Title
Briefing on Homelessness Response
Recommended Action
No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Informational briefing on the City’s current response to homelessness.
Staff Contact:
Colin DeForrest, Homeless Response Coordinator, Community Planning and Development, 360.709.2688
Presenter(s):
Colin DeForrest, Homeless Response Coordinator, Community Planning and Development
Amy Buckler, Downtown Program and Planning Supervisor, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
In May 2018, the City Council hired the City’s first Homeless Response Coordinator and adopted a resolution establishing immediate action items to address homelessness in Olympia. The resolution identified a path forward for implementing a series of near-term actions aimed at helping to provide adequate emergency housing, transitional housing, permanent supportive hours, as well as affordable housing options.
Since that time, several significant new and different strategies have been carried out, like the establishment of a downtown mitigation site and the City’s first tiny home village. The purpose of this informational briefing is for Community Planning and Development staff to provide an update on those actions and more, including the positive impacts, the challenges, and lessons learned thus far.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Homelessness continues to have significant and widespread impacts downtown and citywide.
Options:
Informational briefing only; no action requested.
Financial Impact:
None; informational briefings are included in the Planning Commission’s annual work plan.
Attachments:
Webpage: City of Olympia’s Response to Homelessness