HomeMy WebLinkAboutPathways Public CommentTaylor Crouch
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Louise Acheson < achesonlz@gmail.com >
Tuesday, March 22,2022 9:48 AM
Kittitas County Commissioners Office
Homeless
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To: Kittitas County Commissioners
From: Rob and Louise Acheson
We are aware that the property that was known as "Nites lnn" which has been vacant for a few years is being offered to
Kittitas County to be considered as housing for the homeless. lf this is so, we think it would be a mistake.
We recognize that the homeless situation nationwide is of great concern to all. We realize there is an emotional side to
this issue as well as a serious need to address this from a practical standpoint. ln very recent travels through western
Washington, western Oregon and California as far south as San Luis Obispo it is obvious how negatively these homeless
encampments have affected the communities they have invaded.
We strongly encourage you to keep this from happening anymore than it already has in Kittitas County. Turning this
building into a homeless haven willencourage additionalcamping on the rest of the property, degrading the area which
will be detrimentalto the community as a whole.
We have not seen any statistics on the percentage of homeless individuals who choose to be so opposed to those truly
needing help and are in need ofa hand up notjust a hand out.
We wish we could offer a solution to this serious problem. Hopefully, you will consider our concern in making your
decision.
Respectfully,
Rob and Louise Acheson
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Dear Commissioner Wachsmith,
l'm writing in support of the proposed rehabilitation of the Nites lnn to affordable housing. The property is neglected and
could be better used providing housing to members of our community who are currently living in shelters or unhoused.
HopeSource has proven to be a successful developer and operator of affordable housing for the most vulnerable in our
community. Our community desperately needs more affordable housing for low-income households.
I urge you to vote "yes" on the Nites lnn project.
Regards,
Claire Nicholls, Hopesource Board of Directors
HOEMAKER
MANUFACTURING
Glaire Nicholls I Vice President
clairenicholls@shoemakermfg.com
Shoemaker Manufacturing Company
Office: 509.852.3047 | Fax'. 509.67 4.4420
618 E First Street Cle Elum, WA 98922
www.shoemakermfg.com
Read Our Vendor and Visitor Safetv Protocols
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for a new eustomer Portal Account
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Taylor Crouch
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Cory Wright
Thursday, April 14, 2022 2:56 PM
Taylor Crouch; Mandy Buchholz; Julie Kjorsvik
FW: Support for Nites lnn Project
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From: Shianne Lowe <slowe@pfp.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 'J,4,2022 11-:06 AM
To: Cory Wright <cory.wright@co.kittitas.wa.us>
Subject: Support for Nites lnn Project
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Dear Commissioner Wright,
I'm writing in support of the proposed rehabilitation of the Nites Inn to affordable housing. It's no secret that
the property is neglected and could be better used providing housing to members of our community who are
currently living in shelters or unhoused.
As a social seruice provider, I see an urgent need for this type of housing. I often work with individuals who
are actively experiencing homeless or at risk of homelessness, and the biggest barrier to getting housed is lack
of housing resources in our community. The individuals I have met are of all demographics, ages, etc., they
are our neighbors and community members. As a community member, I feel this is a moral responsibility of
our city and county to support the development of housing resources, and that the Nites Inn project is an
obvious and immediate solution.
HopeSource has proven to be a successful developer and operator of affordable housing for the most
vulnerable in our community. Our community desperately needs more alfordable housing for low-income
households.
I urge you to vote "yes" on the Nites Inn project.
Best regards,
Shianne Lowe
Shianne Lowe
PEOPLE FOR PEQftT
o
Program Lead
WorkSource Kittitas County
P: (509) 925-5311
F: (509) 925-1004
E: slowe@pfp.org
Mailing: PO Box 759, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Physical:510 N Pine, Ellensburg, WA 98926
www.pfp.orq
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Taylor Crouch
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Attachments:
Follow Up Flag:
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Kenya Jones < KJones@hopesource.us>
Monday, April 18, 20221:51 PM
Taylor Crouch
Susan Grindle
HopeSource Nite's lnn Documents
HopeSource_Nites lnn_Q and A_v4.docx; Narrative for Meeting 4-1B.docx
Follow up
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HiTaylor,
Attached are documents regarding the Nite's lnn which Susan Grindle asked me to send over
Best,
Kenya Jones (she/her)
Executive Assistant, HopeSource
Kiones@hopesource.us
Phone: (509) 925-1448
700 E Mountain View Ave Ste. 501
Ellensburg, Wa 98926
www.hopesource.us
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HopeS OUTCC
The purpose of the application submission was to purchase the 4.8-acre Nites to utilize as
affordable housing and renovate the existing units into affordable housing with supportive
services with funding from both the County Homeless and Affordable Housing funds and the
City Affordable Housing funds. We met with the Affordable Housing Committee on several
occasions to discuss the proposal and they have recommended moving forward with the
proposal.
