Title
Faith Community & City of Olympia Tiny House Pilot Partnership
Report
Issue:
Briefing about a one-year pilot program wherein partners from the faith community/non-profits will host and manage three emergency (homeless) housing sites, with financial and staff support from the City.
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.
Subsequently, on October 23, the City Council approved up to $100,000 in funding to support a pilot partnership. See attached description. A working group including representatives from seven local churches and City staff has formed to discuss potential church property sites and the process for approving emergency housing facilities there. The sites are expected to be operational in first quarter of 2019.
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