Everett Gospel Mission plans $30 million expansion to double shelter beds in Snohomish County

The Everett Gospel Mission, a nonprofit shelter in Snohomish County, is preparing to launch a $30 million expansion project aimed at addressing the growing homelessness crisis. The organization currently operates at full capacity, with more than 100 beds typically occupied each night. Staff often turn away individuals seeking shelter, highlighting the urgent need for increased capacity.

The expansion project, which is in the permitting phase, involves connecting two recently acquired warehouses to the existing facility on Smith Avenue. This will create a larger, contiguous building designed to offer expanded shelter, health, and recovery services. The initiative reflects a long-term effort by the Mission to meet the rising demand for support services in the community.

Chivo Hawkins, the Mission’s director of advancement, emphasized the importance of the expansion in providing safety and stability for those experiencing homelessness. “If everything goes to plan, at the very least we’ll be able to welcome in more folks off the street,” he said. The first phase of construction will focus on increasing bed capacity, a critical step as housing costs rise and federal support programs face potential reductions.

The expansion is particularly timely as the region prepares for winter, when the demand for emergency shelter services typically increases. Hawkins noted that the current facility is already struggling to accommodate the needs of individuals during colder months. “When the emergency cold weather is enacted, we’re going to have to expand even more,” he said. “Now once this comes online, we’ll have space to accommodate that.”

For over a decade, the Everett Gospel Mission has sought ways to expand its services. The acquisition of two neighboring warehouse properties marks a significant step in this effort. The plan involves connecting these properties to the existing shelter through newly constructed sections, creating a more comprehensive and scalable facility.

The expansion underscores the growing challenges faced by communities in addressing homelessness. As housing insecurity continues to rise, the need for increased shelter capacity and support services becomes more pressing. The Everett Gospel Mission’s project reflects a commitment to meeting these challenges with practical, community-focused solutions.

The initiative aligns with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which urges believers to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. By expanding its services, the Mission seeks to provide a tangible response to the needs of its neighbors, embodying the principles of mercy and compassion.

Source: Read the original report