Neighbors and county officials raise safety concerns over proposed "safe parking" at St. Timothy's near four schools

Several Chehalis residents urged the Chehalis City Council on May 12 to intervene after they learned that St. Timothy Episcopal Church plans to host a "safe parking" program for unhoused people on its parking lot.

Ben (last name not provided), a neighborhood resident who distributed a handout summarizing a May 7 listening session by the church, told the council the site is within walking distance of four schools and nearly 3,000 students and families move through the area daily. "Two things can be true at the same time," he said, criticizing the church for planning the site in a dense residential area while acknowledging the group's intent to help.

Other neighbors echoed safety concerns. Susan (last name not provided), who lives about one-and-a-half blocks from the church, told council members that residents feared insufficient onsite security, lack of fencing, and that some people who come to the site may not have been screened. She said at the church's Wednesday meeting neighbors reported not receiving notice of the plan. "There is no one there that's going to kind of keep an eye on them," she said, asking how women and children would be kept safe.

County staff attending the meeting praised Chehalis Police Department officers and city staff for recent humane handling of persons in crisis. Mija Hamlin of Lewis County commended local officers for "firm compassion" in recent encounters and said law enforcement helped connect people to services during two incidents the county had reported to the city.

Other public commenters raised similar safety and logistical questions: Michael asked who would provide toilet facilities and how the church would protect people who briefly left cars to use a portable toilet; another commenter said the Methodist Church may consider a similar program.

City councilors said they heard residents' concerns and that city staff would meet with church leaders. Councilor Gavin said he had spoken to many neighborhood residents and said the church meeting felt like a presentation rather than a listening session. Councilor Jody and others said they attended the neighborhood meeting and asked for follow-up conversations; Mayor Ketchum and council members indicated the city manager and mayor would meet with the church and neighborhood representatives.

Why it matters: Neighbors are concerned about public safety, notification and operational oversight when nonprofit groups or churches host emergency or temporary housing programs in close proximity to schools and residential areas. The transcript shows residents repeatedly emphasized proximity to Chehalis High School, WF West (middle/high) athletic fields and two elementary schools, and requested city assistance to provide oversight and governance.

No formal city action was taken during the meeting; public commenters asked the mayor and city staff to pursue oversight and communication with the church and the county. Council members scheduled or confirmed follow-up meetings: the mayor and city manager were reported to have a meeting with stakeholders the following Wednesday morning.

Ending: Residents asked for city, county and state assistance to ensure oversight, safety planning and clearer communication before the proposed safe-parking program proceeds.