Giving back to the community

Recently employees from Columbia/Okura LLC and Columbia Machine Inc. organized a 50/50 raffle to raise funds for the Vancouver Navigation Center.  This center is a new low-barrier, service-enriched shelter targeting high-needs homeless adults living in encampments. Onsite services include hygiene facilities, 24/7 staffing, and intensive case management. The program offers highly marginalized people the opportunity to regain safety and engage in supportive helping relationships that allow them to move forward with rebuilding their lives, as well as develop pathways to permanent housing, income, healthcare, and stability.

People are welcomed as singles, pairs, or groups; with pets; and with access to secure storage for their belongings. The dormitory-style facility has no curfew and provides shower, bathroom, and laundry facilities, as well as comprehensive case management, behavioral health services, meal services through a partnership with OSL, and connections to benefit programs and housing.  The Navigation Center can accommodate up to 85 guests at a time.

The goal of this fundraiser was to raise funds to provide care packages for at least 100 individuals.  Working with local businesses such as Homewood Suites, Designs of All Kinds and Rafia Dental who donated daily essentials like shampoo, conditioner, soap, socks and tooth brushes.  With the money raised through the raffle, Columbia/Okura was able to purchase water, chips, granola bars, flashlights, feminine products and laundry soap.  The goal is to distribute over 100 care packages on the 8th of March @ 9:00am at the Navigation Center located at 2018 Grand Blvd., Vancouver, WA  98661.

“I feel like this is the least we can do as this amazing organization (Share House) is doing its best to help solve the growing homeless crisis in Clark County” said Natalie Parsons, Marketing Manager of Columbia/Okura.

With the very cold temperatures continuing, and the number of people who live outside remain high, according to a count of homelessness in Clark County.   Columbia/Okura’s goal is to help warm the hearts of individuals as they distribute the care packages.  “We are so grateful for our community and are so gracious that we can help give back to our community” stated Noelle Davidson, Director of Homewood Suites Vancouver.