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Saturday,  November 9 , 2024
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Photo of Mia Ryder-Marks

Stories by Mia Ryder-Marks

Columbian staff reporter

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@miarydermarks
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mia.ryder-marks@columbian.com
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

A trash can shared between the public and people living at the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail camp in Vancouver overflows with garbage.

Clark Asks: What’s being done about trash in Clark County homeless camps?

A trash can shared between the public and people living at the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail camp in Vancouver overflows with garbage.

September 14, 2023, 6:07am Clark County Health

At the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail camp — one of the largest homeless camps in Vancouver — a single, modest-size trash can spills over with empty food containers and paper towels. The leftover food has attracted wasps. Read story

Members of Magenta Theater perform a song Tuesday at a NAMI Southwest Washington Suicide Prevention and Awareness Summit at the Clark County YMCA.

Shine the Light: Suicide Prevention & Awareness Summit strives to save lives

Members of Magenta Theater perform a song Tuesday at a NAMI Southwest Washington Suicide Prevention and Awareness Summit at the Clark County YMCA.

September 13, 2023, 7:29pm Clark County Health

A simple conversation can help save a life. Read story

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month.

Southwest Washington chapter of National Alliance on Mental Health event tackles suicide, stigma

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month.

September 12, 2023, 6:03am Clark County Health

Shine the Light aims to raise awareness, educate public Read story

People hold hands and form a link from Washington to Oregon during the Hands Across the Bridge event that celebrates those in any stage of addiction recovery.

Hands Across the Bridge event celebrates people in addiction recovery

People hold hands and form a link from Washington to Oregon during the Hands Across the Bridge event that celebrates those in any stage of addiction recovery.

September 4, 2023, 6:21pm Clark County Health

In the minutes leading up to noon on Monday, people from all walks of life stretched along the pedestrian walkway on the Interstate 5 Bridge, chatting amongst themselves or gazing into the water below. Read story

XChange Recovery received 10,000 socks to give out to people experiencing homelessness. Socks are one of the most needed items for people living outside.

XChange Recovery gives 10,000 pairs of socks to people living without homes

XChange Recovery received 10,000 socks to give out to people experiencing homelessness. Socks are one of the most needed items for people living outside.

September 2, 2023, 6:10am Clark County News

Jacqueline Alley trailed through an encampment in downtown Vancouver, peeking her head into various tents to chat to chat with people and provide them lunch. Read story

Photos of overdose victims fill a field during an Overdose Awareness Day event.

Overdose Awareness Day pays tribute to Clark County residents lost to drugs

Photos of overdose victims fill a field during an Overdose Awareness Day event.

September 2, 2023, 6:04am Clark County News

Dewy grass swished under people’s feet as they ambled through rows of cardboard signs exhibiting the lives lost to substances in Clark County. A soft drizzle kissed the printed faces of someone’s mother, father, daughter, son, friend, neighbor. On Thursday, community members, advocates and local leaders gathered in honor of Overdose… Read story