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Providers flag gaps for very large families and report shelter, veterans and transitional-housing updates
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Summary
Providers told the Clallam County Homelessness Task Force that recent out-of-state arrivals of very large families strained existing hotel and shelter options, and reported operational updates on shelter occupancy, veterans outreach and new transitional homes.
Task-force members and service providers reported operational challenges and updates: unusually large out-of-state family arrivals, shelter occupancy levels, planned outreach to employment services, and new transitional housing openings.
Reflections staff described two recent cases: a family of about nine and a separate family of 12 arriving from out of state who sought shelter and safety. Because hotel vouchers typically require multiple rooms for very large families, providers said the county’s hotel-funding options would have been nearly exhausted by a single family of that size. Reflections staff said the family of 12 temporarily used a motor home parked on agency property until other placements could be found; one staff member called the episode “a real interesting little problem” that exposed gaps for large-family placements.
On capacity, providers said Evergreen Family Shelter is averaging about 95 people per night; winter numbers historically rise to 110–120. Staff confirmed residents can use the shelter address to obtain identification and described an entry/exit policy that counts a night away as an exit; returning guests restart that count. Staff also said the shelter has Wi‑Fi and is exploring runs to WorkSource to support job search, and an outreach worker volunteered to conduct periodic on-site WorkSource visits.
Several agencies offered operational updates and resources. Beverly Lee, director of Mariposa House (Forks), said her agency can assist with interpretation services and victim-advocate support for families fleeing unsafe situations. Peninsula Behavioral Health announced it had closed on two homes — seven bedrooms total — funded through Disability Rights Washington to house justice-involved individuals who need competency-restoration supports; one home already has occupants and the second is expected to be ready soon.
Members also asked about Port Townsend’s shelter status; a staff presenter said the Port Townsend shelter contract runs through December and is currently operated in the American Legion basement by Olycap, and that a new Olycap-run shelter is planned but no opening date was specified. The group briefly asked about Salvation Army meal service and was told a short closure occurred recently because staff were out of town.
No formal actions were taken because the meeting lacked a quorum.
