Vision Statement: As the fastest-growing demographic in Thurston County, seniors need more affordable and accessible housing options. Through education, advocacy and partnerships, the Senior Housing Team promotes fair-share housing policy, funding and other resources to address the housing needs of seniors. In 2022, these efforts will include ongoing work with the Housing Action Team and stronger alliances with the Area Agency on Aging.
Meeting Times: The Senior Housing Team meets via Zoom at 2 pm on the third Friday of each month
Venue Details: Via Zoom until further notice. To get on the meeting invitee list, please contact either Jessica Houchin
jhouchin@thurstonchamber.com or Anna Schlecht annaschlecht@gmail.com
2020 C0-Chairs: Leatta Dahlhoff & Anna Schlecht
Senior Housing – Community Planning Process
The Thurston Thrives Housing Action Team convened the Senior Housing Team (SHT) to explore senior housing issues. In 2019 they developed a community planning process designed to address senior housing needs, resources and strategies to close the gap. Starting with the November 20th “Regional Housing Summit 3; Senior Housing in Thurston County”, this process continues with a series of public workshops convened by subject matter experts. Each workshop will allow a deeper dive into key elements of senior housing development. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the workshop series will be retooled for a live webinar format. Topics to be discussed are outlined below.
January 24, 2020, 1:30 – 3pm: Senior Housing Needs (COMPLETED)
Location: Lacey Senior Center, 6757 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey
Agenda: Discussion of senior housing needs data. Presenters will offer data from Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) sources on population projections; housing resources; projected needs, etc. Invited Participants: Elected officials, Michael Ambrogi & Thurston Regional Planning; AAA staff; SSSS staff; and stakeholders
Conveners: Nicole Kiddoo, Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency on Aging; Eileen Mckenzie Sullivan Senior Services of South Sound.
Senior Housing Models
Agenda: Presentation & discussion of senior housing models & the partnerships needed to make them happen. Invited Participants: LIHI; Habitat for Humanity; Mercy Housing; SHAG; LARK; private sector developers.
Conveners: Howard Burton, former Marketing Director Panorama & Anna Schlecht, City of Olympia Housing Program.
Planning Tools to Support Senior Housing
Agenda: Discussion of regional policy frameworks that help to facilitate senior & affordable housing development – i.e. ADU policies in Lacey. Invited Participants: planners & Planning directors from Lacey, Olympia; Thurston County, Tumwater & Yelm.
Conveners: Veena Tabott Thurston Regional Planning (TRPC) & Jessica Brandt, Lacey Community Planning
Senior Housing Funding Resources
Agenda: Discussion of funding options; public & private funding resources
Conveners: Tom Webster, Program Manager & local lender TBD
Cultural Competence Senior Housing & Homeless Facilities
Agenda: An exploration of the best practices for serving seniors in subsidized housing and shelter facilities
Conveners: Keylee Marineau, Thurston County Homeless Coordinator & Nicole Kiddoo, Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging
Senior Housing Tool Kit
Agenda: The workshop series will conclude with the development of a resource guide that identifies existing & needed tools, including: funding; zoning & development standards; development partnership models; and, other tools.
Conveners: Senior Housing Team