(The Center Square) – Forty-five known homeless people died in Vancouver, Wash., in 2023, according to a recent update to the city council. In November, the city council voted to approve an emergency declaration – still in effect – that gives Mayor Eric Holmes authority to unilaterally issue executive orders on homelessness.
On Monday, the Vancouver City Council was briefed on the city’s current homeless situation by Policy and Program Manager Aaron Lande.
At the time of the last Point-In-Time count conducted in January 2023, there were 1,300 homeless people in Clark County, with 672 being counted as unsheltered. The results also showed a 54% increase in chronic homelessness and a 78% increase in chronic unsheltered homelessness since 2022.
The Vancouver Homeless Assistance and Resources Team’s informal observations have produced a rough estimate of between 500 to 600 homeless people within city limits.
Vancouver’s next Point-In-Time count is set for Jan. 25.
The city opened its fourth Safe Stay Community on Dec. 15. The site is located on Washington State Department of Transportation property north of Kiggins Bowl football stadium.
Safe Stay Communities are temporary housing communities offering residents services and safe living conditions to help transition out of homelessness. Each Safe Stay Community has 20 modular shelters operated by nonprofit organizations, which can safely house up to 40 residents.
According to Lande, the site is nearly full as temperatures drop.
Following the state of emergency declaration last year, Holmes signed two initial emergency orders.
The first order allows increased authorization of a streamlined process for the city to accept donations, access financial reserves for budgeting needs, and buy goods and services needed to address homelessness.
The second order allows Holmes to close up to 48 acres of public property to outdoor habitation, as a result of the city determining that homelessness continues to threaten the lives of residents.
