Mindy Chambers

A new, 38-bed shelter for highly vulnerable people experiencing homelessness is beginning to take shape on Olympia’s eastern edge. The shelter, at 3444 Martin Way, is scheduled to open by early February 2021, says Interfaith Works Executive Director Meg Martin. The 5,250-square-foot “Sprung Structure” is a heavy-duty modular building similar to those used in a number of American and Canadian cities to shelter unhoused people.  Meg Martin, Executive Director, Interfaith Works Martin praised the Interfaith Works Board and funding partners. “At a time when the COVID-19 crisis has made all of our lives harder, this community has come together with…

The City of Olympia has identified its firing range parking lot at Carpenter Road and Martin Way as a possible short-term, safe parking location for people currently living in their vehicles. The effort got a boost Tuesday when Thurston County Commissioners, in a 2-1 vote, approved $530,000 in one-time funding to help set up the safe parking site. The money comes from state fees people pay when recording documents with the county; a state emergency housing grant; and federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act money. The city requested the funding from the county late last week. Primarily,…