Latest news with #MosesLakeCityCouncil
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Moses Lake launches resource info site
May 31—MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials are working on a new option for people looking for support services and help finding what they need. The "community resources page" is available on the city's web page, and city officials hope to print a brochure with the information eventually. Lizabeth Murillo Busby, the city's housing and grants manager, said the resource page is part of the response to the decision to close the Open Doors Sleep Center. The facility will close June 30, when the state grant that funded most of its operation expires. Moses Lake City Council members opted not to renew the grant. "The city, in the transition to close the sleep center, wanted to make sure we were highlighting and supporting the local agencies that are doing the work in the community. So, it's really a call to action for organizations in the community to input their information as they deem appropriate," Murillo Busby said. Murillo Busby said the resource page is designed for organizations that provide services in Moses Lake. People have access to statewide resource lists and are encouraged to use them, she said, but this is targeted specifically at the help that is available locally. "We want to make sure that we're targeting our audience in our community," she said. It includes a link and QR code to a page where organizations can enter contact information and some information about the services and resources they provide. All entries are reviewed before they are added to the list. The entries will be reviewed each March, Murillo Busby said. Because it's a work in progress, the information will change over time, and people are encouraged to check on it regularly. How best to use the information depends in part on the agency. Renew, the county's mental health agency, is listed in multiple categories, and Dayna Ruiz, Renew community relations manager, said it's best to call the listed phone number. "The first stop, really, is just calling our front desk," Ruiz said. Renew employees are trained to help people figure out who they need to talk to first. "Just call our offices and share what their need is," she said. People who are in a crisis might not even know what they need when they call, she said, but employees will help potential patients figure it out. "It shouldn't be hard," Ruiz said. "People just need help." There's also a county-based mental health crisis line, 800-852-2923, Ruiz said. It's available 24 hours per day, seven days a week. She said that number is not on the city's resource page yet, but it will be. For the Moses Lake Community Coalition, director Megan Watson said the listed email address is the best way to guide people to the right coalition services. The coalition offers information and guidance for parents, a drop-in program for young people, and bags where families can lock up medication, among other services. Coalition members are working on a website that should be ready by fall, Watson said, and when it is, the link will be added to the community resource page, if possible. Works in progress being what they are, updated information will be available over time, as well as additional information. The local Goodwill agency offers a lot of different services from its office next to the thrift store in Moses Lake. Goodwill has extensive resources, some of which people may not realize exist. Jamie McDowall, onsite manager for Goodwill in Moses Lake, said two employees are assigned to help people who are facing substance abuse and mental health challenges find housing, and two others who help qualifying clients find jobs. "We're pretty successful in helping people find housing and employment," she said. "We have a good crew here." Some of its housing and employment programs are focused on people who are dealing with chronic homelessness, which is defined as being homeless in 12 months — not 12 consecutive months, just 12 months — during the last three years, McDowall said. "We work pretty closely with people in addiction," she said. Goodwill also helps people with financial management; employees help people who qualify through its program to help pay bills and manage the money they have left once that's done. The page has a link and QR code for organizations that want to add their information to the listings. Submissions are reviewed after they're provided prior to being placed on the site.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Moses Lake approves new contract with employee union
Apr. 28—MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake municipal employees represented by the Washington State Council of City and County Employees will receive a 3% pay raise in 2025. Moses Lake City Council members approved a three-year contract April 22. The contract was approved unanimously. Shannon Springer, municipal HR director, said subsequent wage increases will depend on the rate of inflation. "The language is a minimum-maximum (increase) based on CPI," Springer said. "A minimum of two (percent), maximum of four (percent) in the outlying years." The union represents maintenance, utility, community development and non-supervisory parks maintenance employees. Mayor Dustin Swartz said city and union officials did extensive revisions in the last contract, and there weren't many changes needed. "Routine business, more or less, but that's the way we want it to be," he said. The revised contract provides a stipend for some protective clothing needed for the job; the city will provide other protective equipment. Three jobs were moved to different steps on the salary scale. The two sides agreed on clarifications to the city's defined benefit retirement system and the standby pay scale. City officials anticipated a slightly smaller pay increase for 2025; that cost, and some personnel changes, will cost the city about $39,100 in additional wages and benefits, Springer said. Swartz said the city wants to retain qualified and competent employees and has to take that into account when setting wage rates and conditions, for union and non-union employees alike. "We want to get it right, and we want to remain competitive," he said. "That's the balance we're trying to find."
