​The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) and Interfaith Works (IW) are partnering on an unprecedented development of a 60 bed shelter, and 65 units of permanent supportive housing at 2828 Martin Way to be completed at the end of 2021. This building is being created to support neighbors in our community who are extremely low income, experiencing chronic homelessness, and who are living with complex challenges related to their physical and mental health. Both LIHI and Interfaith Works are committed to combating homelessness in our community, and we understand the crucial role that social inclusion and a sense of belonging plays in lifting the human spirit and providing an environment built for recovery and healing. Many organizations, sectors, and individuals have come together to make this monumental effort come to life, and we understand more now than ever how important cohesion and unity are to our collective well being. The project team has been working with the City of Olympia through the permitting and design process and the team seeks artists to activate the east facade of the building at street level in 3 distinct areas. Please share far and wide to help us find the perfect artist for this unique, and meaningful opportunity. Applications due October 30th, 2020! Please click the photo above to learn more! ​

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Interfaith Works is taking many steps to keep our shelter guests, staff, and entire community safe. Please read more about all the ways we are responding and how you can help.

This is a temporary need that will last as long as social distancing and shelter-in-place requirements remain in place. We are monitoring the changing landscape every day, and when social distancing requirements begin to soften, we will transition back to normal operations at our downtown location.

This interim use of the existing building does not change the plans of developing a new 60-bed shelter and 65 apartments of supported housing. Construction for this new facility is set to begin in the fall and be completed in late 2021.

GUEST AUTHOR
Cary Retlin, Home Fund Manager for the City of Olympia

I am writing today to let you about upcoming meetings related to the development of the 2828 Martin Way property. As we have said in previous neighborhood meetings and emails, we are committed to keeping you up to date about what's happening with this piece of property and create ongoing ways to stay informed.
 
Just last week the Low-Income Housing Institute (LIHI) got word they were awarded federal Housing Tax Credits, the last step in winning construction funds. Congratulations to LIHI and Interfaith Works! Unfortunately, many communities did not win funds for similar affordable housing efforts elsewhere in the state.
 
A public hearing on the land use application for the development of 2828 Martin Way is being held at the February 25th City Council meeting at 7pm, City Hall Chambers. The staff report and application documents will be available on the City Council’s webpage on February 20.
 
Council will hear comment on the development agreement between the City of Olympia and the Low-Income Housing Institute including parking, fees, stormwater and other required plans for the shelter and first phase of apartments. Draft renderings and site plans will be included in those documents. If you attend and wish to speak, please arrive before 7:00 p.m. to sign in. Once this item is reached on the agenda, Leonard Bauer will provide a brief summary for the City Council, then they will open the public hearing. At that time the Mayor will call the names of people who have signed in and give them the opportunity to speak. Generally, each speaker is limited to three minutes.
 
The agreement includes reference to a second phase of the property (closer to Martin Way where the medical office building is currently). That building is proposed to be demolished in a few years to provide space for more apartments.
 
Notice of this hearing will be posted at the site, in an Olympian notice, and a notice to all property owners within 300 feet of the property.
 
A community meeting is scheduled at the VFW for Monday March 2nd, at 6pm. At this meeting Low Income Housing Institute, Interfaith Works, and city staff will be available to update everyone on process, share some drawings and plans (including changes that reflect feedback you have given previously), and the timeline for construction, and use of the existing parking lot during construction. (Thank you to the VFW for making your space available for this!).
 
Call, email or come by one of these meetings so we can answer your questions. Please share this with your neighbors who may not be on this list.