After Bread & Roses officials met Friday morning, they agreed to pursue the idea floated by Olympia Downtown Association members: Buy property at 3434 Martin Way S.E.

"I just think that this is something that the jurisdictions are behind, and the downtown business association, and I think there's just a newness in how are we serving the homeless," said Selena Kilmoyer, volunteer administrator. "It's a time for us to say, 'What are we all doing, and how can it best be done?' "

The issues surrounding how to feed the area's homeless will be discussed by county service providers today during a "soup kitchen summit" from 9 a.m. to noon at the Thurston County Food Bank.

Bread & Roses officials also have considered leasing property at 1200 Plum St. for its kitchen as well. The site is home to Oriental Buffet and Carriage Inn. The property is owned by Bassi Enterprises of Puyallup, and is assessed at $571,500.

"The board has not made the decision not to, but informally decided, "why go with Plum Street when we're being invited to use another property?" Kilmoyer said.

"Of the two, I think there are much more possibilities at 3434 (Martin Way)."

The property on Martin Way is owned by developer Steve Cooper. The building could be a long-term solution to the needs for a kitchen, drop-in center, advocacy center, and possibly, shelter beds.

The initial asking price could be in the realm of $1.4 million.

How could Bread & Roses afford it?

"With help and support," Kilmoyer said. "And we're going to be leaning on the community and we're going to be looking to the downtown business association, who said they will help."

Kilmoyer said a capital campaign could be put together to raise money.

"I just think there's a lot of people wanting to help us financially, but a matter of when and how and where," she said.

Ruth Shearer, Bread & Roses' grant writer, said a March 5 grant deadline is looming, but only for funds for a shelter. The group has yet to find a site in Lacey for a veterans' shelter, she said.