EGYHOP (Emma Goldman Youth and Homeless Outreach Project) has been around for over 20 years providing services to homeless people in downtown Olympia. As part of our series of perspectives on downtown, we interviewed Cassie as a volunteer with this organization. We talked about why they provide the services they offer, how downtown has changed over the years, and how we could respond to conflicting needs and interests.

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Last year, the Olympia Standard broke the story on serious issues within the Thurston Conservation District (check out episode 10). Since then, two board members have been removed by the State Conservation Commission. We interviewed TJ Johnson to get an update on the situation and the future of the TCD. TJ is a candidate for the board in the current election. More details on how to vote in this unusual election process can be found here!

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The main hub for the Thurston County Food Bank is located in an area downtown that has a high concentration of tents. We spoke with their executive director, Robert Coit, about his vision for providing food to anyone who needs it from a central location. We talk about how that area has changed over time, the experience of patrons and workers, and how the Food Bank is responding to changing needs.

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Continuing our series on perspectives of downtown Olympia, we interviewed Brianne. She loves to come downtown, but lately doesn’t feel that it is a safe and welcoming environment based on some of her personal experiences. She has been encouraging people to engage positively with the city for change.

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This is the second episode on our series of perspectives on downtown Olympia. We interviewed two business owners, Jacob David of Nineveh Assyrian and Nathan Reilly of Three Magnets Brewing. They are both active in downtown business associations, PBIA and ODA. What do these acronyms mean?? And what is their experience owning a business downtown? Listen and learn!

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