We have also met several times with the City Affordable Housing Commission, and they have
recommended moving forward with the proposal and it is scheduled to be voted on by the
County Council this evening. However, they are concerned about the community not being
ready for a supportive housing project of this size, suggesting that the 16 units that would be
created are more capacity than is needed for supportive housing in this county. They prefer to
move forward with the project as an Affordable Housing project at this time and address
supportive housing at a later date.
The County Commissioners also expressed those same concerns earlier this month and
suggested HopeSource gather feedback from the community, conduct community forums, and
provide education and awareness and we have begun that process.
This is a unique time where capitalfunding and supportive housing operations funding are
available at the state level. Our original proposal intended to utilize funding from the recently
passed HB L866 Apple Health & Home to create the new Office of Housing and Health and use
capital funding from that office to renovate the existing building. However, this new office is in
the early stages of creation, and we have not been able to get any information on the timing of
when those funds are available. To add L6-unit Affordable Housing within the next L2 to L8
months we plan instead to utilize conventional financing to fianc6 the renovation of the existing
units into affordable housing units for households at60% AMI or below including veterans,
senior citizens, and all categories of homelessness.
To secure the full funding for the Nites lnn project and satisfy both the County and the City's
concerns we would like to request the Commissioners approve our application to move forward
with the project as Affordable Housing and address supportive housing at a later date.
HopeSource understands that Supportive Housing is the final gap in our homeless services and
is committed to educating the community, which will take a little time, and operating a
Supportive Housing program at some point in the future
700 E Mountain View Ave. Suite 501 Ellensburg, WA 98926' 509-925-1448 ' www.hopesource.us
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G ENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
1. Q: What is the proposed project?
A: HopeSource aims to purchase and renovate the Nites lnn in Ellensburg and transform
it into affordable housing. lt will include L6 one-bedroom units of approximately 550
square feet. ln addition, additional support services such as housing and employment
stability case management, referral to mental and physical health, disability, and
substance use providers will be offered. The property will be staffed with an on-site
manager.
2. Q: Why is this project needed now? Won't it just attract homeless people to our
city/county?
A: Currently, there are no affordable housing projects pending in the city or the county
and a significant need for affordable housing. Since 201-7, HopeSource has documented
a nearly 400%increase in services to individuals and families experiencing
homelessness. While we've been able to provide more services to meet demand, we've
exhausted all available housing resources-even though there still people in our
community living unhoused. Approximately 80o/o of those seeking help were residents of
Kittitas County already as reported by the Department of Commerce Homeless
Management lnformation System (HMIS).
3. Q: Why do you want to buy this property, specifically?
A: With limited property available on the market to build affordable housing, this is a
rare opportunityto purchase propertyat a reasonable price. On top of that, significant
funds are currently available from the federal and state legislatures to purchase, lease,
or rehabilitate property for affordable housing with support services.
4. Q: Why is this location being considered?
A:The Nites lnn is a unique location that would help meet the needs of future residents
because of its proximity to job opportunities, grocery stores, services and public transit.
5. Q: How much will it cost and where willfunding come from?
A: The total project cost is estimated at 52.4 million. Funding will be sourced from City
1% funds (SZSOK;, county document recording fees (5750K), HopeSource (StOOf) and
other local, state, and federalfunding sources.
6. Q: How is the project aligned with broader objectives set by local and state officials?
A: This project targets Objective 4 of the Kittitas County Homeless Plan and is aligned
with Governor lnslee's Reducing Poverty and lnequality Priority and is closely aligned
with the City of Ellensburg Plan.
