Governor Inslee cuts the ribbon at Maple Court

Governor Jay Inslee spoke at the Maple Court ribbon cutting ceremony in Lacey this Wednesday, marking the opening of the facility as a new enhanced shelter for homeless people living on state rights-of-way. The cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Thurston County entered into a unique regional partnership to address homelessness. City and County elected officials were at the opening to celebrate with Governor Inslee, LIHI, the Thurston County Regional Housing Council and others.

"This is an exciting day. It's exciting for the individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Thurston County who now have another option to get out of dangerous rights of way and into a stable living situation that will help them turn their lives around," Governor Inslee stated. "This is what my administration's Right of Way Initiative is all about. We are committed to ending the scourge of homelessness and its impacts on everyone in our communities by doing it in the most humane, data oriented, success-driven way possible. For hundreds of people, this facility will represent the first step on the path to permanent housing, economic security and a better life. This place is what success can look like in our combined efforts to end homelessness. You can't treat a chemical addiction problem or a mental health problem under a blue tarp. This gives people a roof and a stable way to deal with their problems. It is a first step toward a permanent solution."

The former Days Inn has been fully converted into an enhanced shelter that will serve up to 125 people experiencing homelessness in Thurston County. LIHI staff will be on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and clients will be provided with case management to assist them in finding permanent housing, transportation, employment and other needs.

Click here to read The Olympian's coverage of the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Click here to see King 5's story on Maple Court.