Vancouver Community Court Offers Alternative to Homeless

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The consequences of homelessness can be severe, both for those living on the streets and for the communities where they settle. Crimes like trespassing, illegal camping and public storage of property can leave an obvious mark.

In the typical court system, most people charged with these minor offenses end up with a day of community service – and, more importantly, a conviction on their record. Add an arrest warrant and jail time if a defendant fails to show up for a court date to resolve their legal issues.

What’s happening at Recovery Café on East Fourth Plain Boulevard in Vancouver is different. Over the past year, the city of Vancouver has been uniquely confronted with petty crimes committed most often by homeless people. Its community court, along with many partners including Clark County District Court, provide more assistance than punishment in an effort to break the cycle of homelessness.

Community court takes place every Monday afternoon in a cramped conference room at the nonprofit Recovery Café, which serves as the host venue. A judicial commissioner is in charge and many people are there to help him.

Kevin McClure is Vancouver’s city attorney. He’s been working there for a long time.

“I’ve been prosecuting crimes for 30 years and this is one of the most innovative programs I’ve ever been involved with. So, I’m really excited about the field. In a matter of two months, you can see some people’s lives really change,” McClure said.

This is because this court offers more opportunities than punishment.

“It’s rewarding, and like I said, it’s like the first time in my career where we’re taking real action to actually help people,” said criminal defense attorney Christie Emrich.

Emrich owns Vancouver Defenders, a state-owned defense company. She spent a lot of time in all kinds of courts.

“I think this one meets people where they are. The criminal justice system is not designed to help people,” Emrich said.

And that, Emrich said, is why it’s so refreshing and so powerful.

The difference in tone is immediately apparent when these cases are discussed, as evidenced by an exchange witnessed by KGW between a woman on the program and a member of the tribunal; Sheila Andrews, Encampment Response Coordinator for the City of Vancouver.

“Sounds like you had a rough weekend,” Andrews said. “Mother’s Day is a bittersweet day for many women.”

“Yesterday was a really tough day,” the participant admitted.

“I am proud of your presence.”

“Thank you,” the woman replied. She was clearly struggling, but she showed up.

“Are you ready for something different?” Andrews asked him.

The participant nodded in the affirmative, but said, “And the other part of me is standing on the ledge and I’m behind me and ready to push myself off the ledge. »

“OK, as long as you get close,” Andrews said. “It’s not easy and it’s scary, and there’s a lot going on, but it’s worth it.”

As long as the participant is progressing, support is available for her – with mental health, substance abuse issues and housing. This includes even the little things, like obtaining a valid driver’s license.

Not all problems can be solved here. But many of them can.

Representatives from various agencies were seated at the community court table, as well as in the main area of ​​the Recovery Café. And the cafe serves lunch. Instead of avoiding court, many participants are impatient.

Each participant is required to perform community service, usually cleaning up homeless camps, sometimes taking care of the mess they have caused. Those who obtain their diploma have their application rejected.

“And I have to admit, at first, I really didn’t think it was going to work, but it did. I’m here,” said Butch Wood, who graduated a few months ago.

Today, he returns to support others, grateful for the opportunity he was given.

“Here, they treat you like an individual,” Wood said. “In court you are not treated as an individual, you are treated as a statistic.”

Community court should expand from half day to full day in order to serve more defendants. The prosecutor and the defense lawyer are on board.

“It’s a weird little field we have, so for the first time I think we’re more in line than opposite,” Emrich said.

“I think as long as someone is legitimately trying, we’re willing to give them as many chances as it takes,” McClure said.

So far, 86 participants have opted for community court, and nearly half of them have graduated. Some are still in the process, while others have withdrawn or failed to complete the program. At last check, around 50% of graduates were able to access some type of accommodation.

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