The Everett City Council approved six consent-agenda items Oct. 29, including land-use agreements allowing Volunteers of America (VOA) to operate a roughly 20-unit pallet shelter for women and children on city land at Seavers/Ducey Boulevard for an approximately two-year period.

Community Development Director Julie Willie said staff expect the site to be turned over to VOA "as soon as we get the paperwork finalized" and that "occupancy is ready for them once they get the unit set up," estimating that could occur within a month or two. Willie said the shelter's management plan prioritizes Everett residents and that referrals will come through VOA in coordination with the city's care team, regional coordinated entry and embedded social-work teams.

Mayor Cassie Franklin described the program as the city’s third pallet shelter and its second on city land. Council approved the consent agenda by roll call vote; the clerk recorded all present councilmembers voting in favor.

What happens next: VOA must complete site setup and licensing/operational steps before opening; the city indicated the crisis-response care team and coordinated entry will handle referrals and that VOA will run the resident application and placement process.

Quotes and attribution: "As soon as we get the paperwork finalized, then we will be able to give that site control over to VOA, and the occupancy is ready for them once they get the unit set up," Community Development Director Julie Willie said.