Title
Approval of a Partnership Between the Faith Community and City of Olympia to Pilot a Tiny House Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Finance Committee recommends the City commit to funding the City and Faith Community pilot project in 2019 for an estimated amount of $100,000.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to recommend the City commit to funding and staff support for the City and Faith Community pilot project in 2019 for an estimated amount of $100,000.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve funding and staff support for a one-year pilot program wherein partners from the faith community/non-profits would host and manage three emergency (homeless) housing sites.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Downtown Programs Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.5847
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler, Downtown Programs Manager, Community Planning & Development
Background and Analysis:
In an effort to enhance opportunities for faith-based, non-profit and other government entities to host temporary (homeless) housing facilities subject to a permit, the City adopted interim changes to its Emergency (Homeless) Housing Ordinance on June 5. Councilmembers also expressed interest in providing some funding to support faith-based or non-profit partners that host/sponsor sites.
The United Churches of Olympia (TUCO) is hosting a tiny house workshop on October 27. The workshop is designed to be the next step in the process of identifying what faith communities in Olympia can do to overcome homelessness through the use of tiny houses.
In preparation for the workshop, TUCO representatives met with the Mayor and staff to encourage that the City make a commitment to a pilot partnership (see description attached) that could be presented at the workshop. TUCO believes the City’s commitment will encourage the faith community to step forward.
Staff and TUCO discussed the pilot partnership proposal with the Council’s Finance Committee on October 17. The Committee recommended approval, along with the following guidance, regarding:
• Screening of potential candidates for tiny houses, the City prefers Coordinated Entry be used; hosts may establish overlay criteria to fit their needs
• Development of a sample contract format for residents to sign with the managing non-profit and the faith community, the NGO must be willing to sign a non-discrimination agreement)
• With support of City resources, use best practices to engage with surrounding neighborhoods. Use what we have learned about what works and does not work when engaging Olympians about this topic.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The issue of homelessness is of significant public concern.
Options:
1. Move to recommend the City commit to funding the City and Faith Community pilot project in 2019 for an estimated amount of $100,000.
2. Do not recommend the City fund the pilot partnership at this time.
Financial Impact:
$100,000 in 2019
Attachments:
Pilot Partnership description
Tiny House Workshop flyer