Yakima County Could Convert Jail Into Homeless Shelter
YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) – Washington state county officials have announced a proposal to turn a jail into a homeless shelter and use an additional sales tax for funding.
Yakima Herald-Republic reports that the proposal would convert the 288-bed jail on Pacific Avenue into a multi-care facility named the Yakima County Care Campus.
Yakima County commissioners say the 0.3% countywide sales tax which generates more than $3.5 million a year could fund the care facility with commissioner approval.
Officials say commissioners are expected to hold a city hall meeting Oct. 29 to decide.
Commissioners say the facility would offer mental health services, substance abuse treatment and long-term housing.
Officials say an 8,000-square-foot (743-square-meter) storage building on the jail’s property would be used as permanent shelter.
Commissioners expect to fully convert the facility by 2026.
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Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakimaherald.com