The HOPE Village Emergency Housing Program plans to be operational with a tentative date of December 19th, 2022. HOPE Village will be able to shelter up to 50 single adults over the age of 18 years old, they must be experiencing homelessness in Cowlitz County, meet the HUD definition of homelessness, and capable of independently completing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) with no need for hospital or nursing home care. This program will provide 24/7 shelter access, case management, hygiene access, and two meals a day.
The HOPE Village is an Emergency Housing Program that is a drug and alcohol-free community. All guests will receive and participate in case management, with obtaining stable housing being the primary goal. The Salvation Army will be connecting guests with other local social service agencies throughout the community for access to benefits, employment, physical and mental health support, and other services to meet the guests immediate and long-term needs.
The Salvation Army will be operating a Housing First model that is an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to ending homelessness for the most vulnerable and chronically homeless individuals. This program will provide shelter for a large vulnerable, underserved population that will offer both grace and accountability. The Salvation Army and The City of Longview recognize that pets are a barrier to accessing shelter and will allow pets on site. The owners will be expected to always have their animal under control and provide adequate care. There will staff and security onsite 24/7 to ensure security of all residents and the surrounding neighborhood.
Each unit is fully permitted under RCW 35.21.915 and will be inspected for life safety compliance by City of Longview Building Department Inspectors. Hygiene stations will be available to village residents for the purpose of bathing and laundry. There will also be private spaces available for caseworker and healthcare interactions.
On Nov. 29th Salvation Army staff started screening and completing intakes with current Alabama Street residents for eligibility for HOPE Village. At the beginning of 2023 referrals to the HOPE Village Program will be accepted through: Local Police Departments, Coordinated Entry, Social Service Providers, Client self-referrals, and walk-ins as capacity allows. Any individual that is not eligible for the program will be directed to other community resources and given information about shelter alternatives.
We the City of Longview recognize this program will not resolve the community issue with homelessness, but this will continue to serve a large portion of our unhoused neighbors and is a good start in the right direction.
