Olympia and Tumwater eye expansion of CARES Program

The Olympia City Council is poised to approve a resolution to amend its interlocal agreement with Tumwater, increasing CARES Program funding to $122,500 annually. This enhancement will facilitate the transition of a part-time position to full-time, adding 20 service hours per week for residents in both cities. Developed by the Olympia Fire Department, the CARES Program assists vulnerable populations following the use of 911 services, addressing social well-being, housing, and health concerns. The program aims to connect clients with necessary resources, ultimately fostering long-term stability and reducing reliance on emergency services. The partnership with Tumwater will expand outreach and improve public health outcomes while easing the burden on emergency departments.

Officials emphasize that proactive outreach through CARES not only enhances individual well-being but also decreases emergency calls and associated costs. The interlocal agreement between Olympia and Tumwater originated in November 2024. The resolution will be included in the consent calendar for the Olympia City Council's special meeting on November 3.