Operator selected for new homeless shelter near Vancouver Mall

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington has been selected to operate a noncongregate shelter near Vancouver Mall for people who are unhoused.

The soon-to-be shelter was formerly a Howard Johnson hotel. The Vancouver Housing Authority acquired it in February to convert the property into a shelter, which will be called Bertha Cain Baugh Place.

The selection, announced Wednesday, was made by Clark County Community Services, with assistance from staff at Vancouver Housing Authority and the city of Vancouver.

Catholic Community Services is an outreach of the Catholic Church that provides programs, shelters and services for the poorest and most vulnerable people in Western Washington.

A review committee comprising staff from the county, city and Vancouver Housing Authority provided recommendations for an operator in late February after receiving bids.

Services are expected to begin by early June. Referrals to the shelter will occur through the county’s Coordinated Entry System.

Catholic Community Services, Vancouver Housing Authority, Clark County Community Services and the city of Vancouver will be holding additional information sessions for the neighborhood around the shelter in April.