Snohomish County Council approves purchase of two hotels for homeless housing, wraparound services

The Snohomish County Council voted Wednesday to officially approve executive Dan Somers’s proposal to convert two hotels into bridge housing for the homeless, Somers’s office announced.

Somers announced plans last week to convert a Days Inn facility in Everett to time-limited housing for the homeless.

That facility, combined with an America’s Best Value Inn in Edmonds, will create 129 units of time-limited housing for those without shelter.

Both facilities are being purchased with the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funding.

“Communities across Snohomish County have made clear that stabilizing and supporting our vulnerable residents is a top priority,” said Somers. “I’m glad the County Council acted with urgency to finalize these two hotel purchases. This expansion in bridge housing and services will make Snohomish County a better and safer place for everyone to live, work, and play.”

Prior to announcing the plans to purchase the Days Inn facility last week, the county announced the Shelter & Behavioral Health Partnership Program, which will add units to house about 36 people, among other housing and behavioral health projects.

“I am proud to support the County’s unique approach to provide services and assistance to those who are most vulnerable in our community. I am confident that this investment will help create safer, healthier, and stronger communities for us all,” said council Vice Chair Jared Mead, District 4.

In all, the three projects will create 165 spaces in 2022, marking a 26% increase in the county’s shelter system capacity.

In addition to time-limited housing, residents will have access to wraparound services that include “food, hygiene, employment services, legal services, mental health services, and substance use disorder services,” according to the county.

Facilities will also have 24/7 on-site staffing.

©2022 Cox Media Group