Thurston County launched a public survey on Tuesday, Feb. 4, inviting residents to voice their opinions on homeless housing programs and services.
The survey is part of the development of the 2025-30 Local Homeless Housing Plan.
The Office of Housing & Homeless Prevention (OHHP) is spearheading the survey, as part of a multi-step engagement process to shape local policy and strategies to address homelessness.
Residents can access the survey at bit.ly/HousingSurvey2025, which will remain open until March 3.
In addition to the public survey, OHHP is conducting a separate survey specifically for social services and homeless housing professionals working in Thurston County.
The provider survey seeks input from individuals who provide or support homeless services, regularly interact with homeless individuals through their work or refer people to housing services.
Social service professionals are encouraged to participate by accessing the survey.
Both surveys are vital to the county’s compliance with Washington State Department of Commerce guidelines. Local jurisdictions must submit homeless housing plans every five years, aligning county goals with the state’s strategy to alleviate homelessness.
In a Dec. 31, 2024, press release, Thurston County emphasized the importance of local plans in supporting the state’s homelessness initiatives. The local plans call for coordinating state and county activities, tracking progress, milestones, and necessary course adjustments.
The OHHP is collaborating with a coalition of stakeholders to ensure the plan echoes an evidence-based approach.
According to the county, “The stakeholders include representatives from organizations working directly in homeless services, behavioral health, and opioid response/prevention.”
Additionally, the Lived Experience Housing Steering Committee, composed of individuals with firsthand experience with homelessness, is taking part in developing the plan.
“Thurston County’s Lived Experience Housing Steering Committee is participating in the development by providing guidance and vetting of the development process and the plan,” the county stated.
The timeline for the plan's completion is extensive, with multiple opportunities for public input.
Targeted outreach events are planned for March and April, followed by plan drafting and internal review during the summer.
From September through October, the public will have the opportunity to participate in a comment period and attend a public hearing.
The plan will be presented to the Regional Housing Council in October for review and to the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) in November for approval.
It would then be submitted to the Washington State Department of Commerce by December.
The recently released 2024 Point-In-Time Count states Thurston County’s homelessness figures demand immediate attention.
The survey recorded 952 individuals experiencing homelessness in Thurston County. Of those people, 460 were housed in emergency shelters, 158 were in transitional housing programs, and 334 were unsheltered, living in encampments, tents, vehicles or other places not meant for human habitation.
Public engagement opportunities are expected to continue throughout the year, with updates to be provided on Thurston County Public Health & Social Services social media channels and OHHP’s website.
The county has encouraged residents to participate by providing feedback and actively attending upcoming events.
Residents can access more information and stay informed on plan updates.
For further inquiries, contact Renae Miller, Public Information Supervisor for Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, at (360) 463-0362.
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