Bremerton Emergency Shelter Project

READ FULL UPDATE HERE

Over the past few years, there has been a noted rise in homelessness, both in our city and across the nation. This issue has tested the limits of the City’s resources and our commitment to ensuring that every member of our community has access to safe, dignified, and stable housing. In coordination with the newly adopted unauthorized camping ordinance, the City is establishing an emergency shelter, with the goal to address the immediate needs of the homeless while ensuring our Parks, neighborhoods, and other public spaces are protected from unregulated camping. 

City has contracted with RPM, a firm with expertise in rapidly responding to homelessness issues by creating plans and designing various shelter models for communities across the western United States.  For Bremerton, RPM has reviewed local area needs to help understand which type of shelter can best address the impacts of homelessness on the local community. RPM has evaluated three shelter options: a sanctioned tent encampment, a tiny home village, and a Sprung Structure.

RPM presented their findings and the recommendation for a Sprung style congregate navigation center at the City Council study session meeting on 12/13/2023. The Sprung option provides 24/7 shelter for clients along with an opportunity for full wrap around supportive services within one indoor facility.

The City owned property directly north of the Public Works and Utilities Facility at 100 Oyster Bay Avenue North has been identified for development for a shelter. (image below)

Shelter development site