(VANCOUVER) — Monday’s meeting began with Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle reading a proclamation, making Dec. 21 Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.
The mayor called upon the people of Vancouver to observe a moment of silence to remember those lost to homelessness this year, to reflect on the challenges faced by those without safe and stable homes, and to actively support local efforts working to eliminate homelessness in our communities.
Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle reads the proclamation on Dec. 15 at the meeting.
“The city of Vancouver, in recognition of the persistent crisis, has previously declared a state of emergency concerning homelessness," Mayor McEnerny-Ogle said. "December 21st has been designated National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless."
The mayor concluded, saying Vancouver is "encouraged to commit themselves to fostering empathy for, and extending support to all fellow community members."
"Particularly those on the verge of homelessness are currently navigating a challenging reality,” the mayor said.
Jamie Spinelli, Vancouver’s Homeless Response Manager, also spoke, providing the council with some good news.
“I did want to also make sure that the community hears that when these proclamations are made," Spinelli said. "There are many people and organizations and groups who do actually listen to these proclamations and kind of spring into action, and that is impactful."
The proof is in the numbers, according to Spinelli, adding "we can tell at least a 19% reduction in deaths connected to the homeless community, which is incredible."
"I really wanted to thank you all, as well as all of the other participants in that, organizations that are here tonight," Spinelli said. "Everybody’s just banded together to help these numbers go down."
Jamie Spinelli shares news that homeless data is declining rather than rising.
This statistic was met with applause in the council chamber. The homeless advocate said she looks forward ot no more memorials as officials work hard to end the local issue.
Following this, community communications brought forth public approval for the increased density in the Comprehensive Plan.
Vancouver resident Matthew Barnett began this portion of the meeting, expressing his support.
“I'm here today to express my support for the comprehensive plan, preferred alternative map," Barnett said. "And I encourage the city council to vote in favor of this map."
The preferred alternative map allows for greater density and a more diverse mix of land uses, according to Barnett, adding, "This is critical for creating a functional city that works for all of us."
"Higher density and mixed zoning allow us to have a city where we can live, work, and enjoy our leisure time," Barnett told officials. "This is the path forward to make Vancouver both more populous and more prosperous."
The map makes Vancouver a place others will want to call home.
The Comprehensive Plan's Preferred Alternative Map, advocating for increased density and mixed-use zoning, was overwhelmingly approved by the council (7-0 vote),” OpGov.ai reports.
Jan Werner offered a powerful testimony, explaining to the council two things that recently caused her to view the Comprehensive Plan in a new way. Werner said he met a father and son downtown who lost everything because they were sheltering under the overpass at the land bridge.
Jan Werner shares her thoughts on a local homeless father and child at the Dec. 15 meeting.
"The rain destroyed everything they owned," Werner said. "They had nothing and nowhere to go."
Werner called the local homeless shelter without success.
"The next day I volunteered at the shelter in Emmanuel Lutheran up in the heights where I live," Werner said. "I have known those people for the last three years, I know their situations and I thought about them and the family I had met the day before."
Werner said his group has "a tremendous network in place for people who provide food, mental health, drug and alcohol, addiction help."
"What we don't have is a way to increase housing," Werner said. "I'm hoping you vote for this for their sake."
“The overwhelming public support for increased density was met with approval, yet underlying tensions regarding historic preservation and the practical challenges of rapid growth (infrastructure, corporate land acquisition) were evident but not fully explored,” OpGov.ai said.
Doug Wilson brought concerns about the Comprehensive Plan before the council.
Doug Wilson opposes the map due to a fear that it will diminish the town's culture.
“I'm opposing the plan, and the main reason for it is tied to historic preservation," Wilson said. "While I recognize the urgency of the need to endorse this preferred land use alternative map for the city's comprehensive plan."
While Wilson said he recognizes "the state-imposed requirements for infill and density," I suggest that you task the Clark County Historic Preservation Commission and their staff with researching ways to achieve the goals of housing, but not at the expense of our neighborhood gems,” Wilson said.
A spokesperson for Outsiders Inn addressed the council and invited them to an upcoming candlelight vigil on Sunday, saying, "Each person we've lost had a name, a story, and inherent worth that homelessness could never diminish.
The spokesperson noted the ceremony falls on the shortest day of the year on the steps of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where, "together we'll honor those lost this year and recommit ourselves to preventing future tragedies."
"This partnership reflects what's possible when faith communities and nonprofits and local government work together with a shared purpose," she said. "And this proclamation matters because it says our community sees the humanity in every person and acknowledges that homelessness is not a character flaw, but a crisis that we can address together."
Details for the upcoming vigil on Sunday at the St. Paul Luthern Church, 1309 Franklin St., Lutheran
OpGov.ai mourns the loss of all Vancouver homeless persons who have lost their lives due to a lack of shelter.
If you would like to add to this report, please email me at rory.h@lead4earth.org.
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