Washington Department of Enterprise Services Implements a Supplier Diversity Policy

Washington state is committed to removing barriers that prevent small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses from doing business with the state

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all procurement professionals and those with acquisition responsibilities use approved, legally compliant strategies that encourage and facilitate the purchase of goods and services from small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses to the maximum extent possible. Agencies must take action to remove barriers that prevent small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses from receiving equitable access to procurements for state goods and services.

For more information and tips for small, diverse, and veteran-owned business in Washington to sell goods and services to governments and organizations, click "Learn More."

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ENHANCED SHELTER

With funding from Washington’s Right-of-Way program and a partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington State Department of Transportation, Thurston County, and the City of Lacey, the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) finalized the purchase of the property located at 8200 Quinault Drive NE, Lacey to convert to an enhanced shelter. "With purchase of the Days Inn in Lacey we have a unique opportunity to quickly house unsheltered homeless people living along I-5 and other state highways,” said LIHI Executive Director Sharon Lee.

Read full press release.

HOME SHARE PROGRAM

Funded by the City of Lacey, the City of Olympia, South Thurston County, and The Regional Housing Council, Senior Services for South Sound's Home Share Program is a win-win.

This program is a living arrangement where Home Providers offer accommodation to Home Seekers in exchange for an agreed upon level of support in the form of combinations of financial contribution, assistance with household tasks, transportation, or companionship. The Home Provider determines the cost of home sharing. A primary motivation to home share, for both Provider and Seeker alike, is to be able to make the cost of living more affordable in a difficult housing market.

REGIONAL HOUSING COUNCIL

The Regional Housing Council (RHC) was created with the primary purpose to leverage resources and partnerships through policies and projects promoting equitable access to safe and affordable housing in Thurston County. The City of Lacey has been a founding member since 2021 and is currently the Chair of the Council. The RHC meet twice a month to advance housing issues in Thurston County.

RESPONSE TO HOMELESSNESS

The City of Lacey is currently actively engaged in a number of initiatives and programs aimed at disrupting the root causes of homelessness, increasing and maintaining affordable housing stock in the community, and preventing or reducing experiences of homelessness. Learn more.