Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Olympia City Council approved two resolutions in support of continued operations at a low-barrier shelter and a services program for people who are experiencing homelessness.
In separate actions, the council authorized a $1 lease agreement with nonprofit Valeo Vacation for Franz Anderson Village and approved a funding agreement to sustain operations through the next fiscal cycle. Both items, listed in the city council's consent calendar, were adopted at a meeting on June 23.
Operations for fiscal year 2026-27 are budgeted at $1,314,389, up from $1,251,799 last year, reflecting a 5 percent cost-of-living adjustment.
According to a staff report, most operating costs will be covered by the Washington Encampment Resolution Program (also known as the Rights-of-Way Safety Initiative) through the Washington State Department of Commerce, with the remaining balance coming from Olympia Home Fund.
The city approved leasing Franz Anderson to Valeo Vocation for $1 to maintain stable site operations. The agreement supports an integrated service model that includes case management and a code of conduct aimed at resident stability and pathways to employment.
“Franz Anderson provides a low-barrier option for persons experiencing homelessness and also increases pathways to unhoused individuals to employment with an effective case management system and code of conduct,” the staff report states.
Located on approximately 1.48 acres of city-owned property at 528 Franz Anderson Road, the village consists of 60 units, each with electrical power, windows, locking doors, a bed, heat and lighting.
The site has 24/7 on-site security staff, two resident common areas, including a case management office, two hygiene trailers with six showers (two Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA-accessible) and eight toilets (two of which are ADA-accessible), laundry facilities and an eating area with kitchen appliances.
The staff report noted providing shelter and services helps reduce calls to first responders by offering a safe space and opportunities for de-escalation. The report added that the community benefits when people in crisis can stabilize in a shelter.
To address any concerns, city staff, Valeo and neighboring stakeholders meet regularly and coordinate responses with the Olympia Police Department.
Established in 2022 under Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safety Initiative to clear encampments along state rights-of-way by offering housing alternatives, the village began with 50 units. It served residents from encampments near Wheeler and Nickerson along Interstate 5.
Operations transitioned from OlyMAP to Valeo Vocation in July 2025, when Valeo added an optional workforce program.
After the closure of Plum Street Village earlier this year, 19 larger units were relocated to Franz Anderson Village, replacing smaller units and expanding total capacity to 60 units.
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BettyVerdammt
Porch Pirate Cove, New Hooverville, Fentanyl Tenements, Slum Street Villas...
Wednesday, July 8 Report this
longtimeresident
Hadn't heard about the Plum Street Village being closed but it must have had to do with the sale of the property on Plum St. As long as there are wraparound services provided with the tiny homes, I would say there is progress being made, and the city should continue to move forward with this concept.
Thursday, July 9 Report this
longtimeresident
Never heard about the Plum Street Village closure; must have had to do with the sale of the property on Plum St.
Anything that can be done to house the homeless is a step in the right direction. Add on other services and you are making progress; the city must not stop now.
Thursday, July 9 Report this
Snevets
Bravo!
Thursday, July 9 Report this