Emergency shelter program continues

Wahkiakum County commissioners on Tuesday approved continued participation in a grant program to provide emergency housing and shelter in the county.

The county will receive $16,918 for the program year.

This will be the eighth year the county has participated, coordinator Mary Vik said.

The funds provide three housing units, and all are full, she said. The county covers rent and utilities and has funds for other essential services the clients might need.

"We've housed around 200 people since 1999," she said. "There have been only one or two repeats.

"For a lot of them, it's been the boost they've needed. They've been able to come in, get their feet under them and become self supporting."