Resolution 1213RESOLUTION NO. 1213
A RESOLUTION OF THE EDMONDS CITY COUNCIL
REGARDING THE COUNCIL VALUES AND DIRECTION
REGARDING TEMPORARY HOMELESS SHELTERS
Whereas, Edmonds applauds and supports the work of community organizations which
administer programs designed to prevent homelessness, provide shelter for
the homeless, construct supportive housing for the homeless, and offer
essential services to stabilize housing situations and increase levels of self
sufficiency; and
Whereas, Edmonds recognizes organizations and individuals involved in homelessness
prevention services that target persons and families at -risk for homelessness
for the future; and
Whereas, Edmonds recognizes that poverty is the primary factor contributing to
homelessness, however, the recent housing crisis and recession have further
added to the nationwide numbers of homeless persons; and
Whereas, Edmonds acknowledges that the 2009 Snohomish County annual Point In
Time homeless count shows an increase over the 2008 Point In Time
homeless count, and included an estimated 625 individuals who were
children under the age of 18; and
Whereas, a number of faith communities in Edmonds created a coalition to respond to
the homeless population in the Edmonds area by providing 474 beds over 34
nights in 2008/2009;
Whereas, Edmonds recognizes that exposure to cold temperatures can cause death,
and in the past, has caused death for Snohomish County's homeless
population; and
Whereas, during winter months, Snohomish County homeless shelters frequently do
not have sufficient capacity to provide shelter for all who seek refuge from
extreme weather conditions; and
Whereas, Ordinance No. 3730 affirms the City's commitment to support public and
nonprofit agencies as they prepare to provide needed services to indigent
persons and allows for a compliance permitting process for exemptions to
State Building Code;
Now, therefore, the Edmonds City Council proclaims that protecting lives from
potentially deadly consequences of severe weather constitutes a compelling,
countervailing public interest, and
Therefore directs staff and the Planning Board to review the existing Ordinance to
incorporate the greatest amount of flexibility for proposed temporary shelters
as is possible, as has been done in some of our surrounding cities, and
Therefore commits the City of Edmonds to join other jurisdictions in taking the most
aggressive course available to ensure the safety and shelter of individuals
and families during cold weather months or times of calamity or natural
disaster through implementation of alternative solutions to the existing Cold
Weather Shelters Minimum Safety Guidelines.
Passed, Approved, and Adopted this
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
CITY CLERK, SANDRA S. CHASE
15th day of December, 2009.
MArlY. OR, ARY AAKENS0N
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: 12-11-09
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: 12-15-09
RESOLUTION NO. 1213