What was once known as Days Inn on Quinault Drive NE in Lacey will become an enhanced shelter for those experiencing homelessness in Thurston County after the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) purchased the building.

"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. “Too many people are living in dangerous locations in tents along freeways and on and off-ramps.”

Thanks to funding from Washington’s Right-of-Way (ROW) program and a partnership with LIHI, the Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Thurston County, and the City of Lacey, the enhanced shelter will be able to serve at least 120 people experiencing homelessness.

According to LIHI, shelter will be available to singles, couples, and people with pets. Each room will have a bed, living space, bathroom, microwave and refrigerator. The shelter will also include a community meeting space, a resource center, and offices for operations, security and case management services.

“We're excited to see LIHI's acquisition of 8200 Quinault move forward as it will result in a substantial increase in emergency housing capacity in our community and will ultimately lead to the creation of more permanent supportive housing units, which supports the Regional Housing Council's PSH Strategic Framework,” said Tom Webster, Office of Housing & Homeless Prevention Program Manager with Thurston County.

The shelter will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week with staff onsite at all times. Case managers with LIHI will be available to help clients obtain permanent housing, employment, health care, and other services.

Referrals will come from WSDOT, the City of Lacey and local service agencies, LIHI says.

At this time, there is no projected opening date for the shelter.