Burien

Major Breakthrough Burien leaders say more homeless drug addicts are getting into detox, treatment, and housing. And the results are visible on the streets. At this week’s council meeting, city leaders credited “Co-Response,” a collaboration between first responders and Human Services. But most of the praise is going to Kristine Moreland and her outreach group The More We Love. Critics questioned the city after Moreland received a contract from Burien to do outreach work. Now it’s looking like a brilliant move. Her team’s rapid response and personal touch to helping the lost are game changers. And other King County cities are noticing the results. The More We Love Councilmember Stephanie Mora made the initial pitch to contract with Moreland’s group. Read More ›

Exclusive Animal abuse, sex trafficking, and open-air drug use are overwhelming a Seattle apartment complex for the homeless. After months of mounting complaints, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority is being blamed for creating this chaotic situation. Homeless Resident Punched Dog This is the same Capitol Hill apartment complex that made news last month after a homeless resident was caught on camera punching a dog. Residents Moved from Burien Encampment Back in October, I first told you about this problematic drug encampment being moved from Burien into this Seattle apartment complex. Seattle councilmember Joy Hollingsworth says KCRHA failed to notify the community. Housing First is Failing Discovery Institute’s data shows “Housing First” is failing. But politicians deeply aligned with the Read More ›

The More We Love While King County Executive Dow Constantine continues to fail Burien, The More We Love is on the ground right now, quietly placing homeless men and women into detox and housing. “Camp Constantine” remains a cesspool of crime, drugs, and chaos. Pray for these outreach workers. The More We Love Does the Heavy Lifting What’s even more perplexing, King County hired REACH to clear out Camp Constantine. But Burien city leaders say this homeless outreach provider contacts The More We Love to do the heavy lifting, and of course Kristine Moreland obliges since her group is just trying to save lives.

Culture Change At this point, there is no doubt the vast majority of Democratic lawmakers in WA support failed “Housing First” policies instead of solutions that address the root causes of homelessness like drug addiction, mental illness, and broken relationships. That’s because they just vote along party lines or are heavily influenced by the homeless industrial complex. But courageous Democratic leaders like Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling are pushing back after realizing these very same progressive policies have destroyed his community. Schilling’s willingness to cross the aisle and find common sense solutions are some of the reasons why he is now winning. Refused to Capitulate Schilling refused to capitulate to King County and Dow. This was the turning point for Burien.

“Camp Constantine” Shutting Down More good news for Burien residents. The King County Regional Homelessness Authority says “Camp Constantine” is another step closer to shutting down. Still no exact date for an official closure but Dow said it would happen by mid-October. We shall see.

Breaking An absolutely devastating blow to King County Executive Dow Constantine and Sheriff Patti-Cole Tindall. A judge tossed their lawsuit against the city of Burien that questioned the constitutionality of the city’s public camping ordinance. Right after today’s decision, Mayor Kevin Schilling spoke to me about the implications. Burien’s Suit Against King County Remains Now that King County has been ordered to enforce the camping ban, it’s still unclear when officers will start sweeping encampments. Making matters worse for King County, Burien is still suing for breach of contract and that’s winding its way through the courts. STATEMENT FROM CITY: Legal Challenge to Ordinance 832 Dismissed – City of Burien (burienwa.gov) Constantine’s Policies Must Be Scrutinized After this massive loss, Read More ›

Look at this lost soul in Burien. She’s sitting in a pile of trash next to Camp Constantine and the King County Sheriff’s Office. I tried to connect her with homeless outreach groups like The More We Love. But she told me this is what she wanted and rejected an opportunity to get off the streets. At what point do we say enough is enough and just intervene?

The Sweep is On Accompanied by police, crews moved in Thursday morning and dismantled the drug encampment next to the Starbucks in Burien. Numerous campers rejected shelter or services. Some tried to move into “Camp Constantine” down the street, but that one is currently full. I also noticed several homeless men and women who have been on the streets since last year. Again, they are rejecting the help because they are caught up in the unending cycle of drugs and mental illness. It’s time for an intervention and accountability.

Happening Now Crews are getting ready to sweep the Starbucks drug encampment today on SW 148th St in Burien. Dozens of tents and structures are blocking a city right of way so it’s considered a fire hazard. Outreach teams have been here daily, trying to get people into treatment and shelter. This is just minutes from “Camp Constantine,” another drug and crime infested encampment being allowed to flourish under King County Executive Dow Constantine. Some of the campers being cleared out told me they are planning to make a lateral move. The game of whack a mole continues in Burien. Children Spotted in Encampment The Starbucks camp has been up for most of the summer. Aside from being a revolving Read More ›