August 2023 Update

After proposing the location as a site for the Safe Stay Community, the City conducted a robust community engagement and comment period May 24 – June 9. We received:

• More than 785 comments on social media
• 156 comments submitted through Be Heard Vancouver
• 19 comments submitted by email to the City Manager’s office
• Two community information sessions were also held:
  1. Online session on May 31 on Zoom
  2. In-person meeting on June 5 at Discovery Middle School

Informed by results of the outreach effort, on June 26, 2023, City Council approved the signing of a lease agreement (once completed) with WSDOT, to use a portion of the approximately 18,750 sq. ft. property to house the Safe Stay Community.

The following week, Council approved a funding improvement package for multiple Safe Stay Communities that includes the purchase of modular shelters for the Safe Stay Community at 4611 Main St., and mobile shower/restroom units along with a contract to service the facilities.

The City plans to soon finalize and sign the lease agreement with WSDOT, with construction expected to begin shortly thereafter and a planned opening in fall 2023. Like the existing Safe Stay Communities, the proposed fourth site would provide 20 modular shelters housing up to 40 people. The site will be fenced and staffed 24/7 by the onsite nonprofit operator Do Good Multnomah. It will include trash receptacles and sanitation services, portable toilets and handwashing stations, meeting and office space, and access to supportive services provided by local agencies.