Vancouver Bridge Shelter

Vancouver shelter addresses critical need for ‘bridge’ housing

The Vancouver Bridge Shelter is a critical response to addressing unsheltered homelessness in the City of Vancouver. A Bridge Shelter is just that—a crucial bridge between living outside and a path to housing and services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Scott Edwards Architecture’s inclusive design is trauma-informed, incorporating elements like indoor and outdoor space for community support, clear wayfinding, functional health and wellness adjacencies, and creating temporary shelter that is dignified and inclusive. The shelter will offer 120 beds for a diversity of people and will have wrap-around services for participants to access mental and behavioral health care, medication-assisted treatment, and employment and case management services, which are supported by non-profit partners. The design includes two buildings linked by a shared outdoor area. A commons building incorporates a full commercial kitchen, with a dining room and staff support areas. A dormitory building includes four separate sleeping areas, a gathering space, staff support areas, along with a restroom, laundry, and shower facilities. Accommodations are made in the design so that participants can bring their pets. The architectural approach prioritizes quality, maintainable and healthy materials, safety, and an environment of healing.

Location
Vancouver, WA

Size
13,685 sf

Year
Estimated August 2026