Title
Homeless Response Plan Implementation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on City-led actions toward implementing Olympia’s Homeless Response Plan. Briefing only; No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on City-led actions to implement Olympia’s Homeless Response Plan and coordination with the Thurston County Homeless Crisis Response Plan
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Strategic Projects Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.570.5847
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler, Strategic Projects Manager
Keylee Marineau, Thurston County Homeless Prevention and Affordable Housing Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
During 2019, the City of Olympia carried out a public process to develop a Homeless Response Plan (HRP) to include long-term strategies, actions, measures and partners to respond to the homelessness crisis. This included planning for the needs of residents, visitors, businesses and individuals experiencing homelessness. Twenty workshops, listening sessions and focus groups as well as two online surveys were held and hundreds of community members with a wide range of perspectives participated.
The process was shaped and shepherded by a Community Work Group made up of 11 community volunteers. The Work Group’s role was to identify the strategic direction and potential implementation approaches based on the input from the community. The Work Group formally handed off their work (See attached) to the City Council at a study session on February 11, 2020.
The next step is for staff to identify the actions the City of Olympia will take to implement the Plan. See draft actions (attached). At the briefing, staff will provide an overview of these actions, how Olympia’s plan and actions work in coordination with the regional Homeless Crisis Response Plan and where the regional plan is in its implementation. A crosswalk outlining the strategic alignment between the two plans is attached. Many of Olympia’s actions bolster the regional homeless crisis response system.
Olympia’s Homeless Response Plan is not intended to be carried out by the City of Olympia alone. An effective homeless response requires partnerships, with participation by other regional jurisdictions, and help from the State and Federal government. The City will continually develop its plan by working with key stakeholders and possible partner organizations to identify partner-led actions and timelines. Priorities include temporary emergency housing hosts, supportive and affordable housing developers and outreach and service programs that reduce individuals’ barriers to housing and/or increase opportunities for long-term stability.
Olympia’s Homeless Response Plan will include metrics to help us track and report on our progress over time. The plan including metrics will be released to the public in April.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The public has a high degree of interest in the City’s response to homelessness. An overview of the process, and summaries of community input received throughout the process are available on EngageOlympia.com.
Options:
No action requested; briefing only
Financial Impact:
The City is investing close to $4 million annually for projects related to housing and homelessness; and $2.8 million for outreach and public safety programs, including the Walking Patrol, Crisis Response Unit, Familiar Faces peer Navigators, Neighborhood Police Program, and Downtown Ambassadors.
Attachments:
City-led Actions
Crosswalk with County Plan
Strategies and Potential Approaches