Facing Up To Chronic Homelessness

by Dough Mah, Dough Mah & Associates, Public Policy Director for the Thurston Chamber

Homelessness is one of the greatest challenges facing our community. For this reason, the Thurston Chamber, Public Policy Division believes that focusing on chronic homelessness may be the best plan for our community.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines an individual as experiencing chronic homelessness if they have a qualifying disability and have been homeless for one year or longer or have a qualifying disability and have experienced at least four episodes of homelessness totaling 12 months out of the last three years.

Those experiencing chronic homelessness are the hardest to reach, stabilize, and house. These members of our community also experience vulnerabilities including physical disabilities, serious psychiatric and emotional conditions, and behavioral health disorders that are oftentimes overlapping and co-occurring.

The Thurston Chamber, Public Policy Division suggests that the region would be well served to focus directly on chronic homelessness. Efforts in Bakersfield and San Diego County, both in California, made significant progress in slowing the growth of their chronically homeless populations. This has made a visible and meaningful difference in their communities. We support regional implementation of four actions used in Bakersfield and San Diego County:

• Rapid creation of emergency housing. California invested $850 million of federal funding into “Project Roomkey,” making available 6,000 housing units for homeless individuals in just six months through the purchase of hotels and motels.

• Establishing a command center. A way to focus on individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with an emphasis on equity.

The command centers provided coordination across service providers and government agencies. Staffed by case managers and supported by service providers, they created personalized exit plans for clients.

• Utilize real-time data. Mobile/tech tools were used to support data accuracy, and planning. The use of mobile technology tools allowed teams to conduct location-based outreach in real time, meeting individuals where they are.

• Provide individualized, on-demand services. Bakersfield and San Diego used individualized on-demand services and approached each person experiencing chronic homelessness with the time and attention needed to build relationships and trust. Using a “byname” list allowed for the creation of individualized care based on the specific needs of the individual. This approach allows for realtime data to support triage services, evaluation, and advocacy for each person.

The Thurston Chamber along with Challenge Seattle, believe that Washington State and local governments should address chronic homelessness using resources from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Using one-time federal funds to address chronic homelessness makes good sense. By dedicating the federal ARPA money to one-time housing costs, it prevents a bow wave of operational costs in the future.

We believe the combination of proven practices with one-time funding presents the single biggest opportunity to make progress on housing and homelessness, especially for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Please ask your elected and appointed officials about the Challenge Seattle special report: Chronic Homelessness: A Crossroad and review the report at: www.challengeseattle.com.

At Fieldstone Cooper Point every day is an opportunity for joy— whether relaxing in the spa, working out in the exercise studio, or taking a stroll through the beautiful grounds. Fieldstone Memory Care communities are designed for the comfort, care, and engagement of residents with alzheimer ’ s and other types of demenitas.

As Olympia’s oldest and most experienced commercial real estate firm, our selection of services and dedication to the local community is second to none.

We take full responsibility for the life cycle of a property.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL RENTALS

Independent & Assisted Living

810 Fieldstone Drive SW, Olympia WA 98502

(360) 915-5764 FieldstoneCooperpoint.com Memory Care

710 Fieldstone Drive SW, Olympia WA 98502

(360) 915-5737 FieldstoneOlympia.com

360-470-0362

COVERYOURFAMILY.COM

reallebeuf@legalshieldassociate.com

Real LeBeuf

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY COMES WITH THE TERRITORY.

Around here, “business as usual” means giving back to the community. It means leading by example. Paying it forward. And doing good, where good is needed most. Our commitment to local philanthropy is as important as our commitment to our customers.

(877) 272-3678 ColumbiaBank.com

Celebrate Olympia’s Brewery Heritage at Olympia Brew Fest

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7 • 1-7PM • TICKETS AT OLYBREWFEST.COM

The community is invited to attend the 9th Annual Olympia Brew Fest, a beer festival at the Port Plaza in Olympia, where “handcrafted” is a way of life. Meet local brewers of handcrafted ales and makers of some very fine cider. The Olympia Brew Fest gives you full permission to explore something new!

Olympia Brew Fest will feature over 20 handpicked, Northwest breweries and a variety of 40 different beers. Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 7, 2021, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, designated drivers only $5 and get all the root beer and water they can drink. Attendees will receive a Souvenir Mug and Taste Card with up to 6 tastes, choosing from 20 handpicked, Northwest Breweries. Additional Taste Cards are available at the event.

Attendees will also enjoy exciting sponsor booths, who will provide giveaways and fun promos, delicious food vendors and amazing live musical entertainment.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel. Proceeds support the Thurston County Chamber Foundation Small Business Incubator.