How should pallet shelter sites be determined?

Pallet, the Everett based company that manufactures the pallet homes recommends that the proximity to essential services be taken into consideration when choosing a site location. This includes:

• Grocery stores

• Employment opportunity

• Social services

• Public transportation

• Hospitals and primary care

North Snohomish County Outreach states in their FAQ that the Generations Community Church was chosen as the site for this pallet shelter because, "Generations Community Church has a heart to serve the vulnerable and the availability of space on their large property." Guess what? That's not enough. Having a good heart and extra space doesn't make a site appropriate for a homeless shelter.

Want an example of how it's done right? Friendship House in Skagit County has opened a Pallet Shelter on Pease Rd. They started accepting residents on Monday. They are within walking distance from food, retail, jobs, medical services - located where their residents can actually access them. It's a 2 minute walk to the nearest restaurant and the mall - which means JOBS - and 8 minutes from the Housing Authority of Skagit County.

I'd love to hear about how residents in the proposed pallet shelter at Generations Community Church will access these same services. The only thing within walking distance is WalMart (10 minute walk). It's a 30 minute walk to Bartell's and 50 minutes to the nearest restaurant. The nearest emergency room is 2 hours away by foot.

Want to know how you can help?

1. Email Pastor Craig Laughlin and the Generations Community Church at office@generationscommunity.org and let him know how this Pallet Shelter will impact you.

2. Register to attend and give public comment at the Marysville City Council meeting here: https://www.marysvillewa.gov/.../City-Council-Meeting...

3. Sign our change.org petition here: http://chng.it/m8Ns8bwVhn

4. Participate in our letter writing campaign. Need help writing your letter? Check out our template here: https://docs.google.com/.../2PACX-1vSbz6bss9d11Tv.../pub...

5. Register to attend the NSCO Pallet Shelter Presentation here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZMkduCoqj0pH9yQkiGOM1Iy6AWns...