Neighbors concerned about City of Vancouver's proposed 'bridge shelter'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The City of Vancouver is proposing a 150-bed "bridge shelter" that will bridge the gap for people as they transition from living on the street to finding permanent housing.

Officials say it's a necessary step to address the city's current homelessness emergency declaration.

The shelter, which hasn't been given an official name yet, is still in the preliminary stages. If everything goes as planned, it will open in 2025. The city has opened a request for proposals in order to select a qualified service provider to run the shelter, a process that will close on Sept. 11.

However, the potential location of the proposed shelter has been identified at 5313 N.E. 94th Ave. in the Van Mall neighborhood, at the old Naydenov Gymnastics Facility.

Officials have said they've already begun the process of reaching out to neighbors and businesses within 1,200 feet of the potential shelter site. They also said city staff are still evaluating its viability. However, some neighbors who live nearby told KOIN 6 News they're not enthusiastic about the idea, especially with homes and kids going to a preschool just down the street.

A couple who spoke with KOIN 6 News and wished to remain anonymous said they're not against the idea of opening a shelter in Vancouver and have "compassion" for those in need and giving people access to treatment. However, they're not convinced this particular location is the right spot.

"We don't need any more homeless shelters here. Maybe if they can move the location, that would be the best scenario," one concerned neighbor said.

The couple said they've had run-ins with homeless people in the past, including having their car broken into and their son getting $3,000 tools stolen. Though they were able to get the tools back, opening a shelter in the area is still a point of concern.

Vancouver Homelessness Response Manager Jamie Spinelli told KOIN 6 News these are common concerns whenever a new shelter is proposed. But even still, something needs to be done to address the dire situation for many.

"We've got more than 500 people without shelter pretty much every night," Spinelli said. "We want to hear, like, is there a defect to the property that would make this not viable? Not simply that I don't want a shelter nearby or I don't want it visible. Because, I mean, that's just the reality of where we are today. If people are not outside, they need to be inside."

Spinelli said the proposed bridge shelter would be a place where people can get the help and support they need while seeking more permanent housing.

The "service-rich environment" of the shelter will include an "onsite medication-assisted treatment program" to help combat the fentanyl crisis and "to provide immediate access to treatment," Spinelli said.

While the project is still in the works, Spinelli said she and her team will continue to be in contact with neighbors about the proposed shelter.

"We'll voice our concerns for sure," a concerned neighbor said.

In terms of next steps, city staff will continue community outreach to get feedback up until Sept. 11. After that, they will review and recommend an operator to the Vancouver City Council for approval.