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1. How is this pilot funded?

The Pallet Shelter Pilot is funded for one year through a grant from the Washington State Commerce office and a 1/10 of 1% sales tax allocation. It is funded by WA Dept. of Commerce grant funds and Snohomish County Human Services for upfront site development, purchase of 21 Pallet Shelters and operating cost for one year.

$ 985,149 from Washington State Dept. of Commerce grant + $55,000 from 1/10 of 1% Sales Tax Allocation- MAC = $1,040,149

2. Will the City conduct outreach to all property and business owners along Smith Ave about the project, not just those within 500 feet of the site as the project moves forward?

We will be doing outreach virtually and will invite the greater Smith Avenue area, as well as the Everett community at large.  In addition, the land use application process will require reaching out specifically to those businesses within 500ft, however that will be done by the Everett Gospel Mission, as they will be in control of that process.

3. What are the requirements for someone to live in the shelters? How will they be chosen?

Pallet residents must agree to site rules and behavior expectations, including guest policies and limiting accumulation of property.  In addition the individual must agree to enroll in the County’s Coordinated Entry. 

Individuals will be referred from Community Outreach and Enforcement Team for entry to the Pallet community.

4. What is the managing agency’s role? What is the City’s role in the Pallet Shelter Pilot?

The managing agency will be responsible for the Pallet Shelter Pilot site and program management. This will include staffing, security, sanitation (hygiene services/ restrooms), waste management, site conduct, and bridging residents to current social services.  

The City’s role is to ensure we meet the contractual agreements that exist between Washington State Department of Commerce, Snohomish County Human Services, the City of Everett, and the managing agency. This includes ensuring the management plan agreement is adhered to and to reimburse the managing agency for the expenses they incur to manage the site.  

5. How long do people typically live in these shelters before they transition to permanent housing?

As this is a new program we do not have statistics on how long Pallet residents will live in these shelters, however we do know some will move on to other shelter or housing options. One of requirements to live in these shelters is to enroll in the Snohomish County Coordinated Entry System. Coordinated Entry is a process for people to access the prevention, housing and/or other services that they need. Coordinated entry incorporates uniform screening and assessment, prioritization and program matching, and connections to mainstream services to help those seeking housing and services access appropriate programs more efficiently. 

6. What kinds of services will Pallet residents receive?

Pallet residents will not be required to receive services. The managing agency will ensure the residents know where they can obtain any services they may need. In close proximity is the Everett Gospel Mission which serves daily meals, can provide access to shower and laundry facilities, and can refer to other services as needed.

7. How many people will this project shelter?

There will be 20 Pallets, and we intend to shelter 30 individuals.  

8. Who is enforcing the rules and what happens if residents break the rules?

The management agency will enforce the rules and established consequences if they are broken.

9. How is this any different than the tent cities we see in other communities?

This is an organized and funded pilot project using Pallet units not tents to shelter individuals. Also, the city is requiring a management agency to oversee the shelter community and to ensure safety, security and sanitation on the site.

10. Will the pallet project continue beyond the one year of current funding?

The Pallet Shelter project is a one year pilot with funding from the Department of Commerce and Snohomish County. At this time, we don’t know if this program will continue. We will be evaluating program success and challenges throughout the year.

11. If successful, will additional locations be set up?

If we find Pallets prove to be a viable and successful way to shelter and create stability for our homeless residents, the City would be open to expanding this location or working to develop a site in a different location.  In addition, the City would like to explore if Pallet Shelters could support students and families who are homeless.