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We are seeing a continued and growing need in our community, like many others, for increased options and availability of a variety of housing especially for low and lower income individuals and families. Individuals who have experienced homelessness can face many barriers to obtaining housing. Interfaith Works is committed to meeting the needs of our most vulnerable community members and neighbors. It is our intent to convert the Olympia Inn into stable, safe, permanent apartment style housing. We will continue to post updated information on this page from time to time throughout the project. PURPOSE This page is to provide information and resources for the community about Interfaith Works' plans and intentions with the former Olympia Inn, located at 909 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501, which Interfaith Works acquired in late March 2024. MORE UPDATES COMING SOON! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Interfaith Works?
Interfaith Works is an Olympia-based nonprofit that exists to promote interfaith understanding and serve the community through charitable, social, and educational endeavors. Many local faith and spiritual communities and affiliated organizations are members of Interfaith Works Learn more at Interfaith Works. Interfaith Works has been active in Olympia for more than 50 years, and has been providing shelter and other services to community members experiencing homelessness for more than 25 years.
The mission of the Interfaith Works Homeless Services is to advance the social inclusion and empowerment of our neighbors experiencing homelessness through innovative practices of sheltering, mental health, and emergency basic needs coordination. Interfaith Works is dedicated to providing services and support to those in need, not as charity but as an act of social justice. The work of Interfaith Works Homeless Services is rooted in empowerment, social inclusion, and community education to end the unnecessary stigmatization of the most vulnerable. Learn more at IW Shelter.
The mission of the Interfaith Works Homeless Services is to advance the social inclusion and empowerment of our neighbors experiencing homelessness through innovative practices of sheltering, mental health, and emergency basic needs coordination. Interfaith Works is dedicated to providing services and support to those in need, not as charity but as an act of social justice. The work of Interfaith Works Homeless Services is rooted in empowerment, social inclusion, and community education to end the unnecessary stigmatization of the most vulnerable. Learn more at IW Shelter.
What is Sandy's Flats and what is the plan?
The Olympia Inn is a hotel building off Capitol Way that was built in 1958. This small hotel has 28 separate units, lobby area, and a large parking lot. Interfaith Works acquired this property in late March of 2024 with the express intention to update and improve the existing hotel into 26 units of stable, permanent supportive housing, with wrap around resident support, and a community room with laundry and kitchen facilities on site.
What is permanent supportive housing?
Permanent Supportive Housing is leased housing for formerly homeless individuals that provides case management and other supportive services to help someone maintain their housing and meet their lease requirements successfully.
What is the anticipated project timeline?
Interfaith Works acquired this property March 20th of 2024. Between April-June, Interfaith Works will begin working on specific building improvements to move from temporary housing to more permanent, stable, supportive housing. Apartments will begin to be leased in July.
Who will this apartment housing serve?
This housing will focus on individuals who have come to our services through the Department of Commerce and Washington state Department of Transportation joint Right of Way initiative as well as individuals in need of housing identified through the Thurston County Coordinated Entry System. Most individual's housed at this location will have been working with Interfaith Works in the months prior to move in to fully identify what services will best support them in their housing.
What code of conduct are apartment residents expected to adhere to?
All residents will have a lease detailing the expectations of residents. This lease will include many of the same elements of our Space Use Agreement that governs many of our services. Expectations will be centered around safety for all residents, staff, the buildings, and the surrounding neighborhood. Here is a copy of the sandys flats lease and the resident_handbook.
What will staffing look like for the apartments?
We will be staffing the building with a combination of a facilities manager, case managers, and support staff to maximize site presence and support for residents.
What amenities will be available for the apartment residents?
There will be case management on site, as well as laundry, and a community room. The community room will have a community kitchen and gathering space. This space will allow Interfaith Works, volunteers, and other agencies to bring enrichment services to the apartment residents like resident meetings, bingo nights, book clubs, and support groups.
Why is it named Sandy's Flats?
The name "Sandy’s Flats" honors one of our beloved original shelter guests, Sandy Betz. She was an unforgettable member of our community, frequenting many areas around downtown Olympia. She passed away in 2017. Sandy returned to us in the shelter from housing multiple times as she struggled to find acceptance. We want Sandy’s Flats to house people in all of their complexity with care. You can read the blog by Meg Martin in her memory here, https://www.iwshelter.org/blog/archives/05-2017
