Up to 74 homeless individuals will have access to mental health guidance, phone charging stations, laundry, showers, job search advice and more at facility expected to be complete by this summer
VANCOUVER — Plans for a new homeless day center in Vancouver have received a $300,000 boost in the form of a donation from CE John Company Inc., according to a press release from the city.
The financial infusion arrives as the city continues planning for the center, a facility at 2018 Grand Blvd. that is expected to be constructed this summer with agencies and service providers moving in by September.
It will replace the temporary day center currently located at Friends of the Carpenter on West 20th Street in downtown Vancouver. The new center will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, offering restrooms, mental health guidance, storage for personal belongings, mail service, phone charging stations, job search assistance, help with transportation, showers, laundry service and more.
“The CE John Family has given to this community for decades, both publicly and anonymously,” said Mark Osborne, CE John Company, Inc. board member and managing partner. “This project grabbed our chairman Jim John’s attention and we, as a Board of Directors, prompted by Jim’s urging, felt it was time for a local business to step up to the plate and begin to combat the ever-increasing homelessness epidemic affecting our community.”
The new day center is expected to serve 74 people per day, according to a press release from the city.
Vancouver Community Development Manager Peggy Sheehan said it is “heartwarming” to see such a commitment directed toward the well-being of some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. She said support from engaged citizens such as those at the CE John organization help make projects like the day center possible.
“Though tackling this issue is a complex process with numerous stakeholders, we feel strongly that sitting back and doing nothing was not an option,” said Osborne. “From Clint and Gloria John on down to the third, and now fourth generation, we believe in giving back to the community you live and work in. We feel strongly that the City of Vancouver has a clear and precise plan in place and it is our hope that our gift of $300,000 will begin a movement in Vancouver that spurs other developers, businesses, and philanthropists to give to this cause. Vancouver is a gem, and we at CE John believe it is a calling for us to not only protect but enhance the quality of life for all community members.”
The donation to the day center was facilitated through the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. For more information about the new day center, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/daycenter.
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