Proposing Solutions to Homelessness
Asotin County cannot deny it has a chronic homeless issue.
Homelessness is not a new problem. 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.
We're working with our partners to assess alternatives.
The local unhoused community averages about 19 people per night car/RV camping. Can we agree that there needs to be an alternative? Can we agree that we need a facility where people could go to sleep? 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 sleep center.
A sleep center modeled after Walla Walla Alliance for the Homeless 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.
