Hidden Encampment Network in Seattle’s Forests

Sounding the Alarm

This week I took a deep dive into the vast network of encampments scattered throughout heavily wooded areas in Seattle public parks (@SeattleParks.) Many are built on steep hills and embankments, making them extremely vulnerable to mudslides and other risk factors. While most remain abandoned, some are still occupied by people. For months now, Andrea Suarez (@weheartfounder) and We Heart Seattle (@weheartseattle) volunteers have been identifying the most at risk camps, including ones in Queen Anne’s Kinnear Park. Suarez says she’s asked Councilmember Andrew Lewis (@CMAndrewJLewis) and Seattle Parks Superintendent AP Diaz (@SeattleShines) to remove these structures immediately. But she says city officials are ignoring this potential liability. That’s why Suarez is racing to get these men and women out of here. WATCH!

Hidden Seattle

Back in June, I followed We Heart Seattle (@weheartseattle) through parts of the East Duwamish Greenbelt. Even more encampments in the deep woods. Who’s tracking all of this? #Seattle

Lurking in the Woods

In May, Tim Emerson with We Heart Seattle was scouting an area along the East Duwamish Greenbelt near the border of SODO and Georgetown. He found a stolen forklift worth $150K!