Homes First

Join us on Sept 11th, for a morning of great food, meaningful conversation, and heartfelt connection at our annual fundraising breakfast! Discover what Homes First has been doing this last year and learn about our plans for the future over a warm breakfast (with coffee!) served at 7:45 am, Doors open at 7:30 and the program starts at 8.

We can't wait to see you there!

Registration is open at homesfirst.org/heroes

Have you heard about the first annual ? With four categories to enter, now's the time to share what you love the most about our vibrant community! With "Community Celebrations & People", "Landscapes & Wildlife", "Nonprofit Mission in Action", & "Youth (ages 0-17)" as categories, there's something for everyone! The contest is open 7.22 through 8.29!

Enter photos and read about the guidelines and prizes on the Community Foundation's website at: thecommunityfoundation.com/photo-contest

Are you passionate about tenant relations and property maintenance? Homes First is looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Property Manager to oversee our properties and ensure a great living experience for our tenants.

What You'll Do:
*Maintain and manage properties to the highest standards
*Foster positive relationships with tenants
*Handle maintenance issues promptly and efficiently

Why Work With Us?
*Join a dynamic and supportive team
*Make a meaningful impact in our community
*Enjoy competitive salary and benefits
*Opportunities for professional growth

Ready to Apply?
If you have the skills and passion for this role, we want to hear from you! Click the link to learn more and submit your application: https://www.homesfirst.org/jobs

Take the next step in your career and help us make a difference at Homes First!

Homes First is now seeking a bookkeeper to join our team!

We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented individual with a knack for numbers, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for helping others! If this sounds like you, this might be the perfect opportunity to join us in making a difference in our community!

As a bookkeeper at Homes First, you will play a crucial role in managing our financial records and ensuring the smooth operation of our financial processes. This is a fantastic chance to work with a supportive team and inspire positive change in our community.

Follow the link to learn more about the position and to submit your application: https://www.homesfirst.org/jobs

Join GRuB tomorrow (7/18) from 4-8pm at the GRuB Farm to welcome back their annual fundraising carnival! With stage performances, roving performers, tasty treats, and a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy, this amazing summer event will surely be a blast!

Don't miss out on GRuB's annual carnival fundraiser; there's a suggested donation of $20 for families or $5 for individuals but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds!

Read more here: https://www.goodgrub.org/event/grub-carnival

Do you have a passion for tenant relations and property maintenance? Homes First is seeking a dedicated and energetic Property Manager to ensure our properties are well-maintained and our tenants have a great living experience.

In this role, you'll be responsible for maintaining our properties to the highest standards and fostering positive relationships with tenants. You’ll also manage maintenance issues swiftly and efficiently, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all residents.

Why Join Our Team?
*Join a staff of compassionate, mission-oriented professionals.
*Lead an enthusiastic and dedicated team of maintenance techs.
*Make a meaningful impact in the community.

Interested in Joining Us?
If you have the skills and passion for this role, we would love to hear from you! Click the link to learn more and apply: https://www.homesfirst.org/jobs

Advance your career and help us make a difference at Homes First!

Join the Homes First Team as a Full-Time Bookkeeper!

Homes First is excited to announce an opening for a full-time Bookkeeper! We are on the lookout for a detail-oriented individual with a passion for numbers and helping others. If this sounds like you, this could be the perfect opportunity to make a real difference in our community.

In this role, you will be essential in managing our financial records and ensuring smooth financial operations. This is a great chance to work with a supportive team and contribute to positive change in our community.

Ready to make an impact? Learn more about the position and apply here: https://www.homesfirst.org/jobs

This weekend, join the Lacey South Sound Chamber as they hosts their annual South Sound BBQ Festival in Huntamer Park! The Festival includes a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages, from Free kids activities to an Adults-Only Beer & Wine Garden!

In addition to Live Entertainment and a wide array of booths providing food (including former Homes First Board President Chris Lester at the Tailgate BBQ Booth!) and merchandise! The festival starts just in time for lunch at 11am on Saturday July 13th!

