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 t...
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