Government
More needs and fewer resources': Olympia council weighs next steps for homelessness plan
At a study session Tuesday, Olympia's housing director told the City Council that demand for homelessness services is rising while state and federal money shrinks. Council members disagreed on what to prioritize next, and staff will bring back an update in early 2027.
Olympia's homelessness strategy, the One Community Plan, is under more strain than when it was written, Housing Director Ashley Chambers told the City Council at a study session Tuesday, Oct. 13.
"We have more needs and fewer resources and higher economic pressure impacting lower-income households," Chambers said, according to The JOLT News.
The numbers. Regional data for July 2025 through June 2026 showed:
- More than 7,300 people active in the system, including 3,709 new entrants.
- As of June 30, 2,709 people listed as unsheltered and 556 as sheltered.
- 557 shelter beds communitywide.
Chambers cautioned that the data is incomplete and isn't a count of everyone experiencing homelessness. She cited shrinking state and federal funding, The JOLT reported.
Council priorities. Mayor Dontae Payne asked whether resources can keep up with demand. Dani Madrone asked for earlier financial forecasts: "If there's a cliff we're facing in June, we should know that in December and have a plan B." Yen Huynh suggested a data dashboard, and Kelly Green asked how to better support affected neighborhoods.
What's next. The council took no action. Chambers will return in early 2027 with an update, City Manager Jay Burney said.
Sources
- The JOLT News, Oct. 14, 2026
- City of Olympia, Oct. 13, 2026 City Council study session agenda and packet
- City of Olympia, One Community Plan
- City of Olympia, 2026 City Council Work Plan
Photo credit: City of Olympia (via The JOLT News)
