EVERETT — The Everett Gospel Mission plans to add 10 more Pallet shelters to give temporary space for people experiencing chronic homelessness, and Faith Lutheran Church also plans to add a small group of Pallet shelters, said Community Development Director Julie Willie in a presentation on homelessness last week.
The city previously arranged to put 20 such tiny cabins at the Everett Gospel Mission which became open to homeless individuals this summer. The additional Pallet shelters at the Mission could become open Jan. 1, Willie said.
Faith Lutheran, at 6708 Cady Rd., filed an application to the city recently wanting to house six to eight people in Pallet shelters on a vacant parcel near the church, Willie said.
The city is visiting other organizations to see if more locations will be a good fit for Pallet shelters.
The city wants to place 40 more Pallet shelters overall to help alleviate chronic homelessness issues. The Pallet shelters allow police to place a homeless individual in a stable location. The Pallet shelters allow mixed-gender couples and companion pets, while traditional shelters do not, which can be a barrier to homeless individuals to seek shelter.
In Mayor Cassie Franklin’s 2022 budget proposal, the mayor will add a full-time homelessness response coordinator, as well as add staff to address encampments.
