Hidden Seattle
A few days ago, outreach group We Heart Seattle (@weheartseattle) found a stolen United Rentals (@UnitedRentals) forklift abandoned in a #Seattle homeless encampment along the East Duwamish Greenbelt. But there was much more. Walking further into the heavily wooded area, we discovered a constellation of tents and structures, even some set up under I-5 which is Washington State Department of Transportation (@WSDOT) property.
We spoke to several people who say they are intentionally trying to live off the grid. This is a choice. Once again, this is not a housing issue. “Housing first” is not working. Yet this entire region is doubling down on this failed policy. There are people who do not want to pay rent, bills, and are taking advantage of the free services here in #KingCounty. FACTS. The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (@KingCoRHA) needs to accept this reality. So does the entire state of Washington. Don’t just talk to the academics. Talk to the people actually living out here. More and more homeless say they will be moving out into the woods and just want to be left alone.
Encampment Find
The stolen forklift is worth $150K! Still unclear how it ended up in a homeless encampment along the East Duwamish Greenbelt. #Seattle @SeattlePD