Immediate assistance for those most vulnerable to COVID-19 in Snohomish County

EVERETT, Wash., March 25, 2020 – Snohomish County and its partners are working hard to protect everyone in the community against the spread of COVID-19, including people who are experiencing homelessness, particularly parents with children, veterans, and other vulnerable individuals.

The Salvation Army is temporarily providing shelter for up to 40 people per night at the Carnegie Resource Center. Approximately $137,000 in funding has been approved to support this effort. To create further social distancing in the shelter, the County has also provided an additional $250,000 in funding to The Salvation Army to move individuals into 44 units in an Everett motel.

On March 17, 2020, the County, Providence Institute for a Healthier Community (PIHC), and the Community Foundation of Snohomish County (CFSC) announced a joint effort to immediately start providing additional motel/hotel vouchers to individuals and families who are on the countywide coordinated entry list, are experiencing homelessness, and are at high vulnerability for COVID-19.

An initial $20,000 seed grant from the Providence Institute for a Healthier Community was leveraged by $80,000 from the County for Phase One of the Homeless Community Containment/Protection Initiative to establish housing for an initial 1,000 bed nights, expected to house approximately 33 families per night for 30 nights. Since the launch of that initiative last week, an additional $250,000 has been secured to provide motel/hotel vouchers.

“This expanded sheltering capacity is helping Snohomish County and our partners provide more safe places for vulnerable community members during this challenging time while also reducing risk for residents throughout our county,” said Mary Jane Brell Vujovic, Director of Snohomish County Human Services.

People experiencing homelessness are encouraged to dial 2-1-1 for help.