Houselessness emergency declaration renewed in Olympia  

The Olympia City Council unanimously approved a resolution extending a public health emergency on houselessness for 12 months, allowing the city to maintain emergency measures as it continues to work on the issue.

Housing Director Ashley Chambers presented the resolution at the city council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 10. She said conditions that prompted the emergency declaration have not been fully resolved despite progress in addressing homelessness.  

The city initially declared a public health emergency related to houselessness on July 17, 2018, through Ordinance No. 7146.

The declaration recognized unsheltered homelessness is not just a housing challenge, but also creates urgent public health concerns for people without reliable access to shelter, sanitation and essential services. 

Since the declaration was initially declared, Chambers said the city has invested in outreach, sanitation, shelter, temporary housing and pathways to permanent housing.  

To date, the city has closed 14 encampments and helped about 500 people move into housing, as it continues working with service providers, regional partners and staff.  

Temporary housing sites, including Quince Street Village and Franz Anderson Village, have also provided options for people who would otherwise remain unsheltered as they work toward stability and longer term housing.  

The council subsequently adopted Ordinance No. 7443 on Nov. 18, 2025, continuing the emergency declaration and establishing an annual review and renewal process. The ordinance allows extensions of up to 12 months, subject to a sunset date of Dec. 10, 2027.  

“Renewing this declaration does not mean that the city failed to make progress. It means that these conditions that led to the declaration have not been fully resolved,” said Chambers to the council.  

'The Jungle'

Chambers identified "The Jungle" as Olympia’s last major encampment, and said the city’s efforts to transition its residents will require sustained attention over the next year.  

She stressed that the process involves more than clearing an encampment. It requires a phased approach that includes identifying and engaging residents, conducting assessments, coordinating with regional partners, matching individuals with available housing opportunities, and providing support until they can move into housing.  

The city is also continuing to address health, sanitation, safety and environmental concerns at The Jungle, as well as other areas in Olympia.  

Chambers said the lack of sufficient housing and shelter options remains one of the biggest obstacles to moving people out of unsheltered homelessness. Residents have varying needs, including accessible housing, behavioral health support, and accommodations that allow them to remain with their pets.  

“Our work there is ongoing and required sustained attention,” Chambers said.  

A staff report states the city will continue funding homeless response programs, sanitation, temporary housing and affordable housing through existing resources and regional partnerships.  

Chambers said the city’s long-term goal is to create a community where extraordinary emergency measures are no longer necessary.  

She said maintaining the emergency framework will help Olympia protect public health, sustain temporary housing solutions, advance the transition at The Jungle, and continue broader efforts to address homelessness..