Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with Interfaith Works for a Second Shelter at 3444 Martin Way East
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a grant agreement in the amount of $250,000 with Interfaith Works for a second shelter at 3444 Martin Way East.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a grant agreement with Interfaith Works in the amount of $250,000 to construct a 27/7 shelter facility providing approximately 38 beds to adults who are homeless.
Staff Contact:
Cary Retlin, Home Fund Manager, 360.570.3956
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Interfaith Works currently operates two 24-hour shelters in Olympia for adults who are homeless. Both sites are in church basements that were not designed with shelter in mind. One shelter, at First United Methodist Church of Olympia, is scheduled to close later this year as COVID restrictions are relaxed.
This agreement will support the construction of a facility for approximately 38 shelter beds that will be prioritized for adults at highest risk of death as a result of homelessness based on a vulnerability assessment. This includes those over the age of 60 or those living with other chronic high-risk conditions. In the long-term the facility may transition to provide day services for homeless individuals.
The site is a half-acre lot with an existing 4,576 square foot building that will be demolished (most recently the site of the Foam and Fabric Store). This shelter will occupy part of the property, and an apartment building for people who have experienced homelessness is planned for the remaining part of the property in the future.
The shelter will be developed rapidly using modular construction components. The final structure will meet all relevant code and life safety requirements and must be inspected by the City prior to occupancy.
Shelter Operations
Interfaith Works receives shelter referrals from a variety of agencies and organizations and uses a vulnerability index to prioritize access to limited beds. Generally, beds are assigned to specific shelter guests since most guests return to services each night. The shelter will provide 24-hour staffing and services, including a day room and meals.
Supportive services provided at the shelter include:
• Peer support-based case management through the Navigation Team
• Coordination with visiting clinical mental health workers from providers including Providence Behavioral Health and Behavioral Health Resources.
• Coordination of transportation to medical or other appointments.
• Two meals delivered daily from volunteers or donated by food organizations (no food preparation occurs on site).
• Coordination of shelter guest laundry.
• Daily shower and hygiene support.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Homelessness and the siting of homeless facilities are a significant interest of the public and businesses.
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a grant agreement in the amount of $250,000 with Interfaith Works for a second shelter at 3444 Martin Way
2. Do not approve Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign a grant agreement in the amount of $250,000 with Interfaith Works for a second shelter at 3444 Martin Way and direct staff to amend the agreement to return for approval at a later date.
3. Direct staff to take other action
Financial Impact:
$250,000 from City General Fund
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement