ASOTIN COUNTY ALLIANCE FOR THE UNHOUSED

Asotin County cannot deny it has a chronic homeless issue.

Homelessness is not a new problem and Clarkston is not alone in struggling to find solutions. Addressing homelessness is complex and navigating the legal landscape (such as Martin v Boise and Grants Pass Ruling) can be challenging. The local unhoused community are just in one place now, predominately at Foster Park. The average number of people sleeping there is 13 per night.

Can we agree that there needs to be an alternative to sleeping in a park? Can we agree that we need a facility the unhoused can go? Do we agree that we cannot arrest ourselves out of homelessness? How do we solve this issue that our community has?

ACAU is working toward a long-term solution of a sleep center.

The model ACAU is mirroring is that of Walla Walla Alliance for the Homeless. A sleep center would be a managed site with security for the unhoused to be during operating hours. The site will have rules to follow and provide a place for individuals to be while they transition into stable housing. With a sleep center, public camping ordinances can be enforced and reduce the strain on local resources.

ACAU Town Hall

Thank you for attending the ACAU town hall on August 27, 2024. We welcome feedback from the community as we work toward long-term solutions.

Town Hall Presentation

“HOMELESSNESS IS NOT CHEAP; IT’S VERY EXPENSIVE. IF YOU TAKE THE COST OF THREE DAYS IN A HOSPITAL, THREE WEEKS IN JAIL OR A YEAR OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, THE COSTS ARE ABOUT THE SAME.”

-Chuck Hindman

Walla Walla Alliance for the Homeless

ACAU Mission

Provide solutions for the unhoused persons of Asotin County.

Asotin County Alliance for the Unhoused is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to finding solutions to the chronic homelessness issue in Clarkston, WA. Homelessness is not a new problem. ACAU is working toward establishing a managed sleep center for the unhoused.

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