7. Q: How is "affordable" being defined?
A: We recognize that the term affordable has different meanings for each person's
unique situation. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
considers housing to be affordable if it costs no more than 30% of a household's
income. Households paying more than 3O% of their income for housing are considered
to be cost-burdened, while households paying more than 50% are severely cost-
burdened. Asof 20L8, it is estimated that 3,740 households in Ellensburgare cost-
burdened (a8% of all Ellensburg households) and 2,L50 households are severely cost-
burdened (28o/o of all Ellensburg households).
8. Q: What are the income levels of the people who will be served through this project?
A: This project will serve people who face the highest barrier to stable housing, who are
earning at or below 60% of area median income (very low-income).
9. Q: With only a limited number of units available, how are potential residents being
prioritized?
A: Affordable housing will prioritize applicants from very-low-income households. For
these units, priority is given to homeless households. Prioritization will be based on the
length of time homeless and the severity of the household's needs. Homeless families
with children are served by the HopeSource Family Shelter.
10. Q: How long will it take to renovate the Nites lnn and develop the additional housing
on the property?
A: Once funding is secured, we hope to begin renovations as soon as possible with a
goal of opening of the building for affordable housing by the end of 2022.lf not funded
in this first round, we expect the additional renovation of the building will be complete
by the end of 2023, assuming a smooth development process. The four acres adjacent
to the building would go into the affordable housing tax credit cycle process in 2023 to
build over 40 units of affordable housing by 2O25-2G.
11. Q: What is the status of your funding and permitting process for the new property?
A: At present, we are hoping to secure SZSOK from the City of Ellensburg. The funds
requested will fund half of the purchase of the property. HopeSource is pursuing an
additionalSZSOf from the County Document Recording Fees and funds from
HopeSource for earnest money, legal fees, and closing costs. We will also seek funding
for building rehabilitation later from public and private sources.
12. Q: Do you have a name for the new project and if not, when willthe name be
announced?
A: We do not currently have a name for this project but expect to determine one after
funding is secured.
INVOLVEMENT AND
13. Q: How willthe housing project benefit our community?
A: New affordable housing units will benefit the greater Ellensburg community by
creating a more stable and connected community close to service and retailjob
opportunities. People who are stably housed are more likely to engage positively with
the people and places around them. Providing housing stability and easing the housing
cost burden for low-income households through this project will allow these households
to re-invest in the community socially and financially. The Ellensburg community-at-
large will also gain a sense of place by working together to meet the needs of some of
our most vulnerable populations and treating them with respect and dignity.
14. Q: Why do we need more housing for people experiencing homelessness or those
experiencing housing instability?
A: On average, there are approximately 45 homeless households in Kittitas County at
any given time, 20 of which are in temporary housing/shelter units. Many of these
households are in shelters awaiting an affordable housing option to become available.
The demand for affordable housing in the county far exceeds the availability. Population
increase in Ellensburg is outpacing Affordable Housing production; to keep up with
demand, we would need an additional 330 units of new housing per year.
15. Q: How will this project address Ellensburg's housing needs?
A: The Ellensburg Housing Needs Assessment shows a clear need for one-bedroom
apartments to relieve the housing cost burden. As of 201-7, about 70% of all households
in Ellensburg have only 1 or 2 members. Yet only 28% of housing units offered are
studios or 1-bedroom. The lack of smaller-format housing can pose a barrier to many
people living alone or with a partner who do not need or cannot afford a large home.
16. Q: What are the long-term benefits of this project and how will it impact our
community's broader housing challenges?
A: Overall, the provision of new housing units will help relieve the bottleneck of
homeless services throughout Ellensburg and move the community toward lower
overall housing cost burdens. lt will remain affordable housing for a minimum of at least
40 years following the funding and construction of the units.
17. Q: What other partners will be involved in your referral network?
A: HopeSource case advocates and managers regularly refer to several organizations.r Housing Authority provides Section 8 housing vouchers (VASH) for qualified
households.
o WorkSource coordinates with HopeSource to provide employment search and
preparation resources for clients seeking work.
o DSHS-SNAP offers temporary financial benefits as clients construct their safety
net.
r The Social Security SOAR program assists in moving from disability to ability.
o Central Washington Disability Resources and Elmview provides training and
disability support.
o FISH offers food and social support.
o Free Clinic Dental & Vision provides access to medical treatment.
o Merit Resource Center provides rehabilitation and behavioral health services.
o ASPEN offers abuse support and prevention education.
o Comprehensive Healthcare provides a full range of mental health and substance
use disorder treatment services.
