Problem

Public Health Emergency

Every night in our community more than 1,000 people sleep in doorways, on cold concrete sidewalks, and in wooded areas around Thurston County.

This public health emergency, recognized by government officials across the county, is challenging for those needing shelter and for our community. A key part of addressing that challenge has been Interfaith Works’ dedication to meeting emergency shelter needs and commitment to long-term solutions. When those with the greatest need among us thrive, we all do better.
The Interfaith Works Shelter is currently housed in the basement of First Christian Church in downtown Olympia. The church has provided wonderful hospitality for the shelter residents and staff over the past five years, but we agree that the space is not adequate to provide the necessities, safety, and support our guests need. Rooms are small and cramped, windows are few, and the plumbing is old and broken.

Despite the excellent quality of care provided by our staff and volunteers, the building was not designed for this purpose. In order to heal, those we serve need the sense of dignity and quality of life that a well-designed, long-term facility could provide.

SPRING 2021

Permanent Housing and Supportive Shelter Breaks Ground

Statistics

History and Experience

Our average shelter guest is 51 years old.

Over 60% have permanent physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, serious mental health issues or substance abuse challenges.

40% are long-term shelter residents because of the lack of permanent supportive housing in Thurston County.

Without a new facility they will remain on housing wait lists for years to come. In the best case scenario their issues compound and they move into skilled nursing homes; in the worst case scenario, they pass away.

We mourn the death of a shelter guest every 6 months on average.

We need to do better, and with your help, we will.

A Lifeline

Sergio Jaramillo was 60 years old and lived unhoused in Thurston County for over 20 years.

Two years ago, he experienced frostbite on both feet resulting in six amputation surgeries on one leg, each failing to heal and causing serious infection. Sergio had accessed every possible resource in Thurston County yet continued to fall through the cracks of the safety net.

The Interfaith Works Shelter was the only consistent place for Sergio to land.
Each time he was hospitalized our advocates worked tirelessly to coordinate with hospital staff, social workers, specialists, and primary care providers to ensure that he had a safety plan and wound care in place each time he was released from the hospital back to the shelter.

Without the lifeline of the shelter, Sergio would have died years ago. He was a prime candidate for residency at 2828 Martin Way.

In 2019, Sergio passed away. He was deeply loved by everyone who knew him. His spirit was so vibrant, creative, brilliant, and fiery.

This development’s inspiration has always been to create a space for people like Sergio with no other options. The work we do is life and death each day. We continue our resolve to create the solutions we need so people like Sergio may live full, healthy, and safe lives.