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Wenatchee council authorizes grant agreements to extend homeless services through year end
Summary
The Wenatchee City Council authorized mayoral grant agreements to extend contracts for emergency shelter, low-barrier beds and permanent supportive housing through December 2025, funding providers including the Wenatchee Rescue Mission, People’s Foundation and Women’s Resource Center.
The Wenatchee City Council authorized the mayor to enter into grant agreements extending contracts that fund emergency shelter, low‑barrier beds, outreach and permanent supportive housing through Dec. 31, 2025.
City staff presented recommendations from the Columbia River Homeless Housing Task Force to split a previously recommended 18‑month extension into a six‑month extension followed by a 12‑month renewal so staff and providers can address updated insurance requirements and align the work with the city’s budget process. Laura Gloria, Wenatchee city administrator, told the council the contracts were already included in the city budget and that staff want time to work on insurance and potential cost changes with providers.
Under the approved motion the city will make three grant commitments: $105,000 to the People’s Foundation for 50 low‑barrier shelter beds at Saint Francis House (contract period July 1–Dec. 2025); $533,535 to the Wenatchee Rescue Mission to support two RV emergency shelter parks, a low‑barrier sleep center (44 detached units / 90 beds), a congregate shelter (45 men's beds and 20 women's beds) and outreach for Wenatchee and East Wenatchee (July 1–Dec. 2025); and $50,946 to the Women’s Resource Center for operating support of 20 Miller Park permanent supportive housing units (July 2025–Dec. 2025).
Glenn (staff) and task force members explained that outreach teams and contract providers continue street outreach, offer diversion funds and work with partners to move people into emergency and permanent housing. Staff said most funding comes from the two‑cities local option tax shared by Wenatchee and East Wenatchee; smaller amounts come from recording fees and other restricted funds for new housing operations. Staff noted Wenatchee contributes a majority of the tax receipts between the two cities.
Council member Rojana Steen moved the authorization; Council member Hornby seconded. The council approved the motion by voice vote.
Discussion versus decision: council approved the grant agreements and a short (six‑month) extension framework; staff will return with further budget and insurance details and will continue task force review. The motion does not change program designs or add new permanent units beyond the contracts described. The council did not record individual roll‑call votes in the transcript.
