BNSF gives city $25K for Vancouver day center

Another private organization has donated funds to the city of Vancouver for its new homeless day center.

BNSF Railway Foundation gave the city $25,000 for the center, which will be at 2018 Grand Blvd. BNSF’s donation comes a month after C.E. John Co. announced it was donating $300,000 to help renovate and operate the new center. Renovations are anticipated to cost the city at least $775,000.

Vancouver requested the money from BNSF earlier this year to help round out funding. Community and Economic Development Programs Manager Peggy Sheehan said previously that if their request wasn’t approved, the city would consider additional Community Development Block Grant funds to bridge the gap.

The tentative funding plan includes $150,000 from state capital appropriation funds and $155,000 from the general fund or CDBG money.

“We are grateful for BNSF’s generous donation, which will help ensure that people experiencing homelessness in our community have a place to go during the day to access services,” Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said in a press release. “We appreciate the support and engagement of our businesses and community members who come together to help make vitally important projects like the day center a reality.”

BNSF Regional Director of Public Affairs Gus Melonas said the program is a good fit for the railway and that they are pleased to be part of a project that could change lives locally.

“We have a long presence in Vancouver and are pleased to help enhance the quality of life for those in the area,” Melonas said.