Our History

In 1988, a group of seven dedicated members came together to establish Community House on Broadway with the initial goal of creating a homeless shelter. Originally intending to convert the old 1923 Broadway Hotel into a Christian college, they shifted gears when that plan didn't materialize, choosing instead to transform the building into a safe haven for those in need of shelter. Through extensive fundraising efforts and community involvement in Cowlitz County, the property underwent renovations to become the first local shelter for homeless families and individuals. To ensure sustainability, the committee pioneered the Adopt-a-Room initiative, encouraging various groups and individuals to contribute funds, volunteer for room renovations, and donate essential supplies like food, clothing, and furniture. Key figures like Kay Kilbourn, Peggy Johnson, Pat Martin, Steve Harvey, Pastor Ron Kemp, and Hal Mahnke played vital roles as advisory board members, while Rich Kirk and Frank Morrison served as pivotal executive directors, shaping CHOB into a beacon of hope and a model for shelters nationwide.

CHOB has steadfastly maintained its mission of offering assistance that empowers rather than simply gives. With the invaluable backing of the community, all 60 rooms were embraced, and the shelter promptly saw an uptick in occupancy. Since its establishment in 1988, Community House has been a refuge for around 35 individuals nightly; in present times, the numbers have risen to 115 residents, with 40-50 of them being children, making CHOB a vital sanctuary on any given night.

One fundamental aspect that has remained constant over time is the unwavering dedication of Community House to maintaining a clean and sober environment for all the families and individuals under its care.