MARYSVILLE – The city got housing for the homeless started, but now the churches are taking over.

Dan Hazen of Allen Creek Community Church and John Hall of the Everett Gospel Mission talked about the first year of the city program called MESH, for Micro Emergency Shelter Housing.

The city allowed three houses to be used for housing. Marysville United Methodist Church added a fourth house Jan. 1, containing three units for homeless. Four more churches are discussing joining in. “We are a leader in the biggest regional issue,” Hazen said.

He told three success stories.

Dennis had a low-wage job in south Everett, but he lost it, “which is a common marker for homeless who are on that edge,” Hazen said. But Dennis was able to find another manufacturing job within walking distance of the house. After working there a short time, Hazen was asked, “Do you have anymore MESH people?”

Pat is a veteran with a job injury. He has surgery and volunteers took care of him in the MESH house. It’s his goal to get off L&I and back to work.

Steve burned bridges with many people and was living in the Everett shelter. But since he is trying, his dad allowed him back in the family home.

Hall said 13 people have been served in Marysville, with one relapse. Their goal is to take them from poverty to self-sufficiency and reestablish dignity.

Mayor Jon Nehring applauded the pair for their work, and also the many businesses and city workers who have helped. “We’re putting a dent in this,” he said.

On another topic, during the public comment period there was a complaint about addicts doing drugs in the middle of streets and in grocery store bathrooms.

Nehring said the city is very aggressive in pushing the law to the limit to try to get those folks out of town. He said, “People have got to call 9-1-1,” but it can be frustrating because the “legal system is very forgiving.”

Frustrated City Councilman Stephen Muller said he wishes Marysville could make it so this is a place they don’t want to be.

“I’m tired of seeing them,” at all the grocery stores, he said.

In other council news:

•A Transportation Benefit District report shows projects will be done all over the city next year at: Sunnyside Boulevard, Smokey Point Boulevard, 84th Street, 52nd Street and Grove.

•Cedarcrest Golf Course will get a new irrigation system at a cost of almost $96,600.