Chehalis United Methodist Church, one of five churches participating in Hope Housing Collaborative of Lewis County’s safe parking program, will host a neighborhood informational meeting in its fellowship hall at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22.
The church, located at 16 S. Market Blvd. in Chehalis, sent a letter to neighbors explaining its involvement in the pilot program. St. Timothy Episcopal Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Centralia, Grace Foursquare Church in Centralia and Harrison Square Presbyterian Church in Centralia are also participating in the program, which will allow unhoused women and families enrolled in the local school districts to safely park in the church parking lots starting in July.
To learn more about the parking program and its details, visit previous Chronicle reporting at https://tinyurl.com/28v6phk3.
“We are excited to take this small step in helping with this community need. We do not anticipate this will cause any issues in our neighborhood but wish to make you aware of our outreach,” the letter, signed by Rev. Zachary Taylor, stated.
The safe parking program has been largely met with criticism by neighbors, particularly those residing near St. Timothy Episcopal Church as it hosted a similar meeting on May 7. Many community members, including the Chehalis City Council, commended the churches for their altruistic efforts but opposed the location to execute the program.