Get more details at https://ow.ly/hvBk50Szh2Y

Join us for a morning of great food, meaningful conversation, and heartfelt connection at our annual fundraising breakfast! On September 11th, discover what Homes First has been doing this last year and learn about our plans for the future over a warm breakfast (with coffee!)

Breakfast is served at 7:45am and the program starts at 8. We can't wait to see you there!

Registration is open at homesfirst.org/heroes

Are you passionate about tenant relations and property maintenance? Homes First is looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Property Manager to oversee our properties and ensure a great living experience for our tenants.

What You'll Do:

Maintain and manage properties to the highest standards
Foster positive relationships with tenants
Handle maintenance issues promptly and efficiently
Why Work With Us?

Join a dynamic and supportive team
Make a meaningful impact in our community
Enjoy competitive salary and benefits
Opportunities for professional growth
Ready to Apply?
If you have the skills and passion for this role, we want to hear from you! Click the link to learn more and submit your application: [Insert Link Here]

Take the next step in your career and help us make a difference at Homes First! 🌟

Cooling Centers (listed below) are still available through tomorrow (7/9)! If you are in a situation where you need a place to cool off, check these local spots. Public Transit is available for free through InterCity Transit in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and some outlying areas.

Check your City and County websites for more local resources!

>Hawks Prairie Timberland Library (8205 Martin Way E, Suite B, Lacey)
Open Daily 10-6
>Lacey Timberland Library (500 College ST SE, Lacey)
Open Mon-Sat 10-6
>Olympia Timberland Library (313 8th Ave SE, Olympia)
Open Mon-Sat 10-6
>Rainier Senior Center (108 Michigan ST S, Rainier)
Open As Needed, Call 360-292-5363 for Info
>TeninoTimberland Library (172 W Central Ave, Tenino)
Open Tues-Sat 10a-5p
>Tumwater Timberland Library (7023 New Market ST SW, Tumwater)
Open Mon-Sat 9a-6p
>Yelm Timberland Library (210 Prairie Park ST NE, Yelm)
Open Tues-Sat 10a-6p
>Virgil Clarkson Lacey Senior Center (6757 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey)
Open Sun 12:30p-7:30p, Mon & Tues 8a-7:30p

Homes First is now seeking a full-time bookkeeper to join our team!

We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented individual with a knack for numbers, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for helping others! If this sounds like you, this might be the perfect opportunity to join us in making a difference in our community!

As a bookkeeper at Homes First, you will play a crucial role in managing our financial records and ensuring the smooth operation of our financial processes. This is a fantastic chance to work with a supportive team and inspire positive change in our community.

Follow the link to learn more about the position and to submit your application: https://www.homesfirst.org/jobs

Music in the Park is returning to downtown Olympia's Sylvester Park and the scenic Port of Olympia's Port Plaza, presented by OlyFed! Every Wednesday in July from 7-8pm see live music from local bands with free concert entry!

Read about the event at https://ow.ly/1gU150SqcJi

Our office will be closed July 4th and 5th in observance of Independence Day, have a safe and happy holiday! We will reopen on Monday, July 8th, for normal business!

One of our summer projects was to convert one of our homes from a septic system to a sewer connection. We can't wait for this project to be finished - the construction crew is working on the cleanup phase now! We'd also like to give a big shout-out to the neighbors for their patience with the general chaos that comes from construction and the delays this project has had with scheduling that extended our timeline. We couldn't do things like this without the support of the community!

Congratulations to our early bird guests for securing their seats at our Heroes for Housing Breakfast on September 9th! Your proactive spirit inspires us all. To everyone else, don't miss out—plan ahead and register now to join us for an inspiring morning full of good food and heartwarming stories!

Register here: https://www.homesfirst.org/heroes

Exciting News! The Thurston Regional Housing Council Annual Report is now available! Dive into the latest insights, achievements, and future plans shaping our shared community. Discover how they're making a difference in housing and what lies ahead. Check it out now! https://bit.ly/RHC23report

Last week, CEO, Trudy Soucoup, joined the CEO, Elizabeth Walker, at the Meeting. They urged the council to consider the obstacles presented by the existing codes and permitting requirements that are impeding progress toward building . They offered several solutions to the issue citing other cities that have taken steps to streamline this process for low-incoming housing providers.

