Relocation of I-5 homeless encampments could start next week, says Lacey official

Relocation of people from homeless encampments along I-5, particularly near Sleater-Kinney Road, to the new Maple Court enhanced shelter might begin next week.

Lacey Planning and Development Services Manager Grant Beck said there will be an inspection on Monday, June 26 with the relocation to begin two days after.

“It’s going to be a work in progress,” said Beck, adding that providers might be able to place ten people per week in Maple Court, formerly known as Days Inn motel, which had 126 room when it operated as a motel.

On concerns of safety and drug use, Beck said the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) has a set of rules that residents need to follow, which include prohibiting using drugs and drinking alcohol in public spaces within its buildings.

Lacey Planning Manager Ryan Andrews said LIHI, which manages the relocation, looks at the logistical aspect of transferring people.

LIHI is currently managing access to the homeless encampments along I-5 to keep the camp from expanding before the start of the relocation process, said Andrews.

Andrews said LIHI was able to manage the issues with the fire sprinkler contractor, which was the cause of the delay in the relocation for the I-5 residents that had previously been slated to begin on June 19.