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Wednesday,  September 18 , 2024
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Stories by Mia Ryder-Marks

Columbian staff reporter

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mia.ryder-marks@columbian.com
Marc Eichenbaum, a special assistant to the mayor for homeless initiatives in Houston, Texas

‘Gathering for Change’ event at Kiggins to highlight homeless solutions

Marc Eichenbaum, a special assistant to the mayor for homeless initiatives in Houston, Texas

October 17, 2023, 6:45pm Clark County News

Council for the Homeless invites community members to its “Gathering for Change: Solving Homelessness Together” event on Thursday at the Kiggins Theatre. The event will highlight solutions that alleviate homelessness. Read story

Blair Doering of Vancouver, left, lends a hand as environmental activists Becca Kempton and Monica Zazueta get a garden underway in September.

Activists plant seeds of change with victory garden at The Outpost in east Vancouver

Blair Doering of Vancouver, left, lends a hand as environmental activists Becca Kempton and Monica Zazueta get a garden underway in September.

October 16, 2023, 6:07am Clark County Life

Monica Zazueta’s fingers dipped into a fresh pile of soil and picked up a tiny seashell. Read story

Katie Vongthongthip, left, and Chance Newbill talk in the kitchen in their new apartment.

‘Housing is a life changer’: Vancouver couple who spent years living homeless find fresh start, hope in new home

Katie Vongthongthip, left, and Chance Newbill talk in the kitchen in their new apartment.

October 11, 2023, 6:04am Clark County News

The first morning waking up in their new apartment, Chance Newbill turned to his fiance, Katie Vongthongthip, and told her to soak in the silence. Read story

A colorful mural on the side of the new Fourth Plain Community Commons celebrates the diversity of the neighborhood and its residents.

Fourth Plain Community Commons opens, adding to stock of affordable housing in Vancouver

A colorful mural on the side of the new Fourth Plain Community Commons celebrates the diversity of the neighborhood and its residents.

September 25, 2023, 2:40pm Clark County News

With the snip of a red ribbon, Vancouver welcomed its newest affordable housing building on Saturday. Read story

J.P. Walmer enjoys his morning coffee in his tent outside Vancouver City Hall as construction at the nearby waterfront is visible in the background. Walmer has been homeless for about a month and is looking for a place he can afford. He said he sleeps on multiple air mattresses to make it easier for him to get out of bed.

Homeless population grays in Clark County as more seniors end up on the street

J.P. Walmer enjoys his morning coffee in his tent outside Vancouver City Hall as construction at the nearby waterfront is visible in the background. Walmer has been homeless for about a month and is looking for a place he can afford. He said he sleeps on multiple air mattresses to make it easier for him to get out of bed.

September 23, 2023, 6:14am Clark County Health

Chris Muntean, 70, feels lucky he had a heart attack. Read story

The Elwood permanent supportive housing complex has a community garden among other trauma-informed features designed by Access Architecture.

Vancouver Housing Authority amps up security with more cameras, alarms, fencing, alarms at complexes

The Elwood permanent supportive housing complex has a community garden among other trauma-informed features designed by Access Architecture.

September 23, 2023, 6:03am Clark County News

The Vancouver Housing Authority will update security measures in four of its public housing facilities, thanks to a grant. Read story

Workers from Ridgefield-based City Electric Co. started construction of the downtown Safe Stay community on Monday by excavating a space for a large utility cylinder.

Construction starts on downtown Vancouver Safe Stay site, though no opening date is set

Workers from Ridgefield-based City Electric Co. started construction of the downtown Safe Stay community on Monday by excavating a space for a large utility cylinder.

September 18, 2023, 3:54pm Clark County News

Work has begun for one of Vancouver’s newest temporary but supportive housing communities. Read story

Martha Petifer, left, puts a leash on her dog, Odyssey, while her partner Clint Austin watches at The Outpost Safe Stay Community, where she has lived since February. Petifer suffered a stroke and broken back in January.

For people in Clark County experiencing homelessness, health care can be out of reach

Martha Petifer, left, puts a leash on her dog, Odyssey, while her partner Clint Austin watches at The Outpost Safe Stay Community, where she has lived since February. Petifer suffered a stroke and broken back in January.

September 16, 2023, 6:05am Clark County Health

A numbness washed over Martha Petifer as she packed up her belongings after being evicted from her apartment. Read story

Easing access to health care for homeless is challenging in Clark County

September 16, 2023, 6:04am Clark County Health

Health providers are adding new initiatives to help homeless residents who need care, though challenges remain. Read story

The Xchange Recovery Center in Ridgefield, seen in 2022, is expanding its services.

Bringing health care to the streets of Clark County

The Xchange Recovery Center in Ridgefield, seen in 2022, is expanding its services.

September 16, 2023, 6:03am Clark County Health

While residents experiencing homelessness and housing leaders recognize the issues preventing the unhoused from accessing health care, some have taken matters into their own hands and made care more accessible. Read story