Port Angeles Council Considers $260,000 “Dignity Bus” Homeless Shelter Proposal

Port Angeles city officials are considering a new approach to address housing insecurity by exploring the purchase of a converted motor coach, dubbed the “Dignity Bus,” to serve as an overnight shelter for homeless residents. The proposal, presented by Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP), outlines a plan to acquire a bus equipped with 20 individual sleeping spaces. This initiative aims to provide a safe place for individuals who cannot access existing shelter facilities.

The Dignity Bus would offer overnight accommodations for those in need, along with access to case management and other supportive services. OlyCAP’s Viola Ware emphasized that the bus is not a long-term solution to homelessness but a necessary alternative for those without shelter options. “While housing remains a priority and the long-term solution to addressing homelessness, communities like ours need alternatives and a safe place to sleep,” Ware explained. She noted that in Clallam County, when the Serenity House shelter is unavailable, many individuals are left without options, resorting to the streets.

The proposed bus would cost approximately $260,000 and could be delivered within ten weeks of placing an order. OlyCAP is currently in discussions with St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church regarding a potential parking location for the bus. This collaboration highlights the community’s effort to find practical solutions for vulnerable neighbors.

Despite the proposal’s potential, funding remains a critical challenge. City officials are still determining whether existing housing funds can legally be used for overnight shelter purposes. Councilmembers have directed staff to explore funding options, including possible financial assistance from Clallam County and other regional partners.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for immediate, compassionate responses to housing insecurity. As communities seek to balance policy considerations with the urgent needs of the homeless population, the Dignity Bus proposal underscores the importance of providing safe, dignified accommodations. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and this effort aligns with that call to action.

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