Jonathan Choe

Finally Happening Massive homeless encampment along #Seattle’s Interurban Trail is finally being cleared. It’s going to be a 2 day affair. I’ve been tracking explosive growth here for months. Many people have come here from recent sweeps: Capitol Hill, N.96th St, Woodland Park. Who’s Responsible? I’ve been talking to Seattle city officials since last month about jurisdictional responsibility. Neighbors say they were getting the run around. But with the impending sweep, looks like everyone is now in agreement that it’s time to clear the area. Exclusive Here’s a recent Seattle Police 9-11 dispatch call about Interurban Trail regarding 2 incidents. Even dispatcher WARNS officer about possible dangers at encampment. *I edited for time. Some parts inaudible. Neighbors and HOMELESS at Read More ›

Problem Spot Tents pop up almost daily on 3rd Ave. between Cherry St. and Columbia St. near #Seattle City Hall. Turning into a game of “whack a mole” for @MayorofSeattle. Remaining biz’s in area say they’re getting crushed by this cycle. Drugs Drugs Drugs So many addicts are using these doorways in downtown Seattle to block the wind as they light up to smoke crack/meth/”blues.” Then they pass out right on the spot. On Going I have PERSONALLY witnessed at least 5 sweeps here on 3rd Ave. and Cherry St just in the past few months. I check back several times. @MayorofSeattle staying on this one in downtown core before it gets out of control. But tents keep coming back!

Community Solutions Last month I BROKE story about homeless encampment on N.96th St spiraling out of control in Licton Springs/Greenwood neighborhood in #Seattle. Instead of “eco-blocks” look at community garden NOW WORKING as deterrent against tents! Purely Driven By Neighbors They are now raising money to sustain this project! Many are immigrants from Asia and Africa, sacrificing so much to buy homes in Seattle. They say they are now on THEIR OWN, and will have fight to protect their community. https://www.gofundme.com/f/t9xm26-n96th-street-community-garden-lights-the-way?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer Planting Seeds Neighbors say they will need to raise closer to $5k to sustain this project and will be turning to Deputy Mayor Tiffany Washington to help with this community project. This could turn into a viable solution vs. Read More ›

They Need Help Thursday evening, I encountered a 2-month old baby with parents living in Seattle’s Fremont Canal Park encampment. I know there are multiple sides to story. PLEASE send outreach workers. Guidance From King County Regional Homeless Authority “Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women with children. One thing she could do right now is call the King County Emergency Family Shelter intake line: 206-245-1026, which would connect her with shelter and services.” Seattle Councilmember Trying to Help So far @CMSaraNelson only elected official to respond: “I reached out to Deputy Mayor Washington and others to get the woman in your video and her son some help.” -Sara Nelson, Position 9/Citywide

Happening Now Capitol Hill sweep wrapping up on Belmont Ave E. Neighbors complained about EXPLOSIVE growth of this homeless encampment in past few months. Many campers settled here from other recent removals. Where are they headed? Working on that story right now.

Seattle RV Shuffle Continues I first told you about Ballard’s “Double Decker” RV last year+how neighbors complained about loud noise/music coming from this vehicle. After @SeattleDot enforcement, owner moved on…but just around the corner. City of Blocks Even after @SeattleDot does RV encampment removal, I personally witnessed dozens of RV owners simply move down street. So is this the strategy? Tire everyone out w/sweeps, hoping they don’t return? Until that gets figured out, eco block biz is THRIVING. Business is Booming Concrete “eco-blocks” cost $20-$30 bucks a piece. It’s cheap cause these are considered “scrap.” But here’s the catch, you have to transport these things yourself. Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel ain’t the only game in town. But being in Read More ›

Scorching Hot Week Incredible effort RIGHT NOW by Seattle’s homeless outreach community. Especially @SeattlesUGM. This faith based group is mobilizing volunteers and hitting the streets, passing out water and supplies. They’ve got some PRO TIPS if you want to help. Pro Tips If you run into a homeless person on the street during HEAT WAVE, @SeattlesUGM says be ready with following: 1) Bottles of water 2) Gift card to an air-conditioned restaurant Contact UGM if you think someone is ready to get off streets. https://www.ugm.org/contact/ Cooling Centers @KC_RHA also has a solid list of places to refer homeless folks. Working on Story Also dropping next week, RARE look into extremely vital work @SeattlesUGM is doing on Seattle’s streets. They call Read More ›