Editor’s Update 8:15 PM: Late this evening MyEverettNews.com received the following updated statement via email from Will Rice, the Agency Director for Catholic Community Services NW.
Leland,
Catholic Community Services takes the health and safety of our residents and staff at Clare’s Place and the greater Everett community very seriously.
We are working with the City of Everett and Snohomish County to determine alternate accommodations for the current residents of Clare’s Place while our team determines our plan to address the contamination that was detected in the building. Our staff has been engaging in conversations with our residents to determine suitable, alternate options. In addition, we secured an alternate work location for our staff to enable them to remain on site and continue providing important support to our residents.
Currently, we are in uncharted territory and are working as quickly as possible to address these issues. We are incredibly thankful for the support of the City of Everett and Snohomish County.
We’d also like to express our gratitude for the dedicated first responders. This has been a challenging time for our staff and residents, and we appreciate the Everett Fire Department and Everett Police Department for promptly responding when needed.
Thanks,
Will
MyEverettNews.com has redacted the unit numbers out of respect for the residents privacy.
A mobile office and generator have been brought in for staff.
The Everett Fire Haz-Mat rig now responds to all calls at Clare’s Place
Today the Snohomish County Health Department issued an order requiring 48 units and the reception area at Clare’s Place in Everett, Washington to undergo approved decontamination by a Washington State Department of Health authorized illegal drug manufacturing or storage site decontamination contractor.
Below is the full order with the individual unit numbers redacted by MyEverettNews.com to protect the privacy of the residents. The complex has a total of 65 units. Click the link to see the a PDF of the order.
Full Clare’s Place Order (unit #s redacted by M-E-N)
The order also contains a Health Advisory:
The Department advises the following:
• All occupants of the units listed in this Order are advised to vacate the property until the units have been decontaminated.
• The property owner is advised to secure any contaminated common areas from use and entry.
• The property owner is advised to test all common and public areas in the building for contamination if not already tested. If any common or public areas are contaminated, the property owner is advised to consult with the Health Department to determine whether it is necessary to advise all residents to vacate the building in its entirety until it is decontaminated in compliance with state standards.
MyEverettNews.com has learned the City of Everett is working on making arrangements for a safe place for people to stay. At this time both directions of Berkshire Drive are closed to through traffic in front of Clare’s Place as trucks working to construct housing for the residents come and go. The road closure is not due to the reported contamination.
We expect to get more details soon on the housing situation. Here are statements issued by various Government departments in relation to the situation as provided by City of Everett Spokesperson Simone Tarver Friday afternoon. MyEverettNews.com has still not heard back from the Department of Labor and Industries.
Here’s a statement on behalf of the City and Snohomish County.
“The health and safety of our community is our number one priority. We are supporting Clare’s Place and Catholic Community Services’ work to identify alternate accommodations for impacted residents. We strongly support Catholic Community Services’ efforts to provide Clare’s Place residents with safe options and continued access to services. This complex situation is a sign of larger challenges related to the drug epidemic and how we respond to the ongoing behavioral health, shelter and housing crises.”
Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin.
“My team and I are committed to doing everything we can to support Catholic Community Services in this unprecedented situation and help determine alternate accommodations for residents at Clare’s Place. Though the City doesn’t have the legal authority to evacuate this facility nor is this a City-led program, we are providing assistance as needed to help support these residents and prevent any impacts to our local businesses and our community.”
Everett Fire Department statement.
“The Everett Fire Department strives every day to live up to its mission: We’re here for you. Our team stands ready to respond whenever the community calls and is prepared for a variety of emergency situations that may arise. In addition, ensuring the health and safety of our first responders is a top priority. We have protocols and protective gear that allow us to respond regardless of the circumstances.”
Everett Police Department statement.
“The Everett Police Department is aware of the situation at Clare’s Place. The department has safety protocols in place and patrol officers are assigned the necessary protective gear to respond to this and other similar incidents. We take great pride in our dedication to public service and stand ready to provide the support and assistance our community relies upon.”
October 13, 2023
Everett