Arts hub building shelter
The City is committed to ensuring winter shelter operations at this site work well for students, families, school staff and shelter residents. Learn more about our plans to minimize effects on the surrounding community and who to contact if you have questions.
Shelter hours of operation
The winter shelter at the arts hub will be open seven days a week from 6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Who can use the shelter
The winter shelters will serve individuals and households experiencing homelessness. Shelter prioritization will be given to families with children. Then, prioritization will be based on a variety of vulnerabilities, including seniors, people with disabilities, individuals fleeing domestic violence situations, people with health conditions, etc.).
All shelters are co-ed; as part of the referral process, those with records of sex offenses and recent violent criminal behavior cannot use the shelters. These are not drop-in shelters; users must undergo screening by the Council for the Homeless to access them. Please call 360-695-9677 to be screened for any shelter openings in the County.
Shelter procedures
- Before using winter shelter, shelter users undergo a screening and referral process, including a background check conducted by the Council for the Homeless.
- This shelter will be prioritized for individuals and families in the VITA school community.
- Unhoused community members may not enter a shelter without completing a screening and receiving a referral; if people do show up, shelter staff will instruct them to contact the Council for the Homeless.
- Individuals not staying at the shelter will not be allowed to hang out in front of the shelter or be on school property.
- Our shelter operator, Outsiders Inn, will provide onsite supervision. Staff from Outsiders Inn will monitor the shelter property every hour.
- Every morning, shelter staff will address any trash and support the removal of any left-behind belongings.
- Shelter users who need transportation will be provided a full-day C-TRAN bus pass.
Contacting HART
The Homeless Assistance and Resources Team (HART) provides compassionate outreach and services to people experiencing homelessness. You can contact HART:
- By email: hartteam@cityofvancouver.us
- By leaving a voicemail: 360-487-8626
Contacting the shelter operator: Outsiders Inn
The City has hired Outsiders Inn to manage the overnight shelter. Outsiders Inn is an experienced shelter provider managing two of the City’s Safe Stay Communities. If you want to volunteer, donate clothing or report a concern, please get in touch with Outsiders Inn executive director Adam Kravitz at 360-830-6647 or adam@outsidersinn.org.
Talking to children about homeless
Kids are curious and ask questions. To help them understand this complex issue, we’ve compiled information to help you talk with kids or students about homelessness.