The city laid out its plans for the five Safe Stay modular shelters housing up to 40 people at its Sept. 18 City Council meeting
Shirleen Guerra
The Center Square Washington
The city of Vancouver is planning to open five “Safe Stay” shelters for homeless people, with each site providing up to 40 homeless people with their own private units that offer community spaces, restroom and sanitation units, storage facilities and garbage services.
The city laid out its plans for the five Safe Stay modular shelters housing up to 40 people at its Sept. 18 City Council meeting. The modular shelters are fenced and staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by the onsite nonprofit operator, Outsiders Inn.
The city opened its first Safe Stay site in Dec. 2023. Currently, there are two Safe Stay sites, and a third was approved for construction in August. The fourth site is in the final stages of planning, and the fifth site, included in the budget, has no location determined.
City Electric Co. bid the lowest at $708,307.68 for construction cost on the third site last month. The city stated it is spending an additional $225,000 on improvements for the existing Safe Stay sites.
Safe Stay is a program that helps homeless individuals with temporary housing while waiting for more permanent housing while trying to reduce the negative impacts of unsheltered homelessness.
According to documents, there are an estimated 500 to 600 homeless persons in tents or vehicles in Vancouver, posing a significantly large health and safety risk for those experiencing homelessness. The risk of physical danger also impacts single women and families with children.
As previously reported by The Center Square, in states like Colorado, Arizona, California, and Washington, cities are spending millions buying hotels to shelter people experiencing homelessness.
The contract with the Outsiders Inn will last from October 2023 to September 2024.
According to documents, since the beginning of the program for Safe Stay, 41% of those served have moved into permanent housing.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Coast Guard approves fixed-span design for new Interstate Bridge
The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a fixed-span design for the new Interstate Bridge, clearing a major hurdle for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project. - Business Profile: Handel’s Ice Cream opens its first shop in Washington, in Vancouver
Handel’s Ice Cream has opened its first Washington location in east Vancouver, with a grand opening planned for Jan. 17. - Opinion: Why vote no on the Battle Ground School District levy?
Dick Rylander outlines why he believes voters should reject the Battle Ground School District levy, citing costs, enrollment trends, test results, and district spending priorities. - Letter: The multi-million dollar cash grab in Washington schools
Yacolt resident Mark Rose argues that rising superintendent salaries conflict with classroom cuts and repeated levy requests in Clark County school districts. - Discover your future at WSU Vancouver’s Preview Day, Jan. 24
WSU Vancouver will host a free Preview Day on Jan. 24, offering prospective students and families an inside look at campus life and academic opportunities. - County Elections provides important information for upcoming special election
Clark County Elections has released key dates and instructions for voters ahead of the Feb. 10 Special Election, including ballot mailing, registration deadlines, and drop box hours. - Battle Ground Police Department unveils new badge design
The Battle Ground Police Department has introduced a newly redesigned badge reflecting department traditions, local landmarks, and a commitment to community service.
wpDiscuz
