Office of Housing & Homeless Prevention
Our Approach
Thurston County’s Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention (OHHP) manages a mix of federal, state and local funds to support three objectives.
(1) Create and preserve decent affordable housing.
(2) End homelessness.
(3) Provide capital investments which improve the viability, livability, and economic stability of Thurston County communities, particularly low-and moderate-income communities.
The work is accomplished in partnership with the county’s housing and social service providers and in cooperation with cities.
With the exception of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, OHHP works with the Regional Housing Council to allocate funds and establish regional priorities. CDBG funds are managed in coordination with the cities of Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino, Rainier and the town of Bucoda.
OHHP also has responsibility for overseeing the homeless crisis response system (HCRS) in Thurston County. This is done through the creation and implementation of a 5-Year Homeless Crisis Response Plan, which is the basis for homeless services funding priorities. We also implement or support a variety of initiatives or efforts to reduce homelessness and to address racial and ethnic disparities within the HCRS.
Newsroom
Check out the County News Feed for all of the most recent updates and announcements.
Opportunity to Comment
Thurston County is receiving public comment on the 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan and the 2023 Annual Action Plan. The county expects to receive annual federal funding to be used in activities to include providing affordable housing, maintaining a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities countywide. The Consolidated Plan suggests policy direction for the county’s activities during the five-year period.
The Annual Action Plan addresses the programs, projects, and activities that will be undertaken in the upcoming program year from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program funding sources. The appendices to the 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan can he found here.
A public hearing regarding these matters is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20th, at 3:30 PM in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room at the Atrium, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Suite 110, Olympia, WA 98501.
Comments can also be submitted to: Tom Webster, Program Manager, Public Health and Social Services, 412 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506, by phone at 360-867-2532, or email at Thomas.webster@co.thurston.wa.us, and will be received by 3:30 pm on June 20th.
Disability Accommodations: Room 110 is equipped with an assistive listening system and is wheelchair accessible. To request disability accommodations, call the Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator at least 3 days prior to the meeting at 360-786-5440. Persons with speech or hearing disabilities may call via Washington Relay at 711 or 800-833-6388. Translations of the above documents can be made available upon request.
Funding & Request for Proposals
Thurston County’s Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention currently has no open Request for Proposals. The most recent RFP closed on March 31st, 2023. Continue to check-in for updates, or email HousingThurston@co.thurston.wa.us to get added to the distribution list for upcoming announcements, or with any questions.
Homeless Housing Funding
The Homeless Housing Program assists homeless individuals, couples, and families whose income is at or below 80% of the area median income. Funding for the program is derived from legislative mandated surcharge on document recording fees that are shared between the state and local counties.
Eligible Applicants:
Non-Profit organizations, local municipalities within the county, profit developers, and faith-based organizations that provide homeless housing services in accordance with the requirements of the Homeless Housing Program.
Eligible Activities:
Eligible activities are going to depend on the specific funding source and will be outlined in each Request for Proposals (RFP) issued. Some examples of previously funded activities include:
- Shelter programs
- Permanent Supportive Housing
- Outreach
- Hotel Vouchers
- Rapid Re-Housing
- Coordinated Entry
- Eviction Prevention
- Diversion & Homeless Prevention
- Housing Basic Needs