WA homeless services hub faces eviction over downtown zoning ordinance
EVERETT, Wash. - A zoning battle in Everett is forcing a local center for those experiencing homelessness to face the threat of closure. City officials say the Hope 'N Wellness Center is violating a 2018 ordinance aimed at revitalizing downtown Everett, leaving the center with just weeks before it could be forced to shut its doors.
The controversy centers on a provision in Everett’s "Downtown Plan," which prohibits social services on ground floors within the downtown metro area. The plan, designed to encourage a lively and visually appealing downtown core, has left the center, located off Rucker and Wall streets, in violation of zoning rules.
Nestled near the courthouse, library, and bus stops, Hope 'N Wellness has been a sanctuary for Everett’s unhoused population. Opened five years ago by Jasmine Donahue, a formerly unhoused individual herself, the center provides meals, hygiene services, and a sense of community.
"It’s a good place," said Eric, a regular at the center. "People come and get warm, hang out, and drink coffee."
Donahue says the center operates on the simple principle of caring for individuals, one person at a time. Initially open three days a week, the center has reduced its operations to Wednesdays due to the growing uncertainty of its future.
Hope 'N Wellness began in the very space of a coffee shop that had closed down, thanks to the vision of its owner, who didn’t want the space to sit empty. Donahue saw it as a chance to turn the vacant space into something meaningful—a place that offered basic needs, emotional support, and care.
"I was thinking, if I was here and this space was available, why not just a little community checking in with people? How are you doing?" Donahue said.
Hope 'N Wellness is a "zero-barrier" space, meaning that it is open to anyone, no matter their circumstances. Whether someone has recently found housing or is still living unsheltered, they can come in for hygiene products, food, warmth, or simply a place to sit. The space also serves as a community center, offering volunteer opportunities and recovery meetings.
"The idea is to care for one individual at a time, one situation at a time, to just connect and care and see where somebody’s at," Donahue said. "There’s always an open door for anyone who needs it."
Zoning Conflict:
The city updated its downtown revitalization plan in 2018 to restrict social services in certain areas, a move aimed at fostering business clusters and enhancing the area’s appeal. Mayor Cassie Franklin emphasized the intent wasn’t to remove services but to enforce zoning laws.
"This is meant to create lively clusters of businesses that will positively activate our downtown core," Franklin said.
Still, the center’s location—just inside the downtown metro boundary—has become a flashpoint. Donahue says if the boundary were moved just one block, the center would comply with zoning laws.
The issue has sparked debate in city council meetings. While some residents have raised nuisance complaints, police data shows minimal incidents linked to the center. Everett police reported no violent or crime-related calls from Hope 'N Wellness in 2024, with only three 911 calls total, none resulting in arrests.
"The timing is really difficult," Donahue said, reflecting on the struggle. "The worst part is that we’re taking away a space where people can get warm when it gets cold, get food, and feel cared for. That’s heartbreaking."
City council members are divided, with one expressing concern about losing a vital community resource.
"If we’re going to have a place that offers these services, we shouldn’t be so proactive about getting rid of them," Councilmember Mary Fosse told Mayor Franklin during the December 18, council meeting.
If the center was just one block over, this wouldn’t be an issue, as the center is teetering on the edge of the downtown metro line.
"Move the line over just a little bit and let us keep doing the work we're doing," Donahue asked city leaders.
Hope 'N Wellness, which has never cost taxpayers a dime, may be forced to close its doors permanently by February 28.
With the looming closure date of February 28, Donahue is working to find ways to continue the mission of Hope 'N Wellness, even if the physical space must close. She is open to alternative methods of providing services remotely or relocating to a new site
"I’m trying to figure out how we can continue to support the community, even if it’s not from this building. I want to keep the hope alive," Donahue said.
A Fight to Stay Open:
Donahue has until February 28 to relocate or close the center. She says she’s willing to pay potential fines to keep the center operating in the meantime.
"I’m still here, and I will stick it out until the very end," Donahue said.
The city council is set to discuss the issue during Wednesday's meeting starting at 6:30 p.m.
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