The City of Vancouver has entered into an agreement to explore the potential purchase of an approx. 25,000 square foot building, located at 2018 Grand Blvd. in central Vancouver, for a price of $4.3 million.
"This building is a strategic acquisition that will assist in addressing our community's need to provide services to its homeless population," said Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt.
In response to immediate community need, the City will relocate the day center (currently located at the Friends of the Carpenter facility downtown) to the new building as soon as it completes a feasibility study, permitting process and interior space remodeling. The current day center will close when the new day center is operational.
The City has been searching for more than a year to find a larger space for the day center that would allow for a broader array of services than are possible at the current facility, such as showers, restrooms, storage, laundry, lockers, food, and a place to go during inclement weather. Additionally the building must be on a bus line, commercially zoned, have adequate parking, a willing property owner and be close to services. "Without the availability of a full service day center in our city, homeless people have been increasingly frequenting parks, businesses and public buildings. We've listened to concerns from our residents and businesses, and have been diligently working with our partners and local service providers to find solutions to help those who are living on the streets," said Mayor Leavitt.
The City, Vancouver Housing Authority and Clark County have been providing financial support for the current day center operations since 2015, and a funding mechanism for the new day center operations is being developed. It is expected that the current operator of the day center will continue to manage operations in the new location, until an RFP for a day center operator is issued early next year.
Future plans for the building could include an overnight shelter and office space for service providers, which would enable a more comprehensive approach to providing needed services such as case management, mental health care, counseling, job training, and housing support.
"There is a lot of potential for what this new building could offer and I'm hopeful for what we can accomplish in this space," said Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes. "The City looks forward to working with Clark County, the Vancouver Housing Authority, neighborhoods, community leaders, and service providers to gather input, address questions, and ultimately make this facility a successful resource center in the near future."
The building purchase does not compromise current or planned operational funding for any City program or department. After the City has completed its 90-day due diligence period and the permitting process, the closing date for the property will take place by the end of January 2018.
Contact Info:
Contact: Peggy Sheehan, Community & Economic Development Manager, (360) 487-7952
