PORT ANGELES — Clallam County’s Homeless Task Force had to make some tough decisions during the past couple of weeks but recommended awarding $1.2 million in state grants for homeless capital projects and programs.
A total of $2.2 million was requested.
The commissioners will formally approve the recommendations during their regular meeting at 10 a.m. April 18 in the commissioners meeting room in the Clallam County Courthouse, 223. E. Fourth St. in Port Angeles.
“I’m happy with how it worked,” said Commissioner Mike French after the commissioners were presented with the recommendations at their Monday work session.
“I want to thank everyone involved in this,” said Commissioner Randy Johnson.
Christine Dunn and Jenny Oppelt from the Clallam County Health and Human Services Department told the commissioners that the review committee discussed the need within the community and determined that, of the funding priorities, housing and shelter were most critical.
The commissioners were presented with two sets of recommendations: one for Substitute House Bill 2060 funding (homelessness capital projects) and one for House Bill 2163 (homelessness programs) funding.
The SHB 2060 funding had $237,720 available for the two fiscal years, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. It was recommended to award Healthy Families of Clallam County $72,720 over both fiscal years, North Olympic Regional Veterans’ Housing Network $140,000 over both fiscal years and the Peninsula Housing Authority $25,000 in 2023-2024.
However, the HB 2163 funding had only $1.2 million available and $2.2 million in applications.
Serenity House of Clallam County was recommended for $46,446 for both fiscal years out of a requested $92,892 for its family shelter case management program. It also was recommended for $88,202 for both fiscal years out of a requested $784,270 for its shelter aides funding to allow a 24/7 operation.
Reflections Counseling Services Group was recommended for $104,5000 in both fiscal years out of a requested $150,000 for its hotel leasing and rapid rehousing program.
The Answer for Youth (TAFY) was recommended for $28,152 in both fiscal years out of a requested $33,120 for its Starfleet Operations program. It also was recommended for $56,681 in both fiscal years out of a requested $87,202 for its Bridging the Gap program.
Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) was recommended for $47,740 in both fiscal years out of a requested $63,140 for its Sequim Warming Center. Forks Abuse DBA Mariposa House was recommended for $64,527 in both fiscal years out of a requested $75,915 for its West End Hope program.
Boys & Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula was recommended for $76,048 in both fiscal years out of a requested $152,096 for its life skills training program for youth.
North Olympic Regional Veterans’ Housing Network was recommended for $80,000 in both fiscal years out of a requested $100,000.
Healthy Families of Clallam County was recommended for $107,702 out of a requested $135,805 for its Safely Home program.
The full Homelessness Task Force reviewed the applications and recommendations made by the RFP review committee on April 4. The RFP proposal review committee consisted of John DeBoer, Christy Smith, Leonard Hitz, Amy Miller and Loni Greninger.
After the commissioners approve the recommendations, Clallam County Health and Human Services will develop contracts for approval.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at brian.gawley@soundpublishing.com.
