Title
Approval of an Ordinance Authorizing Acceptance of a Donation by Providence Health Systems of Washington to Support Construction of Micro-Houses at the Mitigation Site
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve an Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a $50,000 donation from Providence Health Systems of Washington to build micro-houses at the Mitigation Site on first reading and forward to second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an Ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a $50,000 donation from Providence Health Systems of Washington to build micro-houses at the Mitigation Site.
Staff Contact:
Keith Stahley, Assistant City Manager 360.753.8227
Presenter(s):
None. Consent Calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia established a mitigation site at the corner of Franklin Street and Olympia Avenue in December of 2018 in response to the local public health and homelessness crisis. The mitigation site is presently home to over 80 individuals who reside in tents as their only shelter from the elements. The City wishes to provide better shelter at the site through the use of micro-houses.
Micro-houses are very small wooden structures that were designed by the local faith community, specifically The United Churches of Olympia. Jeff Loyer, a community-minded volunteer began building these structures in his own workshop last year. Micro-houses have been set up on at least one other site in Olympia and they’ve proven to be a much better option for shelter than tents, particularly in our climate.
City staff recently reached out to Providence Health Systems seeking support for a micro-housing project for the City’s mitigation site. Providence Health Systems agreed that it is a worthwhile project and have donated $50,000 to the effort. In addition, staff secured project management funding of $60,000 from Thurston County, as well as other donations and discounts for materials from Hardel Plywood and other organizations. The Port of Olympia generously offered the use of its property for building purposes.
Staff anticipates construction of the micro-houses to begin the week of December 15, 2020. Sixty micro-houses are expected to be built over the next ten weeks, with an additional ten built by the Youth Build program at New Market Skills Center.
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
None.
Options:
1. Approve the Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Donation of $50,000 from Providence Health Systems of Washington
2. Do not Approve the Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to Accept the Donation of $50,000 from Providence Health Systems of Washington
Financial Impact:
$50,000 for construction of micro-houses at the Mitigation Site.
Attachment:
Ordinance