The city of Vancouver, Wash., is increasing efforts to provide shelter and resources for its unhoused population, especially during the unforgiving winter months. Through a partnership with Outsiders Inn, a local organization dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness, it has launched an expanded winter and severe weather shelter program aimed at offering safe, warm spaces from November to March.

The initiative builds on Vancouver’s ongoing response to a homelessness state of emergency declared in November 2023 and supports the city’s commitment to addressing this issue.

Jamie Spinelli, Vancouver’s homeless response manager, described January 2024 as a crucial moment in the city’s approach to homelessness.

“Our climate is typically mild, but this winter was particularly severe, and we felt we were unprepared,” Spinelli recalled. “Churches scrambled to help as much as possible, but the whole community realized we needed more spaces that could accommodate more people, quickly.”

The year’s harsh winter conditions exposed gaps in the existing countywide shelter system, which struggled to meet the growing needs of the community.

While Vancouver already had an existing framework for severe weather shelters, the unprecedented demand during the 2024-25 winter highlighted the need for expansion. This spring, additional facilities have been incorporated into the program, along with some standby locations that are ready to open during extreme weather events.

The shelters provide essential services to the unhoused population, including mats or cots, bedding, restrooms and, in some locations, showers. Guests are offered meals or snacks, with Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle personally contributing by preparing and delivering meals in bulk to the shelters as often as possible.

A significant aspect of the extreme weather shelters is that accessing them is designed to be quick, easy and straightforward. Individuals in need first call the Council for the Homeless, where they undergo a quick background check: From there, as long as they do not have a sex offense or a recent violent charge on their record, they are directed to an available facility that’s close to them.

Spinelli mentioned that members of the homeless population are prioritized using a vulnerability assessment tool that considers factors like age, disability and household composition. Once checked in, guests can return to the same shelter each night, as long as they continue to sign in.

Spinelli emphasized the inclusivity of the program. “For the first time, we’ve had a mix of populations in the shelters. These spaces are open to anyone who needs them.”

Additionally, the severe weather shelters aim to do more than just provide a warm place to sleep. Guests often receive personal hygiene items, bus passes and access to additional resources. The shelters are also staffed to assist individuals in connecting with services that could help them move toward stability.

Spinelli highlights the value of this approach, noting that it not only meets immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term solutions.

The Homeless Management Information System, a national database, is used by program managers to track shelter usage and the outcomes of all unhoused people that are encountered. The system logs all services provided and tracks individuals’ progress, offering valuable data to inform future efforts.

In addition, Outsiders Inn conducts guest surveys onsite to gather direct feedback from those using the shelters. With the severe weather shelters launching earlier this year, there is not a significant amount of formal data collected yet: However, according to Spinelli, the verbal responses have been overwhelmingly positive. “Everyone that has been using the services has been very happy. People are pleased and grateful to get into the shelters.”

For Vancouver, scaling up the service during severe weather events presented some logistical challenges, particularly in staffing, building availability and resource allocation. However, the partnership with Outsiders Inn has been instrumental in overcoming some of the obstacles.

“This collaboration has significantly improved our ability to respond to the crisis,” Spinelli said. “The partnership brings a level of care and consistency that’s essential to our success.” With Outsiders Inn leading the charge to staff and support these community spaces, the city’s efforts have gone far this winter.

Vancouver is not stopping with temporary solutions. Officials are already planning for future winters and broader initiatives to address homelessness more comprehensively.

One major project in the works is a bridge shelter, designed to support individuals as they transition from homelessness to more permanent housing. Scheduled to open in June 2026, the facility will accommodate up to 150 people and represents a significant step forward in the city’s homelessness strategy.

In the meantime, the city remains focused on expanding temporary shelter capacity and refining its present programs. Spinelli noted that the lessons learned from this winter will inform future efforts, including planning for the next winter season.

“Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that no one is left out in the cold,” she emphasized. “We’re committed to creating a system that not only meets immediate needs but also builds pathways to lasting stability.”

Vancouver’s response to homelessness is an example of the power of a community’s collaboration and care for others. From churches stepping in during emergencies to partnerships with organizations like Outsiders Inn, the city has demonstrated that addressing homelessness requires a collective effort.

Due to Spinelli’s leadership and a proactive municipal approach, a foundation for meaningful change has been set and will continue to grow.

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