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Open Doors Sleep Center's future uncertain
Mar. 11—MOSES LAKE — On Monday, city officials from Moses Lake, Soap Lake, Warden and Royal City, alongside Grant County Commissioner Rob Jones, met at the Open Doors Sleep Center for a tour of the facility and to discuss the future of the shelter. Moses Lake Housing and Grants Manager Lizabeth Murillo Busby said she has concerns about the future of the sleep center and the impact on the local community, especially regarding crime, if the shelter went away. "I think the biggest concern that the City of Moses Lake sees is just sustainability," Busby said. "There are a lot of problems that we see in our community with the unhoused population and we're looking to the future to see what is next. The City of Moses Lake has taken the full responsibility of renting the sleep center since its inception in 2021. Which has been great, but I do think that there is potential for it to be even better and for us to serve the community in better ways." Busby said the city spends around $50,000 per month renting the shower and bathroom facility and office. Of that, about $30,000 goes to the city's partner, New Hope, and other expenses to keep the doors open. "My responsibilities, mainly on behalf of the city, include taking care of the actual facilities on site. So, any maintenance and upkeep, any of that sort really falls on through the city's responsibility," Busby said. "A lot of the actual operations day-to-day falls on the responsibility of New Hope, and that is subcontracted work, and it's a really great partnership. Not to say that it's been perfect. We've had our growing pains, but we're finally there. There's been a lot of good work being done here." During the July 23, 2024, Moses Lake City Council meeting, members voted 5-2 to accept an emergency housing grant, which will provide funding for the sleep center through July 2025. Council members Dustin Swartz and Victor Lombardi voted no. The $585,000 grant is used to fund the sleep center, located at the intersection of East Broadway Avenue and State Route 17. The shelter can hold up to 40 people. The doors open at 5 p.m. for check-in. People come in, fill out forms and are then assigned to a dwelling. During a resident's stay, they have access to dinner, donated goods, an opportunity for a 15 — 20-minute shower and a roof over their heads. The shelters do not have access to electricity or heat but are insulated to protect people from the elements. Recently, the shelter upgraded several of the shelters to be ADA accessible, adding a ramp that accesses six shelters with beds with mattresses instead of cots. All of the facilities have a lock for people to secure at night. There are also receptacles with locks for people to secure their belongings in. Staff stay until around 10 p.m. and the city paid security contractor stays all night monitoring the facility. Busby said many nights, the shelter has to turn people away. "It's a complex issue," Busby said. "You run into instances from anywhere from housing issues and stability, vacancy rates and affordability to really our community is really poverty ridden. I think this community comes together here in a great way and there are a lot of services that people can access here." In order for those who use the shelter to reestablish themselves with permanent shelter, jobs and other basic needs, more resources need to be added to the facility and the region, Busby said. In the meantime though, the goal is to keep them safe. "It's really substantial to have a place where people can check-in and get a sense of safety, even if it's just for eight hours a night," she said. Busby explained the current set-up is not going to be effective in the long run, with Moses Lake taking the brunt of the responsibilities, especially because the shelter serves community members from across Grant County. She said she hopes to see other cities join in on the efforts. The shelter has an intake form for people to fill out prior to staying; although the form isn't required, it helps the shelter keep track of who is using the facility. According to numbers collected by the shelter as of Sept. 30, 2024, they have served 824 different people since opening in 2021. Many of those are repeat users of the sleep center. Moses Lake residents were served the most, with 730 people using the facility at least once. Ephrata and Soap Lake both had 10 residents use the facility. Quincy had eight residents use the sleep center. Warden had six residents use the facility. There were five residents from Adams County. Chelan County had four residents use the facility. Royal City had three residents use the sleep center. Spokane County had two residents use the facility. Spokane, Lake View, East Wenatchee, Seattle, Othello, Coulee City, Kittitas County, Okanogan County, Yakima County, Douglas County, Walla Walla County, Pacific County, Whitman County, Franklin County, King County, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Florida and Illinois all had one resident stay with the sleep shelter. Busby said these numbers are data collected based on the intake form, though 24 residents of the facility have refused to answer the residency question. "Currently, the City of Moses Lake is not interested in expanding the operations of the Open Doors Sleep Center," Busby said. "In fact, that's actually what we're trying to figure out — what's next. Busby told the officials who attended the tour of the facility that the main reason they were