City to award a professional services contract to Living Hope Church for the operation of its second supportive community for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness
VANCOUVER – On Monday (Feb. 7), members of the Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to award a professional services contract to Living Hope Church for the operation of the city’s second supportive Safe Stay Community for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Living Hope Church has extensive experience providing shelter and outreach services to those experiencing homelessness in the community.
The nonprofit will run daily operations at the future Safe Stay Community ensuring safety, security and sanitation measures are maintained, and that residents have access to the stabilization resources and services they need.
“Securing a committed and experienced service provider like Living Hope Church is the next important step to opening a second Safe Stay Community in the city,” said Jamie Spinelli, homeless response coordinator for the city. “They are already strong advocates for supporting our unsheltered neighbors, providing regular outreach services such as meals, food/clothing bank, mobile shower trailer and more on a weekly basis. They also currently operate the only walk-in severe weather shelter in Clark County. Living Hope Church knows what support is needed, how best to deliver it and how to do it with compassion.”
Determining and finalizing a location for the city’s second Safe Stay Community is the next step in advancing the Safe Stay Community program which is part of the city’s Homelessness Response Plan. The first Safe Stay Community, located at 11400 N.E. 51st Circle in east Vancouver, opened in December 2021 on city-owned property. Since opening, this community has successfully provided its residents with referrals for permanent housing, job placement support and access to critical health and treatment services to exit homelessness.
The city has identified a potential location for its next Safe Stay Community, and is conducting extensive outreach to all residents and business owners within 1,200 feet of the proposed site, seeking their input during a public comment period.
All Safe Stay Communities will be managed 24/7 by nonprofit on-site operators, will have screening or fencing, will provide sanitation and hygiene services, and offer a range of health services on site.
Per the terms of the approved, one-year contract, the city will pay Living Hope Church $552,212 for the services rendered.
The city’s goal is to have a total of three Safe Stay Communities opened by late summer 2022, providing support to approximately one-quarter of the estimated 500-plus people living unsheltered in Vancouver.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
Also read:
City of Vancouver opens first Safe Stay Community
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