(VANCOUVER, WA.) — Two proclamations were made during the Monday meeting: Community-Based Worker Awareness Week and Disability Pride Month.
Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle spoke about the great value of Community-Based Workers in Vancouver, as she proclaimed the week of July 20-24, 2026, as Community-Based Worker Awareness Week in the city of Vancouver.
“Vancouver community members benefit from community-based workers who help people access health care, housing support, food resources, behavioral health services, transportation assistance, and other supports that contribute to health and well-being. And community-based workers reflect the cultural, linguistic, and lived diversity of the communities they serve,” McEnerny-Ogle said.
Photo Credit: CVTV
Betsy Larson, the Executive Director of the Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH), accepted the proclamation.
Larson took the opportunity to express her gratitude for community-based workers and shared what this week should be about.
“This week gives us an opportunity to bring greater visibility to a workforce whose contributions are essential, but too often happen quietly behind the scenes. It's a time to celebrate community-based workers, deepen public understanding of their role, and reaffirm the importance of valuing and investing in this workforce,” Larson said.
Next, Disability Pride Month was proclaimed. The mayor spoke of the Americans with Disabilities Act passed on July 26, 1990, and the importance of honoring those with disabilities in the city of Vancouver, confronting ableism and working to make Vancouver more accessible and inclusive.
“I urge all community members to celebrate the vital contributions, leadership and strength of the disability community to examine and dismantle ableism in all of its forms, and to work together toward a city where all people of every ability belong and thrive,” McEnerny-Ogle said.
Angel Kettwig, the Transportation Services Manager for Community in Motion accepted the proclamation.
Kettwig thanked the mayor and council, saying that the proclamation is a reminder that accessibility, equal opportunity, and inclusion are essential for a strong community.
“Disability Pride Month celebrates the achievements, contributions, and resilience of people with disabilities while reaffirming our commitment to removing barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to participate fully in community life,” Kettwig said.
Jamie Spinelli, Homeless Response Manager for the city, presented the council with the Homeless Situation Report.
Photo Credit: CVTV
The report presented some positive outcomes, such as reduced deaths and housing transitions. Yet still, it highlighted the significant burden on police resources and the prevalence of overdose deaths, with calls for more outcome-focused reporting from mental health partners.
Councilor Diana Perez asked for clarification on the causes of death of the 17 individuals who experienced homelessness-related deaths.
Spinelli said that 41% were due to overdose or suspected overdose, while the other 60% were a mix of traffic collisions, long-term medical issues, and suicide.
Councilor Perez also asked about possible mental health connections that would help the homeless population.
“I'm wondering if there's a better way to connect the success of Columbia River Mental Health work to the outcomes that we are wanting to see, or, for example, transition to housing in addition to regular peer support,” Perez said.
Spinelli did not have long-term data available at this time but intends to work on that connection.
OpGov.news will continue to report on the homelessness situation in Vancouver.
If you have an event you would like to add to this list or would like to comment on this report, please email me at rory.h@lead4earth.org.
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