there was to ensure they were aware that Moses Lake sees the current situation as unsustainable in the long term, at least alone. "So, we're really looking to partner with other cities and agencies because I can guarantee you, we do serve your residents. We serve all of Grant County residents. Historically, we will serve anyone that comes in here, not just from Moses Lake," she said. Busby said she has concerns over the future of the Open Doors Sleep Center. Although the city will continue to have the grant until July of this year, she said she is concerned if action isn't taken, the city may not accept the grant again. That refusal would result in the shelter's closing. No official action has been taken on the matter; however, Busby strongly suggests citizens speak with their local city council members to either provide solutions or learn more about the problem of homelessness in the region. "I think for a lot of us, it's kind of been erased from our memories, but I remember when there were tents everywhere over our bridge," Busby said. "Although the laws have been changed and there is more in favor of enforcement, it would still be really disastrous if we saw the change of the sleep center closing because Moses Lake isn't willing to operate it anymore. On a nightly basis we are housing about 40 individuals, so just imagine 40 more individuals in the streets." The impact of that change would be significant for area residents and businesses, she said. "Crime rates would go up. A lot of the clients who stay here will tell you 'Because I was here, I stayed out of trouble last night' and that is just because they are not out on the streets," she said. City Council meetings: To learn more about how area cities are addressing the problem of homelessness, or to suggest solutions to help those who are unsheltered in your community, attend a city council meeting. Coulee City and Grand Coulee — Second and fourth Wednesday 6:30 p.m. at City Hall (306 Midway Ave.) Ephrata — First and third Wednesday 6 p.m. at City Hall (121 Alder St. Southwest) George — Third Tuesday 7 p.m. at George Community Hall (403 West Montmorency Blvd.) Mattawa — First and third Thursdays 5:30 p.m. at Mattawa City Hall (521 Government Road) Moses Lake — Second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Moses Lake Civic Center (401 South Balsam) Quincy — First and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Quincy City Hall (104 B St. Southwest) Royal City — First and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall (445 Camelia St. Northeast) Soap Lake — First and third Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Soap Lake Senior Center (121 Second Ave. Southeast) Warden — Second and fourth Monday at 7 p.m. at Council Chambers (201 South Ash)
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Open Doors Sleep Center's future uncertain
Mar. 11—MOSES LAKE — On Monday, city officials from Moses Lake, Soap Lake, Warden and Royal City, alongside Grant County Commissioner Rob Jones, met at the Open Doors Sleep Center for a tour of the facility and to discuss the future of the shelter. Moses Lake Housing and Grants Manager Lizabeth Murillo Busby said she has concerns about the future of the sleep center and the impact on the local community, especially regarding crime, if the shelter went away. "I think the biggest concern that the City of Moses Lake sees is just sustainability," Busby said. "There are a lot of problems that we see in our community with the unhoused population and we're looking to the future to see what is next. The City of Moses Lake has taken the full responsibility of renting the sleep center since its inception in 2021. Which has been great, but I do think that there is potential for it to be even better and for us to serve the community in better ways." Busby said the city spends around $50,000 per month renting the shower and bathroom facility and office. Of that, about $30,000 goes to the city's partner, New Hope, and other expenses to keep the doors open. "My responsibilities, mainly on behalf of the city, include taking care of the actual facilities on site. So, any maintenance and upkeep, any of that sort really falls on through the city's responsibility," Busby said. "A lot of the actual operations day-to-day falls on the responsibility of New Hope, and that is subcontracted work, and it's a really great partnership. Not to say that it's been perfect. We've had our growing pains, but we're finally there. There's been a lot of good work being done here." During the July 23, 2024, Moses Lake City Council meeting, members voted 5-2 to accept an emergency housing grant, which will provide funding for the sleep center through July 2025. Council members Dustin Swartz and Victor Lombardi voted no. The $585,000 grant is used to fund the sleep center, located at the intersection of East Broadway Avenue and State Route 17. The shelter can hold up to 40 people. The doors open at 5 p.m. for check-in. People come in, fill out forms and are then assigned to a dwelling. During a resident's stay, they have access to dinner, donated goods, an opportunity for a 15 — 20-minute shower and a roof over their heads. The shelters do not have access to electricity or heat but are insulated to protect people from the elements. Recently, the shelter upgraded several of the shelters to be ADA accessible, adding a ramp that accesses six shelters with beds with mattresses instead of cots. All of the facilities have a lock for people to secure at night. There are also receptacles with locks