Fort Vancouver Assisted Living Facility has been operated by EmpRes by Evergreen Healthcare Group since 2023.
The city hasn’t made a decision on the application yet. A hearing on Royal Life Center’s request is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 20. A representative of EmpRes operated by Evergreen Healthcare said the hearing will walk attendees through “pros and cons of creating and making a drug rehab.”
“I do know that the current owners are closing it, regardless if we turn it to the substance use treatment and mental health program. If that doesn’t go through, it’s still closing as an assisted living facility,” said Yolin Tapia, executive director of Royal Life Centers.
The Columbian asked EmpRes by Evergreen Healthcare Group to confirm the facility will not continue to offer assisted living regardless of a sale. A representative responded, “I’m not sure.”
According to the company’s website, Royal Life Centers facilities specialize in detoxifying people with drug and alcohol addictions, offering both inpatient and outpatient care. Tapia said Clark County needs additional drug treatment resources.
According to the state’s online overdose dashboard, the number of fentanyl-related overdoses in Clark County has nearly doubled every two years since 2017. Between 2020 and 2022, 163 people died from fentanyl overdoses.
According to Columbia River Mental Health Services, the presence of xylazine, a sedative, in Clark County’s drug supply has nearly doubled since November. Known as “tranq,” the drug causes painful open wounds by rotting human tissue.
“The goal is to get somebody off of substances and help their mental health so that they can regain independence in their lives, and hopefully have thriving lives and successful lives,” Tapia said.
‘We’re family’
But at least some residents at Fort Vancouver Assisted Living are worried about the possibility of moving. Assisted living facilities offer apartments and services such as meals, laundry and assistance with daily living tasks like bathing and dressing, often to the elderly.
Dana Roberts’ aunt recently moved into Fort Vancouver Assisted Living after looking for a place for a year. Roberts’ aunt, 80, has vascular dementia.
“She’s terrified to move again,” said Roberts, who has her aunt’s power of attorney and lives in California.
Fort Vancouver Assisted Living is nestled in a neighborhood that includes PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and The Vancouver Clinic and is across the street from a skilled nursing facility.
“This will be detrimental to all of (the residents) if they have to leave and find new housing,” Roberts wrote in an email.
If the permits can be obtained, and plans move ahead, the treatment facility would launch in early 2025, Tapia said.
“Our goal is to transition (current residents) to different programs safely so that nobody’s left without a home,” Tapia said.
Resident Tamara Mantlo, 56, is one of the youngest residents at Fort Vancouver Assisted Living. Due to health issues, she moved into the facility in December.
Mantlo said she knows staff will help her find a new home, but emphasizes that she doesn’t want to be separated from the other residents.
“Here, we’re more like a family than friends. We don’t want to lose that,” Mantlo said. “Why can’t they find another building? Why do they have to take our home?”
According to the notice, residents interested in attending the virtual public hearing can email the project manager at mark.person@cityofvancouver.us.
