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

Tents and makeshift shelters along a sidewalk with bikes and belongings, indicating a homeless encampment.

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

The Winter Hospitality Overflow at St. Andrew provides safe shelter, compassionate hospitality, and pathways to stability for neighbors in need during the coldest months of the year. Rooted in interfaith collaboration, we put love into action through volunteers, community partnerships, and professional housing support so that every guest experiences dignity, warmth, and hope.