• Unsheltered homelessness has drastically increased and has significant negative impacts on the broader community and unhoused residents themselves.
• Our community does not have shelter capacity to meet the growing need.
• The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has held that cities cannot criminalize camping in all places, at all times, unless there is adequate access to temporary shelter (Martin v. Boise).
• Revisions to Chapter 8.22 VMC “Camping” have been made to implement a Supportive Campsite Pilot Program.
• City Staff conducted a Request for Proposals process for Supportive Campsite Operators (RFP 34-21) and selected Outsiders Inn to manage and provide supportive services at a supportive campsite.
• Establishment of supportive campsites will increase health, sanitation, and livability for all Vancouver residents, businesses, and visitors.

Goal 1, Objective 1.2: Ensure our infrastructure, including buildings and utilities, is safe, environmentally responsible and well maintained.

Goal 3, Objective 3.1: Strengthen community identity and sense of belonging.

Goal 3, Objective 3.2: Improve services available to underserved or vulnerable residents.

An estimated 500-600 individuals reside in tents or vehicles within the City of Vancouver, which poses significant health and safety risks to the individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, as well as the rest of the community and the environment. At this time, our community does not have an adequate supply of shelter or housing options to meet the growing need. This Council has observed that many individuals who camp on public property do so, not by choice, but due to a lack of financial means to afford adequate shelter. These individuals are adversely mentally and physically impacted by camping. Single female camp occupants experience a disproportionately high incidence of violent crime as compared to other people. Families with children who camp as a result of a lack of adequate shelter are also disproportionately adversely impacted through risk of physical danger and impediments to childhood education.

Simultaneously, Council has also observed that the City’s sensitive ecological areas are adversely impacted by adverse secondary impacts of camping. The City’s sensitive waterways, water treatment facilities, stormwater and wastewater facilities are particularly vulnerable to impacts of illegal dumping and improper disposal of human waste. Additionally, individuals living outdoors in greenways and wooded areas, who utilize fire as a source of heat, or to cook with, increase the potential for wildfire in those areas, particularly during our dry/summer months.

In an effort to reduce the aforementioned negative impacts of unsheltered homelessness, provide for greater safety, stability, and access to needed services for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, and to remain in compliance with Martin v. Boise, staff has proposed, and this Council has approved, the establishment of City-sponsored supportive campsites in designated areas. These campsites will be managed and supported by a contracted service provider who will work to:

• ensure safety and sanitation within and immediately surrounding the designated campsite,
• assist camp residents with obtaining stability, accessing needed resources, and transitioning into a more permanent housing situation, and
• proactively engage with the surrounding neighborhood(s) to mitigate potential negative impacts to the neighborhood, facilitate neighborhood participation and volunteer opportunities within the campsite, and encourage participation in neighborhood/community events, neighborhood association meetings, etc. amongst camp residents.

1. Outsiders Inn is a Peer run organization, with supportive services delivered by trained individuals who also have lived experiences with homelessness, mental/behavioral health, and recovery.
2. Outsiders Inn is an existing City contractor, and successfully operates the shelter at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
3. Supportive Campsites will serve as a temporary bridge while more permanent housing and shelter options are implemented.
4. Because these sites are managed, our community will see a decrease in solid waste, encampments in unsafe spaces, and negative environmental impacts.
5. Because these sites are supported, campsite residents will have greater access to services, increased stability, and more safe, healthy, and humane living conditions as individuals work to resolve their homelessness.