The Ellensburg City Council meeting on July 23, 2025, focused on the establishment of a cold weather shelter at Grace Church, following a public meeting held on July 17. The meeting gathered over 30 community members, including church congregation members and past shelter volunteers, who expressed support for the initiative and raised questions about operational details.

City staff outlined plans to support the county's selection process and coordinate a sublease agreement with Grace Church. Key concerns from attendees included building access, staffing, security, trash management, food service, and outreach to potential shelter users in Upper County. The staff recommended authorizing the lease agreement for the church to serve as a cold weather shelter.

During the discussion, council members raised questions about the facility's air conditioning and the possibility of using the space during summer months for those experiencing homelessness. Staff noted that while air conditioning is available, staffing challenges would limit the shelter's operation to cold weather seasons.

Kittitas County's financial support for the shelter's operational costs was also a topic of discussion. Although the county expressed interest in continuing its partnership, specific funding commitments had not yet been finalized. Council members emphasized the importance of transparency regarding operational costs before moving forward with the lease agreement.

Public comments included suggestions for expanding services at the Fish Food Bank to provide meals during the hottest parts of the day, which could offer additional support for the homeless community.

In a motion to postpone the lease agreement, one council member highlighted the need for clarity on the county's financial commitment, emphasizing the community's previous successful fundraising efforts for the shelter. The council agreed to further discuss the operational funding before finalizing the lease with Grace Church.