Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Funding Agreement with Catholic Community Services for the Quince Street Village Tiny Home Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the resolution authorizing a Funding Agreement with Catholic Community Services for the Quince Street Village Tiny Home Project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the resolution authorizing a funding agreement with Catholic Community Services for the Quince Street Village Tiny Home Project.
Staff Contact:
Christa Lenssen, Housing Program Specialist, City Manager’s Office, 360.570.3762
Darian Lightfoot, Housing Programs Manager, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8033
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
In January 2019, the City of Olympia opened the Mitigation Site at Franklin Street and Olympia Avenue to provide tent sites for individuals experiencing homelessness. The Mitigation Site was established to improve safety and access to services for unsheltered individuals and couples, and to reduce the impact of scattered encampments to downtown residents and businesses.
In April 2020, the City contracted with Catholic Community Services (CCS) to operate and manage the site. Over time, many site and service improvements have been added, including: construction of tiny home units to replace tents, hygiene units with plumbed restroom facilities, and data entry of participants into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track outcomes.
In October 2021, the City used American Rescue Act funds to purchase the former Quality Inn property located at 1215 Quince Street. Site preparation and infrastructure work is underway. In the short term, the residents of the current Mitigation Site will be relocated to 1215 Quince Street to establish a temporary tiny home village. In the longer term, affordable and/or supportive housing will be constructed at the site.
The City plans to continue to contract with CCS to operate and manage the new Quince Street Village tiny home project. Funding has been increased to include: maintenance staff and supplies, one additional staff on nights and weekends to reflect a planned increase of 20 additional tiny home units, increased utility costs (each unit will be equipped with electricity at the new site), and the installation and maintenance of security cameras onsite.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is significant public interest in homelessness and the City’s homeless response efforts.
Three community meetings have been hosted by the City to address community concerns and questions about the Quince Street Village tiny house project. Each meeting drew significant attendance.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a funding agreement with Catholic Community Services.
2. Modify the funding agreement before approving. (This action would impact timing of the planned move and opening of the site).
3. Do not approve a Resolution authorizing a funding agreement with Catholic Community Services and direct staff to take other action. (This action would impact timing of the planned move and opening of the site).
Financial Impact:
The City of Olympia will contract with Catholic Community Services to operate the site with round the clock staffing for an annual maximum of $1,212,770.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement