Vancouver issues first report for homeless emergency declaration

During the Dec. 4 Vancouver City Council meeting, staff provided a one-month report of the changes made since the homeless emergency declaration was announced.

The emergency declaration was issued in early November, prompting access to additional funds and resources in order to alleviate the growing homelessness crisis in Vancouver.

Among the updates made, Vancouver police patrol officers were briefed by the Homeless Assistance and Resources Team. The briefings provided officers clarity and additional tools for responding to calls involving unsheltered homelessness.

Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency staff were briefed on new policies and procedures related to unsheltered homelessness and how calls should be routed.

Several encampments were cleaned up, including near Share House in downtown Vancouver, behind City Hall, and on the north and south sides of the Mill Plain bridge west of Lincoln and Burnt Bridge Creek.

Columbia River Mental Health kick-started its new behavioral health response team: Fourth Plain Corridor.

Clark County District Court approved an expansion to the Community Court program from half day to full day, once a week. A new location is being sought to accommodate this change.