18. Q: Which groups will HopeSource seek input from as part of this project?
A: HopeSource actively seeks input and feedback in the groups where they participate,
such asthe KCHN Leadership Counciland Board,the HUD Continuum of Care Steering
Committee, the A-Team, Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and numerous other
community stakeholders. Construction or rehabilitation willfocus on partnership with
local builders and contractors.
NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS
19. Q: Won't building more housing for people experiencing homelessness result in a
greater homeless population?
A: No. ln fact, building housing for people experiencing homelessness leads to a
reduction in overall homelessness. From 2O2Lto2O22homelessness fell by 32%, aided
by the addition of Spurling Court and other grant-funded housing programs.
20. Q: Willthis housing project result in an increase in crime and violence in our area?
A: We have not heard of any increased violence or crime related to any of our other
housing projects. Properties are owned by HopeSource and managed by a professional
property management firm with oversight24/7.
21. Q: Won't the city miss out on revenue if the Nites lnn becomes a market-rate housing
development instead?
A: Providing housing for the most vulnerable among us is an important part of building a
thriving downtown core and extended community. Housing is a basic need for every
person, and by giving our residents a place to live, they get the solid footing they need
to maintain employment, pursue education, support their families and be part of our
community.
Providing supportive housing saves public dollars, leading to 8I% fewer emergency
room visits, 6I%ofewer hospitaladmissions,80% shorter hospital stays and 85% less
time spent incarcerated. When targeted to those who use the most services, supportive
housing can generate gross savings of over 546,000 per person per year compared to
leaving people unhoused.
22, Q: How do you actively ensure safety around the building and respond to safety
concerns?
A: HopeSource will provide 24/7 staffing, cameras on the inside and outside of the
buildings, and a strict guest policy that allows us to monitor who is always in the
building. lt is worth noting that our building will provide more securitythan a "market
rate" building might have in the same location. HopeSource will use case managers to
develop sustainable budgets and refer to other services in the community, including
internal referrals for transportation, rent assistance, nutrition assistance, and energy
assista nce.
23. Q: Has HopeSource had any incidents of illegal dumping outside any of your other
properties, or of problematic loitering, drug activity, or other crimes andlor localized
disturbances? lf so, what is your plan to minimize those occurrences at this property?
A: Currently, there are no issues with illegal dumping at any of our properties. We have
facilities staff that monitor the property and pick up trash on a regular basis. Affordable
housing solutions help HopeSource reduce the issues that can arise when someone lives
outside. Tenant leases and property rules prohibit loitering, drug activity, and other
criminal activity and are strictly enforced.
24. Q: Willthis development increase problems such as dumping, drug use, and crime?
A: We invite you to see for yourself by visiting one of our existing properties. Many
communities in our area are experiencing these issues because there are too many folks
to shelter and house, and not enough housing resources to go around. That's why we
need more affordable housing options, like the project we're proposing, in our
communities.
ABOUT HOPESOURCE & ITS CLIENTS
25. Q: Why is HopeSource qualified to implement and sustain this project?
A: HopeSource owns and operates more than 800 affordable housing units throughout
Central Washington and has 20+ years of experience and expertise in this area. All of the
organization's properties have maintained their affordability over the years, are fully
funded, and have sufficient operating reserves to maintain the structures and serve its
intended populations. HopeSource manages 78local, state and federalcontracts and is
in excellent standing with funders. Case advocates are highly trained professionals who
recertify in their training regularly. HopeSource is audited annually by an external source
and has received L4 consecutive clean annual audits.
25. Q: How will tenants be screened/selected to live in the new housing units?
A: Prospective residents undergo criminal background and credit screening to ensure a
safe and sustainable community, that often includes vulnerable populations, in
compliance with Federal Fair Housing statutes.
27. Q: How do HopeSource residents typically spend their time?
A: Residents follow the rhythms of their daily lives, like the rest of us. That means they
have regular places they visit, friends they check in on, appointments, shopping,
employment and volunteering and faith-based activities.
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