Over the last two months the Kent Chamber of Commerce and the Kent Downtown Partnership have held countless meetings examining the issue of a potential homeless center located in downtown Kent. It was with feedback from our membership that the Kent Chamber of Commerce decided to oppose the use of the Resource Center, in downtown Kent, as a homeless shelter.
At the City Council Workshop and council meeting on April 3, the city of Kent honored our request and denied the use of the Resource Center as a homeless shelter. This does not mean the issue is over and we can disengage. Going forward, the City Council instructed that a task force be formed immediately to identify services for the homeless that we are lacking, where the greatest gaps are and how we can address those gaps in service.
Throughout our meetings with the business community, there was an overwhelming support and recognition of the problem of homelessness in Kent. We, as the business community, are committed to helping in regards to this issue. We look forward to working in collaboration with KentHope, city of Kent, businesses, residents and individuals passionate about this issue.
– Andrea Keikkala, executive director, Kent Chamber of Commerce
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