Since 2022, CACLMT has overhauled our internal practices across all levels of the Housing Department, from frontline case managers to supervisors and executive leadership.
We’ve implemented a multi-tiered system of checks and balances for processing emergency assistance and rental payments, and we conduct regular internal reviews that include both financial records and client services documentation.
Our Executive Leadership team has also undergone a complete transition. The CEO, CFO, Director of Community Services, and Director of Monarch who were in place in 2021 are no longer with the organization.
On August 8th, we were officially notified that Thurston County is seeking $251,835.49 from CACLMT, corresponding to the amount they were required to repay to the federal government. It is important to note that these funds were disbursed under federal emergency rules that allowed self-attestation — requirements that ultimately contributed to this.
In response to the notification, we immediately began working with our insurance carrier, as required by the contract’s provisions. As a nonprofit organization reliant on grants to serve vulnerable populations, we do not have the depth of liquid assets to repay losses caused by fraud. Being asked to repay these funds now, years later, threatens our financial stability and jeopardizes essential services for Thurston County residents.
CACLMT is not alone in dealing with this type of issue related to support distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the country, organizations were forced to adjust their standard safeguards to distribute emergency relief funds at a time when expediency was imperative. It is unfortunate that some groups and individuals took advantage of this to redirect funds meant for people in need.
CACLMT remains committed to continued accountability, transparency, and to serving those in need within our community. We are hopeful for a resolution that reflects both fairness and the critical needs of those we are here to serve.
Justin DeFour is the Executive Director of the Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties.
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nhc
Thank you for this explanation, Justin. If you're monitoring this column for comments, can you please provide any information regarding the possibility of pursuing those who submitted fraudulent claims, in order to secure the funds necessary to repay the County? My understanding is that CACLMT is contractually required to make the County whole, but those individuals are the ones who stole public funds by misrepresenting their self-attestations.
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