Elk Island Trading Company Wins $1.2M Contract
It all begins with an idea.
Grants Pass, Oregon – November 2025
Elk Island Trading Company has been awarded a $1.2 million city grant to build and operate a new low-barrier homeless shelter at 210 Redwood Highway. The 160-bed facility (two beds per room, elevated units) will be open 24/7 with on-site staffing and security. Construction is targeted for completion by summer 2026.
Plan Map
The funding was originally awarded to another nonprofit but was redirected after delays in securing property. City Council voted to shift the grant to Elk Island, the runner-up bidder, to speed up progress.
This move comes after the 2024 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which allows cities to enforce anti-camping laws even without enough shelter beds. Rather than rely solely on fines and clearances, Grants Pass is now investing heavily in shelter capacity.
In a separate August 2025 settlement, the city also agreed to provide at least 150 ADA-compliant designated camping spaces with water, shade, and services while the new shelter is built.
With the Elk Island project now moving forward at 210 Redwood Highway, Grants Pass aims to add significant shelter beds and reduce street homelessness—balancing enforcement power from the Supreme Court win with real housing solutions.