intends to operate Quince Street Village for three years. Following, the City will include this site in its land banking portfolio to leverage affordable housing development adding to the desperately needed low-income housing in the community.
Climate Analysis:
Due to the nature of Tiny Home Villages, the goal is to establish temporary housing for residents experiencing homelessness, that has siting near public transit to eliminate the need for vehicles, creating communal living spaces, and having an overall minor footprint to allow the site to be deconstructed when permanent housing is developed. More long term fixtures were added to the site, creating additional materials and therefore emissions that will cause more work once the site is no longer operational including paving the walkways. The decision was made to include the pavement as many residents have mobility issues and need that access to navigate the site safely. The City will continue to research the possibility of including solar panels on the site to best offset energy use.
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. Exits from Quince Street Village to more permanent housing have not been a leading performance measure for the site due to its initial nature of a “Mitigation Site”, a spot for respite and stability. There are only 1-2 case managers serving 100 residents, limiting access to those staff members that can provide needed housing navigation. The City has decided to fund an additional case manager in the contract to allow for greater engagement and more positive exits of participants.
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.
Financial Impact:
The City of Olympia will lease the property to Catholic Community Services for an annual cost of One Dollar ($1) per year based and the public benefit to the homeless individuals sheltered on the property.
Options:
1. Move to approve to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Lease Agreement with Catholic Community Services for the Quince Street Village Tiny Home Project.
2. Modify the lease agreement before moving to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Lease Agreement with Catholic Community Services for the Quince Street Village Tiny Home Project.
3. Do not approve a Resolution Authorizing a Lease Agreement with Catholic Community Services for the Quince Street Village Tiny Home Project, directing staff to take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement