Lacey commission approves updates to Human Services Grant Program 

The Lacey Human Services Commission unanimously approved updates to the city's Human Services Grant Program at its meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6. 

“Right now, we have the same priorities: housing, survival and security,” said Human Services Coordinator Michelle Chavez. 

The commission voted to recommend the updated grant program policy to the Lacey City Council, which includes a $35,000 cap for public service applications and a limit of one application per agency. 

Funding priorities cover essential social services for low-income and special needs populations. According to the staff report, services must “focus on basic needs and serve Lacey community members.” 

"We talked about this again, and the work group gave feedback that they would like to keep the $50,000 cap for capital projects, and then recommend a $35,000 cap for public service non-capital applications," Chavez said. 

The changes aim to make the grant program more inclusive and allow more agencies to receive funding.  

In 2024, the city allocated $300,000 for the grant program. As of Jan. 31, Chavez noted that 10 of the 11 agencies were either under contract or nearing fully executed contracts.  

Agencies have also begun submitting invoices to the city to reimburse eligible expenses. 

The commission also discussed potentially changing the grant application and evaluation rubric. 

“We will be looking forward to having the commissioners participate in the evaluation of applications and rubrics, and all the things that we worked on together in 2024,” Chavez said. 

The Human Services Grant Program provides funding for housing, survival, and security services in the Lacey community.

The commission's recommendation will go to the Lacey City Council for final approval.