Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Funding Agreement with Olympia Mutual Aid Partners for 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 Between the City of Olympia and Olympia Mutual Aid Partners for Franz-Anderson Tiny Home Village.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing a Funding Agreement Between the City of Olympia and Olympia Mutual Aid Partners for Franz-Anderson Tiny Home Village.
Staff Contact:
Darian Lightfoot, Director of Housing and Homeless Response, 360.280.8951
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In June 2022, the Governor launched a state Right-of-Way (ROW) initiative to close encampments established on Department of Transportation property and move each person to a more safe and stable living situation. Thurston County proposed three pathways under this initiative; reserved shelter beds at Unity Commons, the purchase of the Days Inn Hotel in Lacey to operate as an enhanced shelter, and the establishment of a new tiny home village on Franz-Anderson Rd in Olympia.
The Franz-Anderson property was jointly purchased with Thurston County in 2022 using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to serve as leverage for a permanent supportive housing project. When the ROW initiative was launched, the City offered a portion of the property to be used for a temporary project to support the transition of residents off the rights-of-way. The City’s Public Works Department created a tiny home village with a shelter for each resident, kitchen, hygiene facilities, extended utilities, office buildings, and more to serve as a safe and stable place for people to transition to. The site has now been operational since July 2023.
In preparation for the site to open, the City launched a request for proposals seeking an organization to operate the village. A diverse panel reviewed the submissions and selected Olympia Mutual Aid Partners (OlyMAP) as the top applicant. OlyMAP operates a similar program at First Christian Church called New Hope Village and is also the lead organization coordinating outreach at all the ROW encampments. OlyMAP coordinates with City staff to support people transitioning into the site, address facility concerns, and connect with neighbors to address any community issues. People residing at the tiny home village will be prioritized to enter the permanent supportive housing across the street once construction has finalized.
Climate Analysis:
No foreseen impacts included in this contract.
Equity Analysis:
People residing on the state-owned rights-of-way experience some of the most unsafe living conditions in the county. With high traffic volumes, poor air quality, lack of nearby services, and no reprieve from the elements, transitioning people to shelter or temporary housing has allowed for much needed respite and a connection to services to address compounding barriers to wellness and permanent housing.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
OlyMAP holds quarterly neighborhood meetings with neighboring residents and City Staff about site operations and other community concerns. An element of the site that has drawn most concern is about the lack of resources around the site along with no parking. This has caused increased foot traffic in an area that does not have the proper infrastructure to support the influx of people. Mitigations are being taken, however, tensions have persisted and staff at OlyMAP and the City continue to work to find creative solutions.
Financial Impact:
The Washington State Department of Commerce has agreed to fund the operations of the Franz-Anderson Tiny Home Village at approximately $1 million for the next three years. The current budget to operate Franz-Anderson is $1,096,951, leaving $96,951 to be covered by local Home Fund.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a funding agreement with Olympia Mutual Aid Partners for the operations of a tiny home village.
2. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a funding agreement, with amendments, with Olympia Mutual Aid Partners for the operations of a tiny home village.
3. Take no action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Funding Agreement