Residents and service providers urge Shelton council to address illegal camps, shelter capacity and accessibility

At the Feb. 4 Shelton City Council meeting, residents and nonprofit leaders urged the city to address illegal camps, sidewalk accessibility and staffing needs at cold-weather shelters, saying the issues affect safety, public health and housing stability.

Speakers from Habitat for Humanity, Community Lifeline and New Horizon Communities described recent housing work and ongoing service gaps. Kendra Martinson, a Habitat homeowner nominee, told the council the program allowed her family to move from homelessness into stable housing and said her children are “finally safe.” Henry Hurd, a resident, said Habitat’s vetting process had vetted Martinson and endorsed the organization’s approach.

Service providers and advocates described increasing homelessness, hazardous encampments near schools and parks, and limits on shelter capacity. Erin Martenack, board president of Community Lifeline, said the shelter expanded capacity for a recent cold snap but is constrained by a state-required staffing ratio of one staffer per 15 guests and by limited funding. “We are only allowed by law to have… one staff for every 15 guests,” Martenack said, adding volunteers have helped but the shelter needs a longer-term solution for freezing weather responses.

Tamara Ingwoldson, representing New Horizon Communities, urged a trauma-informed approach and cited research on adverse childhood experiences as a reason to prioritize Housing First-style supports. Desi Jewett and other commenters referenced House Bill 1255, which they said would fund removal of dangerous camps near schools and parks; speakers urged coordinated cleanup and services with Mason County.

Advocates also raised ADA and accessibility concerns. Speakers said blocked sidewalks—by tents, carts and debris—have prompted legal action in other cities and asked Shelton officials to clarify enforcement and remediation options.

Council members did not adopt new policy at the meeting; public comments were received during the allotted public-comment period. The council and city staff thanked service providers and public works crews for their work during winter weather and acknowledged the need for continued coordination with county and nonprofit partners.

Community Lifeline and New Horizon Communities requested that the council consider formal support for shelters during extreme cold events, citing volunteer shortages and staff limits. Advocates said removal of some camps must be paired with services that prevent re-encampment.

The meeting record shows no formal motions or votes directly tied to homelessness policy at this session; advocates said they will continue outreach and coordination with city and county staff.