EVERETT — Clare’s Place is clear of drug residue contamination, and awaits final and formal clearance of decontamination, officials from building owner Catholic Community Services wrote in a Jan. 2 update letter to the city obtained by the Tribune through public disclosure.
At the time, the nonprofit anticipated residents could move back in by February.
“We have recently received preliminary clearance from WA State Dept of Labor & Industries that they have lifted the Order of Immediate Restraint and we have also received preliminary clearance from the Snohomish County Health Department that the units are no longer designated as unfit for habitation,” a Catholic Community Services vice president and its director of assets wrote.
Clare’s Place opened in 2019 and houses chronically homeless individuals under the low-barrier “Housing First” approach, meaning people with alcohol and drug problems are given housing versus being sobered up first.
Residents were forced to be displaced in October after 48 of the 70 units had meth contamination. The HVAC system caused the contamination to spread apartment-to-apartment, the nonprofit leaders wrote.
Temporary Pallet Shelters were put on site to house the individuals displaced.
