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.