Regional Housing Council approves $149,739 from Opportunity Fund for Homes First repairs

Alex Persse, Thurston County affordable housing program manager, presented an Opportunity Fund request from Homes First for $149,739 to cover infrastructure repairs across several affordable rental properties, including emergency repairs after fire and storm damage and replacements needed to keep units habitable. The Thurston Affordable Housing Advisory Board vetted the proposal and recommended full funding.

Meg Martin, chair of the advisory board, described the discussion: members recognized the emergency nature of several repairs but also debated whether the Opportunity Fund should prioritize new unit creation versus preservation. After deliberation the advisory board voted to recommend funding; council members asked clarifying questions about fund balance and eligibility criteria. Persse reported the Opportunity Fund balance at $3.6 million; awarding Homes First would reduce it to about $3.5 million.

A motion to approve the award was made and seconded; the council voted to approve the recommendation and allocate $149,739 to Homes First.

The council directed staff to share the advisory board’s eligibility criteria and to bring forward any recommended clarifications about Opportunity Fund priorities for future consideration.