Thursday, October 1, 2026
A contract to fix an apartment at Sandy's Flats in Olympia is scheduled for another review by the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners.
The $51,562.69 contract would restore a fire-damaged apartment at the supportive housing location.
The board is scheduled to take action at its Nov. 4 meeting after flagging the item for review at an agenda setting meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
According to Public Health and Social Services Department Director Jennifer Freheit, the fire stemmed from a tenant suffering a mental health episode. The fire damaged the apartment, which has been out of use since the incident in July.
Interfaith Works requested emergency funding through the county’s Homeless Services Advisory Board (HSAB). The organization said it lacked the reserves to handle the repair bill. The Regional Housing Council approved a recommendation for funding on Aug. 27.
Senior Program Manager Thomas Webster said the HSAB had initially asked Interfaith Works whether the bill could be covered through insurance.
“In theory, yes, they could,” he said. “Insurance rates for these types of housing are incredibly high, even without claims. And so there was a real concern that filing this claim would skyrocket Interfaith Works’ insurance premiums and make it really difficult in the future to get insurance even.”
Webster added that the HSAB concluded the use of emergency funds would likely save Interfaith Works from higher, long-term costs.
Board Chair Tye Menser asked how firm the analysis was and whether the nonprofit had received specific guidance from its insurer.
Webster said he would obtain detailed information and share it with the board, adding he preferred not to speculate without the documentation.
County Manager Leonard Hernandez directed Webster to coordinate with staff to get additional information to all commissioners before the Nov. 4 meeting.
Board Vice Chair Wayne Fournier then noted that emergency resources were already limited.
“There’s not a lot of water left in the well here,” he said. “They need to be extra cautious of any potential damages like this, because it’s going to be hard to not go to the insurance company in the future.”
The JOLT News reported in August that the $51,562.69 repair would be drawn from the county’s Homeless Services Emergency Fund. About $148,000 would remain in the fund after the deduction.
Webster said local document recording fees are collected whenever property sales or mortgage refinances are filed with the county auditor or assessor.
The fees return to the county and are “dedicated to homeless services activities” under state law. Those funds support emergency response needs and housing stabilization projects that fall outside of ongoing grant cycles.
The proposed contract authorizes Freheit or a designee to execute the agreement and any amendments not exceeding 10% of the contract value.
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Deskandchairs
So, with this action, the county is essentially self-insured with respect to this property, while Interfaith Works pays insurance premiums. Seems like poor financial management. At least Interfaith should raise their deductible if they are not going to use the insurance for "small' claims
Thursday, October 30, 2025 Report this
JulesJames
Thanks Commish Menser. Use the fire insurance. That is why it’s purchased.
Thursday, October 30, 2025 Report this
longtimeresident
Put something in place so that you (the County) can move faster on such actions that are needed!
Thursday, October 30, 2025 Report this
OlyBlues
This is exactly why you have insurance. If Interfaith Works thought housing this unstable individual with arson tendencies and mental health issues was a good idea, let them submit an insurance claim. There is such limited funds for homeless housing, this is the proverbial money down the rat hole and the county once again bailing out these irresponsible non-profits that are not using common sense. The county housing manager should be more responsible than recommending this bailout which will short change other responsible organizations.
Friday, October 31, 2025 Report this
Wesley
Get that eyesore, drug den, vagrant facility out of my neighborhood! It's a blight!
Friday, October 31, 2025 Report this
JW
So happy more of my tax dollars are being wasted because of LIHI.
Friday, October 31, 2025 Report this