for people to secure their belongings in. Staff stay until around 10 p.m. and the city paid security contractor stays all night monitoring the facility. Busby said many nights, the shelter has to turn people away. "It's a complex issue," Busby said. "You run into instances from anywhere from housing issues and stability, vacancy rates and affordability to really our community is really poverty ridden. I think this community comes together here in a great way and there are a lot of services that people can access here." In order for those who use the shelter to reestablish themselves with permanent shelter, jobs and other basic needs, more resources need to be added to the facility and the region, Busby said. In the meantime though, the goal is to keep them safe. "It's really substantial to have a place where people can check-in and get a sense of safety, even if it's just for eight hours a night," she said. Busby explained the current set-up is not going to be effective in the long run, with Moses Lake taking the brunt of the responsibilities, especially because the shelter serves community members from across Grant County. She said she hopes to see other cities join in on the efforts. The shelter has an intake form for people to fill out prior to staying; although the form isn't required, it helps the shelter keep track of who is using the facility. According to numbers collected by the shelter as of Sept. 30, 2024, they have served 824 different people since opening in 2021. Many of those are repeat users of the sleep center. Moses Lake residents were served the most, with 730 people using the facility at least once. Ephrata and Soap Lake both had 10 residents use the facility. Quincy had eight residents use the sleep center. Warden had six residents use the facility. There were five residents from Adams County. Chelan County had four residents use the facility. Royal City had three residents use the sleep center. Spokane County had two residents use the facility. Spokane, Lake View, East Wenatchee, Seattle, Othello, Coulee City, Kittitas County, Okanogan County, Yakima County, Douglas County, Walla Walla County, Pacific County, Whitman County, Franklin County, King County, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Florida and Illinois all had one resident stay with the sleep shelter. Busby said these numbers are data collected based on the intake form, though 24 residents of the facility have refused to answer the residency question. "Currently, the City of Moses Lake is not interested in expanding the operations of the Open Doors Sleep Center," Busby said. "In fact, that's actually what we're trying to figure out — what's next. Busby told the officials who attended the tour of the facility that the main reason they were there was to ensure they were aware that Moses Lake sees the current situation as unsustainable in the long term, at least alone. "So, we're really looking to partner with other cities and agencies because I can guarantee you, we do serve your residents. We serve all of Grant County residents. Historically, we will serve anyone that comes in here, not just from Moses Lake," she said. Busby said she has concerns over the future of the Open Doors Sleep Center. Although the city will continue to have the grant until July of this year, she said she is concerned if action isn't taken, the city may not accept the grant again. That refusal would result in the shelter's closing. No official action has been taken on the matter; however, Busby strongly suggests citizens speak with their local city council members to either provide solutions or learn more about the problem of homelessness in the region. "I think for a lot of us, it's kind of been erased from our memories, but I remember when there were tents everywhere over our bridge," Busby said. "Although the laws have been changed and there is more in favor of enforcement, it would still be really disastrous if we saw the change of the sleep center closing because Moses Lake isn't willing to operate it anymore. On a nightly basis we are housing about 40 individuals, so just imagine 40 more individuals in the streets." The impact of that change would be significant for area residents and businesses, she said. "Crime rates would go up. A lot of the clients who stay here will tell you 'Because I was here, I stayed out of trouble last night' and that is just because they are not out on the streets," she said. City Council meetings: To learn more about how area cities are addressing the problem of homelessness, or to suggest solutions to help those who are unsheltered in your community, attend a city council meeting. Coulee City and Grand Coulee — Second and fourth Wednesday 6:30 p.m. at City Hall (306 Midway Ave.) Ephrata — First and third Wednesday 6 p.m. at City Hall (121 Alder St. Southwest) George — Third Tuesday 7 p.m. at George Community Hall (403 West Montmorency Blvd.) Mattawa — First and third Thursdays 5:30 p.m. at Mattawa City Hall (521 Government Road) Moses Lake — Second and fourth Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Moses Lake Civic Center (401 South Balsam) Quincy — First and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Quincy City Hall (104 B St. Southwest) Royal City — First and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall (445 Camelia St. Northeast) Soap Lake — First and third Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Soap Lake Senior Center (121 Second Ave. Southeast) Warden — Second and fourth Monday at 7 p.m. at Council Chambers (201 South Ash)
