Controversial Low Barrier Housing Given Green Light in Kirkland

Breaking

Controversial homeless housing provider Plymouth Housing will now be running operations at the former Kirkland La Quinta Inn on 10530 Northup Way. Despite major opposition, the city council voted unanimously to allow it into the community.

Concerns About Low Barrier Model

Under King County’s “Health Through Housing,” neighbors expressed concerns about hardcore drug use and other problems spilling into the community. That’s because Plymouth subscribes to the low barrier “housing first” model where addicts are not required to get treatment.

Councilmember Applauds Low Barrier Housing

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci is applauding this move in her district. Today’s press release did not indicate when the Kirkland location would open.

Low Barrier Housing Doesn’t Work

I spent a year investigating “low barrier” homeless housing and uncovered a nightmare of drugs, crime, chaos, and death. But local lawmakers are doubling down, committing millions to failed “housing first” policies that only compound the problems.

Deplorable Conditions at Plymouth’s Seattle Location

Mike Matzick was one of our courageous whistleblowers who helped expose the deplorable conditions inside Plymouth’s problematic housing project back in February. It’s led to more scrutiny and calls for immediate change.

Plymouth Housing Gives No Comment

I’ve reached out to Plymouth Housing staff for the number of residents who have died of drug overdoses this year in their facilities. So far, no response. Since our devastating story aired, CEO Karen Lee has been on a crisis management tour.

Another Plymouth Location in Redmond?

The city of Redmond is now entertaining the possibility of allowing Plymouth Housing to set up a low barrier complex in the downtown core. Neighbors want housing for the homeless but are against projects with a free-for-all open-air drug culture.

Kenmore Rejects Plymouth Project

The City of Kenmore dodged a major bullet earlier this year when it rejected a similar Plymouth project. Neighbors were not opposed to housing homeless veterans and seniors. But Plymouth did a bait and switch and tried to sell their low barrier model.

Governor Inslee Undermines City Leaders

Instead of respecting Kenmore’s autonomy and decision-making process, Governor Inslee even chimed in and dissed city leaders in front of reporters.

You Get What You Vote For

Remember, the homeless industrial complex continues to flourish in this state because of bad policy making in Olympia. Eastsiders living in their bubbles better wake up before it’s too late. You get what you vote for.