Tackling Homelessness: Compassion, Community, and Collaboration

Homelessness is one of the most complex challenges facing communities across the country, and Aberdeen is no exception. For years, the City's hands were tied when it came to addressing encampments like the well-known River City along the Chehalis River waterfront. The 2018 Martin v. Boise ruling meant that cities couldn't enforce camping bans if there weren’t enough available shelter beds. This ruling left our city unable to effectively manage the encampments, even with the growing safety and health concerns.

In response, the city created the Temporary Alternative Shelter Location behind City Hall in 2019. It was meant to be a temporary, safer place for the unhoused, but the costs added up quickly, and the city couldn't continue funding it forever. In 2020, TASL was closed, and many residents returned to familiar encampments. It was a hard lesson in the reality of quick fixes versus long-term solutions.

This all changed with the Grants Pass v. Johnson decision, overturning Martin v. Boise and restoring cities' rights to enforce public camping bans. This allowed Aberdeen to clear the River City encampment and begin the process of restoring the riverfront. But we can’t ignore the reality of that closure. It caused a deep rift in our community, sparking protests and debates over how we address homelessness moving forward. While the camp was unsafe, sitting dangerously close to active rail lines and posing serious health risks, it was still home for many people. Some had homes they could return to, some had connections outside of town and were able to rely on family or friends, but others were left with nowhere they would choose to go. Acknowledging that impact is important if we want to have honest conversations about real solutions.

To address these challenges, the City established the Homelessness Response Committee, a collaborative group bringing together City council members, local businesses, and community members to discuss practical, sustainable solutions. This committee has worked hard to explore options, hear concerns from many different perspectives, and propose solutions for various aspects of this complex issue

Moving forward, I believe we need to continue exploring sustainable solutions that address the root causes of homelessness, not just the symptoms. I want to be clear that I don’t have all the answers. But I am committed to finding them by listening to the community, seeking out ideas, and working together to create lasting change. This means:

New CCAP transitional housing under construction

• Partnering with local organizations to support mental health and addiction services.

• Advocating for more affordable housing and transitional options that give people a path forward.

• Engaging the community in open conversations about what compassionate, effective solutions look like for Aberdeen.

  
  

I also understand that this is an issue that impacts all of us differently, and I’m committed to listening to your concerns, ideas, and hopes for our community. I want to be part of building a future where homelessness is addressed with empathy and practicality, where we work together as a community to find solutions that last.

To me, Your Voice, Our Aberdeen isn’t just a slogan, it’s a promise. A promise that your concerns are heard, that the community’s needs are prioritized, and that together, we can build lasting change.

I’m looking forward to those conversations. Please reach out to share your thoughts. I’m here to listen.