Did you know that about 28 people use the sleep center per night?

Did you know that it costs approximately $3000 a month per person to keep the sleep center open? That's more than it costs to rent a modest home.

Did you know that the organization that runs the sleep center is requesting more money and manpower to support the facility. That's above and beyond the $3000 per person cost.

It is being proposed that the sleep center be shut down so the money and effort can be put towards helping the homeless find the help they need. There is already a church organization that has volunteered to help with this plan.

-Those who are interested in rehabilitation will be taken to a center to help them clean up and turn their lives around.

-Others will be helped to relocate to a community with the resources they need.

This will not only provide the homeless population with the support they truly need, but help clean up Moses Lake and take the essential steps our community needs to make it safer and cleaner.

Below is the full proposal from the Chamber of Commerce

Dear Members of the Moses Lake City Council,

I am writing on behalf of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to express our concerns regarding the continued operation of the temporary Open Doors Sleep Center, managed by HopeSource. While we acknowledge the original intent behind establishing this facility - to provide emergency overnight shelter for our unhoused community members we believe that its current impact on our community necessitates a re-evaluation of its operations. We feel this center should be shut down at this time.

Underutilization of Resources

The Open Doors Sleep Center, since its inception in December 2020, has been a beacon of hope for many, facilitating 9,178 bed nights and assisting 342 individuals as of 2023. However, recent data indicates that the center serves an average of only 27 individuals per night, despite having the capacity to accommodate more. This underutilization suggests that the resources allocated to maintain the center might be more effectively employed elsewhere. With over 50 services provided by agencies in our region offering assistance related to housing, food, mental health, rehabilitation, and social services, we propose that a redistribution of funds and efforts towards other organizations could yield more substantial and lasting outcomes in addressing homelessness.

Attraction of Non-Local Individuals

It has come to our attention that the presence of the sleep center may be inadvertently attracting individuals from outside our community. This concern was highlighted during the February 25th council meeting, where a gentleman shared his experience, underscoring this trend. While our community is committed to assisting those in need, it is imperative that our resources primarily serve local residents and do not inadvertently encourage an influx of non-local individuals seeking services.

Impact on Local Businesses

Feedback from our members indicates that businesses in the vicinity of the sleep center and in our downtown area have experienced several challenges:

• Sanitation Issues: Business owners frequently find themselves cleaning up debris, including hazardous materials, left behind when individuals set up encampments near their establishments.

• Safety Concerns: Employees and patrons have reported feeling unsafe due to encounters with individuals exhibiting erratic behavior, often attributed to substance abuse. This atmosphere not only deters customers but also poses challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified professionals in sectors such as healthcare, education, and industry.
• Aggressive Panhandling: There has been a noticeable increase in aggressive panhandling, particularly in grocery store parking lots, causing discomfort among residents and visitors.
• Traffic Hazards: Incidents involving individuals on bicycles or on foot unpredictably entering roadways have raised significant safety concerns for drivers and pedestrians alike.

A Call for Reassessment

While the Open Doors Sleep Center was established with noble intentions, the current challenges associated with its operation suggest that it may not be the most effective solution for our community. We urge the City Council to consider the following actions:

1. Reallocate Resources: Channel funds and support towards other agencies that have a proven track record in transitioning individuals out of homelessness.
2. Enhance Support Services: Invest in programs that address the root causes of homelessness, such as mental health services, job training, and affordable housing initiatives.
3. Strengthen Community Safety Measures: Implement strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of our businesses, residents, and visitors, thereby fostering a more inviting environment for all.

We believe that by adopting a more holistic and strategic approach, we can better serve both our unhoused population and the broader Moses Lake community. Thank you for considering our perspective on this critical issue.