Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Funding Agreement with Valeo Vocations for the Operations of 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 Vocations for the operations of Plum Street Village.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing a funding agreement with Valeo Vocations for the operations of Plum 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 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 couple of years supporting adults exiting 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. Shortly after, the City issued a Request for Proposals and upon review chose Valeo Vocations as the new site operator. Valeo has been working in the City of Olympia for the past year 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, 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, 2024 for the full calendar year with options to renew if the program is successful and compliant. The Calyx Community will become the new name of the village and City staff are working with Valeo and LIHI to make the provider transition as smooth as possible.
Climate Analysis:
There are no immediate carbon emission impacts that will change due to the change of site provider. The City is working on site improvements and are evaluating solar panel installation for the site, specifically any moveable buildings that could help decrease utility cost and efficiency.
Equity Analysis:
Plum Street Village is currently operated as a low-barrier village. There are few requirements in order to live on site, aiming to offer residency to the most vulnerable members of the community. This transition of scope will be serving a different demographic. A resident must express interest in becoming sober and working 40 hours a week in the next 6 months. Many homeless residents are suffering from disabilities and need additional support that is longer and more extensive in order to reach wellness and stability. The goal with this transition is to offer a next step for residents of the approximately 400 low-barrier units that will support people looking to obtain a job and in turn, live independently and exit homelessness.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The neighborhood around Plum Street Village has been involved with the village since the site’s inception. The operator engages with the community and holds regular meetings to address concerns and share ways to be involved with the village. There has been a push by unhoused residents for a program like the one proposed in this new scope so people can receive the support they need to best enter the workforce while having a stable place to reside. Workforce housing is also included in the One Community Plan as help Olympia add to the housing continuum.
Financial Impact:
Since 2018, the City has paid for Plum Street Village using City home funds ranging between $350-$550 thousand dollars. Due to the scope change, the Washington State Department of Commerce will be funding the site via pass through under the Rights-of-Way initiative for $1,000,000. The additional funds are to offer more intensive career and housing case management along with behavioral and mental health support and subsidized payments for residents who are working or continuing their education but not receiving standard cost of living such as an internship or apprenticeship.
Options:
1. Approve the funding agreement with Valeo Vocations for the operations of Plum Street Village.
2. Approve the funding agreement with Valeo Vocations for the operations of Plum Street Village with amendment.
3. Take no action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement