Understanding Homelessness in Clark County: Our Response Through WHO@SALC

Recognizing Systemic Barriers
(Equity & Justice)

1,530 people experiencing homelessness in Clark County (January 2025). Clark County, WA, faces a significant homelessness crisis, with Vancouver and surrounding communities seeing increasing numbers of neighbors without stable housing. Understanding the root causes helps our Southwest Washington community respond effectively

  • 38% people of color: disproportionate impact on communities already facing barriers

  • 149 families with children: housing costs, not personal failings, drive family homelessness

  • Root causes: Lack of affordable housing, healthcare costs, employment barriers, inadequate wages

Woman seeking shelter

How Service Becomes Transformative

WHO @ SALC Results

  • 205 individuals welcomed with meals, presence, and care

  • 3,893 volunteer hours creating stability that enables permanent solutions

  • 92% positive outcomes: When basic needs are met with dignity, people can focus on long-term housing

What Transforms: People and Communities

  • Guests: Stability + respect → job searching → permanent housing

  • Volunteers: Personal relationships → understanding root causes → advocacy for change

Communities Honoring Human Worth:

  • Faith communities expressing their traditions' calls to hospitality and justice

  • Organizations motivated by humanistic values and civic responsibility

  • Individual volunteers of all backgrounds united by compassion for neighbors

  • Community groups driven by shared belief in human dignity

Creating Solutions Together:

  • 50+ diverse congregations united providing sustained support

  • Breaking down stereotypes through personal relationships

  • Volunteers motivated by their experience to support housing solutions in their own communities

  • Demonstrating that interfaith and community cooperation can achieve 92% positive outcomes

Reflecting Jesus’ calling, we, the community of St. Andrew, proclaim that the gifts of God are for all, so we welcome and advocate for equity and justice for… All abilities and disabilities, All believers and unbelievers, All races and ethnicities, All religions and creeds, All gender identities and expressions, All countries of origin, All sexual orientations, All immigrants and refugees, All economic levels, All spoken and signed languages, All…no exceptions!