By Lauren Ellenbecker, Columbian staff writer
orig story link: https://www.columbian.com/news/2021/nov/19/vancouver-to-open-first-safe-stay-community-in-north-image-neighborhood-in-december/
The “Safe Stay Community” is a part of the city’s initiative to offer safe shelter to people who are working toward resolving their homelessness. The supportive site is set to provide 20 modular shelters, which will house up to 40 people.
Tim Becker, Vancouver strategic communications manager, said city staff decided to use modular structures from Pallet Shelters instead of tents after conducting research and speaking with cities that had similar encampments. The prefabricated shelters cost more than $7,900 per unit, which adds up to about $160,000 per site.
There will be sanitation services, portable toilets and handwashing stations, congregation spaces, and access to resources provided by local agencies. Outsiders Inn is set to staff and operate the site 24/7. Council members and the mayor lauded the concept during a Nov. 1 council meeting for being homelike and similar to a “village.”
More information about the public comment period can be found at cityofvancouver.us/safestaycomment.