Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Funding Agreement with Valeo Vocation for the Operations at Franz Anderson Tiny Home 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 at Franz Anderson Tiny Home Village
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing a Funding Agreement with Valeo Vocation for the Operations at Franz Anderson Tiny Home Village
Staff Contact:
Kim Kondrat, Homeless Response Coordinator, 360.742.6448
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In 2023, the City created Franz Anderson Tiny Home Village (Franz Anderson) to offer transitional housing for unhoused residents in the community under Governor Inslee’s Rights of Way Safety Initiative. .Franz Anderson, includes 50 tiny home units, a community space, and hygiene facilities, and the site has been operated by the Olympia Mutual Aid Partners (OlyMAP) since it’s development. Franz Anderson has served as a low-barrier site, supporting adults transitioning out of homelessness.
In the summer of 2023, the Washington State Department of Commerce partnered with City staff to review additional needs within the State’s Rights of Way Safety Initiative. The City’s original tiny home village (which had been established in 2018), Plum Street Village, was identified as a site that could pivot their scope of services to offer both housing, pathways to sobriety and workforce development support for residents exiting encampments along the right-of-way.
The City selected Valeo Vocation (Valeo) as the site operator to initiate this program at Plum Street Village. Valeo had demonstrated success as a partner with the City in offering the Journey2Jobs program, which provided readily applicable job skills and wrap-around support for unhoused people to enter or reenter the workforce. In addition to Plum Street Village, Valeo currently operates shelters in Tacoma,
Valeo has been a reliable and successful operator of Plum Street Village, dedicated to creating new pathways for persons experiencing homelessness through a balance of compassion and accountability. For Franz Anderson, Valeo Vocation will operate the site providing both low-barrier shelter and the same workforce development model used at Plum Street Village as a voluntary option for residents.
Staff is requesting Council approve a funding agreement with Valeo Vocation to operate the newly renamed Calyx@Franz Anderson for one year beginning on July 2, 2025. The agreement includes an option to renew. If approved, staff will continue to help coordinate a smooth transition between OlyMAP and Valeo, including making necessary health and safety improvements on site, and providing ongoing communication with residents.
Climate Analysis:
There are no immediate carbon emission impacts that are foreseen in continuing this contract.
Equity Analysis:
Valeo’s workforce development model will continue to provide a next step pathway for persons experiencing homelessness to exit homelessness. To participate in the vocation program, a resident must express interest in becoming sober and working 40 hours a week in the next 6 months. Valeo’s model contributes to individuals’ success by providing a community that supports sobriety, wellness and employment. The goal is to have more individuals take the necessary steps to live independently and exit homelessness. That subsequently makes available more shelter beds for more vulnerable persons experiencing homelessness. The current residents of Franz Anderson can stay on site, or transfer to another site if space is available.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Valeo holds quarterly meetings with neighboring businesses and City Staff about site operations and other community concerns. Valeo has partnered with area businesses to increase wellness, such as providing YMCA memberships, Thurston County Conservation District volunteer opportunities, and GRUB gardens, and meals through Saint Michael’s faith community. Valeo intends to continue and potentially expand these kinds of partnerships to help foster stronger community connections and support for the village.
Options:
1. Approve the funding agreement with Valeo Vocations for the operations of Calyx@Franz Anderson Tiny Home Village.
2. Approve the funding agreement with Valeo Vocations for the operations of Calyx@Franz Anderson Tiny Home Village with an amendment.
3. Take no action.
Financial Impact:
The Regional Housing Council has submitted to the Washington State Department of Commerce a proposal that includes $1.2 Million for Franz Anderson for the fiscal year July 2025-June 2026. This is an approximate $100,000 increase over last year to account for inflation and increases in cost of living. Funding for Franz Anderson has been identified as being in alignment with Commerce’s priorities to fund sites that have already been developed and further invested in through the Rights of Way Safety Initiative (now known as the Encampment Resolution Program).
Valeo has submitted a $1,251,798.78 Million budget for the 2026 calendar year. The additional $51,798.78 in operating needs will be funded by the Home Fund.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement