Thurston Regional Housing Council looking at funding seven affordable housing unit programs

The Regional Housing Council (RHC) accepted the recommendation to fund seven programs for $5.5 million, which is expected to create 137 new affordable housing units.

The recommendation will be presented to the Thurston Board of County Commissioners for approval on September 12.

On August 23, the Thurston Affordable Housing Advisory Board presented its funding recommendations to the RHC, which in turn approved the recommended award to seven programs:

• Housing Authority of Thurston County for Sequoia North project - $1,653,745
• South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity for Tâlícn Townhomes Phase 2 project - $504,600
• Homes First for Homes Purchase Affordable Housing project - $300,000
• Rochester Organization of Families for Rental Assistance Program - $16,000
• 228 Olympia, LLLP (Interfaith Works & Together We Grow) for 228 Olympia project - $2,751,056
• Homes First for O'Farrell Senior ADUs project - $225,000
• Rebuilding Together Thurston County for Critical Home Rehab program - $75,000

In June, the Thurston County Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention invited community service providers to participate in the Thurston County Affordable Housing – Summer 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP).

The RHC's Affordable Housing Advisory Board reviewed and scored the applications received by the deadline on July 20. The Thurston Housing Advisory Board helped in selecting the applications that would be recommended for funding.

Employing an equity lens, Talauna Reed, Thurston Affordable Housing Advisory Board chair, said they reviewed and scored 15 eligible applications.

"We did not take the task lightly…the discussions were rich, and every member contributed valuable insight,” Reed stressed. “The members of the advisory board unanimously support the recommendations."

According to the press release issued on the RHC website, only six different organizations or seven programs were recommended for funding, amounting to $5,525,401.

Eight eligible applications were not recommended for funding due to the limited budget. These applications collectively requested a funding amount of $14,123,194.

The funding for these affordable housing projects comes from various sources, which will be allocated for housing initiatives, including rental housing for seniors, affordable homeownership, rental assistance, homeowner rehabilitation, and the development of single-family and multifamily rental housing.

Approximately 137 new affordable units will be created, with the funding coming from:

• City of Olympia and County-wide Local Home Funds
• SHB 2060 document recording fees
• SHB 1406 sales tax
• Federal HOME American Rescue Plan

“These funds will make a big difference for hundreds of people caught in the affordable housing crunch,” stated Carolyn Cox, chair of the Regional Housing Council and Lacey City councilmember. “There is still much to do, but I’m proud of how well our city and county governments work together on regional solutions.”