The Columbian

Therapy dogs give comfort at homeless shelter on Christmas Eve

Enelida Acevedo gets a lick from Limon, a therapy dog at Share's family shelter in Hazel Dell on Saturday. DoveLewis' therapy dogs are visiting the shelter to provide emotional support and comfort during the holidays, which are especially hard on homeless families.

Tyfani McGowan misses her dog Luna, an 8-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever, and hasn’t seen the dog since Thanksgiving. The 19-year-old stays at the Share Homestead homeless shelter with her mom while Luna is at her aunt’s place. Read story

Adam Kravitz, center, of Outsiders Inn, speaks during a homeless memorial service at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Vancouver on Wednesday night. The service takes place every year on the first day of winter to remember those who have died while homeless.

Homeless memorialized at church in Vancouver

December 21, 2016, 9:26pm Clark County News

When people gathered on the steps in front of St. Paul Lutheran Church on Wednesday night, it was foggy and 33 degrees. A few dozen people were there to honor those who have died while homeless. Read story

Every year, most homes along 51st Street are decorated for the holidays.

Festive spectacle on Washougal’s 51st Street

December 21, 2016, 6:05am Clark County Life

Travis Gibson and Grace Christensen puttered down 51st Street in a golf cart, giving commentary on the holiday displays lining the street. Read story

Grant will aid county in work on housing

December 20, 2016, 6:54pm Clark County News

A $1.7 million boost from the federal government will help Clark County continue programs to prevent and end homelessness, as well as introduce new programs. Read story

George Somarakis installs drip metal at Isabella Court in September. A second 49 units of housing for low-income seniors is in the financing process and just received a $2.1 million grant from the state.

Isabella Court II gets $2.1 million from state

December 18, 2016, 6:02am Business

An affordable housing project for seniors in central Vancouver just got a $2.11 million boost from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Read story

Simone Ranta, 7, tightens down a handle bar while assembling a bike with her twin sister, Estelle, during a bike building event at the Columbia Machine warehouse on Thursday. Waste Connections organized the event, with a goal of building 616 bikes for various organizations to distribute before Christmas.

Building a blizzard of bikes

December 8, 2016, 8:54pm Clark County News

Snow wouldn't stop Santa's elves from making toys at the North Pole, and the fluffy white stuff couldn't stop local volunteers from gathering at a Vancouver warehouse Thursday evening to assemble bicycles for children in need. Read story

Stories by Patty Hastings

Columbian Social Services, Demographics, Faith

Coal train partially derails east of Wintler Park

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