Read more here

Affordable housing providers call for code changes in Olympia to address development challenges - The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization Representatives from local nonprofits South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity and Homes First brought concerns over barriers they face when developing new affordable housing in Olympia, claiming that …

Thursday, June 20 (this year) is Midsummer! Did you know that Washington will get almost 16 hours of sunlight today? As we soak in the sunlight on the longest day of the year, let's take a moment to reflect on the amazing journey we've had. Dive into our Annual Impact Report and relive the highlights from last year. From incredible milestones (We purchased 7 new homes!) to heartwarming stories (What is the Gooze family up to nowadays?), it's all there. Let's continue to create even more memories together!

https://issuu.com/44984/docs/annual_report_2023_-_homes_first_-_electronic_3-23

In observance of Juneteenth, our office will be closed today. June 19th is a significant reminder of freedom and resilience. We encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect and honor this important day in history. We'll be back tomorrow, ready to assist you.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Currently, 107 households participate in our program, and they include all kinds of fathers. Father's Day is a special time to acknowledge and appreciate all the incredible dads who have shaped each us into the people we are today. This day may hold different meanings for each of us, so be sure to take a moment to thank and honor all the dads in your life. Happy Father's Day to all!

Join Homes First for our annual breakfast on September 11th, 2024, and make a lasting as a Table Captain! We are calling on passionate individuals to step up and be by inviting nine guests to fill a table of ten.

As a Table Captain, you play a crucial role in bringing together community members to support our mission of providing safe and stable for those in need.

Scan the QR Code above or follow the link below for our registration page (General admission is there also!)
www.homesfirst.org/heroes

2024 Heroes for Housing | Homes First | Charity | Fund Raiser This annual charity event is Homes First's only dedicated fundraiser each year. The larger public is invited and asked to contribute to the Homes First mission to provide more homes for the lowest-income people in our community.

Last week, Homes First's Deputy Director, along with two board members, participated in PSE's Women Build event to support South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity for Humanity's work in building affordable housing options. Thanks for Inviting us, Puget Sound Energy!

OlyFed Helps Thurston County Residents Access Housing with Neighbor2Neighbor Program — Olympia Federal Savings “When someone purchases a home it’s a huge milestone event worth celebrating, so we were trying to think of a gift that would be meaningful and impactful,” shares Shea Wahlstrom, Digital Outreach &

(repost with link)
The Washington Low Income Housing Alliance has opened their 2024 survey for reporting rent increases. Impacted stories are powerful and we want lawmakers to hear from as many people as possible. By filling out the survey, you'll join others in making your voice heard.

2024 Housing Alliance Rent Increase Survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciEKepx0LuOKdchm2MpPu1biLq2XsLTk68VYxoeq7hSMZwpw/viewform

Homes First was among several organizations chosen to receive project-specific funding, along with Behavioral Health Resources, Low Income Housing Institute, and South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity. Of the $20 million awarded for homeless services and affordable housing projects, almost $6 million was dedicated to maintaining and creating 230 affordable housing units. Three of the eight projects awarded funding were Homes First projects!

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday (Monday, May 27th), our office will be closed. For residents who need to reach our maintenance line, please use the emergency maintenance number or report through the Resident Portal!

Monday, May 27th, our office will be closed for Memorial Day. We'll see you Tuesday, May 28th! For residents needing to report an emergency issue, please use the emergency maintenance number or report through the Resident Portal!

The Washington Low Income Housing Alliance has opened their 2024 survey for reporting rent increases. Impacted stories are powerful and we want lawmakers to hear from as many people as possible. By filling out the survey, you'll join others in making your voice heard.

Thanks Olympia Federal Savings for your ongoing support. 34 years of making affordable homes together!

OlyFed Helps Thurston County Residents Access Housing with Neighbor2Neighbor Program — Olympia Federal Savings “When someone purchases a home it’s a huge milestone event worth celebrating, so we were trying to think of a gift that would be meaningful and impactful,” shares Shea Wahlstrom, Digital Outreach &