By Charlene Welch, Council for the Homeless

Forty-six individuals who have recently experienced homelessness in Clark County will now have a place to call home at The Elwood. Located at 6317 NE Fourth Plain Boulevard in Vancouver, these apartment homes were built using trauma-informed design concepts. Trauma-informed design considers how the built environment supports the needs of the tenants who will live there after experiencing homelessness.

Jim will have a home at The Elwood and he cannot believe his life is taking this positive turn. “Living outside is hard and makes me feel 100 years old,” he shared. “Years ago, I lost my house in a fire. It took everything and I went into a deep depression. It was downward from there. My girlfriend left and I lost my job.”

Living at The Elwood, Jim will have a private apartment, opportunities for community, and case management to help him access services and find healing and stability. “A hot shower every day in my own place is like winning the lottery.”

Take a video tour of The Elwood! Walk through the new building with the lead architect, Brendan Sanchez, and two Council for the Homeless staff, Jeannette and Scott.