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Bainbridge approves $25,000 one‑time contribution to YWCA after shelter fire
Summary
Following public comment about a fire that left the YWCA’s Alive shelter uninhabitable, the council authorized a one‑time $25,000 contribution from contingency funds to support immediate needs; the motion passed unanimously.
Council approved a one‑time $25,000 contribution from the council contingency fund to support the YWCA of Kitsap County’s Alive shelter, which the YWCA reported is uninhabitable after a mid‑February fire and consequent water damage.
Maureen Olsen, a legal advocate at the Kitsap YWCA, told the council the agency is housing clients and children in hotels and incurring unbudgeted meal and lodging costs. Diane West (Rental Assistant Manager, Kitsap YWCA) said the shelter is the county’s only 24‑hour facility and that the agency has lost federal funding tied to immigration‑related policy changes.
Councilmembers discussed the extraordinary nature of the request and noted the city’s competitive human‑services funding process, but agreed the fire and immediate client needs warranted emergency assistance. Councilmember Land moved the one‑time contribution; the motion passed with council support.
Councilmembers also asked staff to report back on whether other jurisdictions or local foundations were providing support. Council emphasized this is an extraordinary, one‑time appropriation and not a change to the regular human‑services grant process.
What’s next: The YWCA will receive the emergency funds and staff will follow up with information about other support sources and whether the YWCA plans to pursue regular human‑services funding in future grant cycles.
