encampments

(The Center Square) – The 2023 point-in-time count numbers show a significant increase for individuals and families without a permanent abode in Spokane, though a large encampment had been drawing down at the time. According to the 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress released earlier this year, “homelessness in Washington state increased 10% overall from 2020 to 2022,” and the Spokane Regional numbers over that same time period are a significant increase on that percentage. The 2023 data, presented during Thursday’s Spokane City Council Study Session, shows 2,390 people from 2,136 households were counted as homeless this year. This is a significant increase compared to the 2022 numbers showing 1,757 people from 1,513 households, a rise of 36% and 41% for Read More ›

(The Center Square) – The One Seattle Homelessness Action Plan’s first count of 2023 reveals the verified homeless tent count is down 42% from the end of last year. The latest count conducted in March by the city found 414 tents within the city limits. That is down from 712 counted in December 2022. The SODO District had the most tents and RVs counted with 158 combined. The city attributes the drop in tent numbers to its recently-launched Unified Care Team, alongside its partnership with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. According to the city, its Unified Care Team facilitated 1,831 referrals to shelters and tiny house villages last year, with the help of the authority and 30 outreach providers.  The city Read More ›

It Keeps Expanding Four new tents popped up near the skate bowl over the weekend at Hubbard Homestead Park (@SeattleParks, @SeattleShines) bringing the grand total to 19. This homeless encampment is on the city’s radar, but there is no timeline yet on when it will be removed. Neighbors and local biz owners say it’s become a blight on the Northgate community. Along with the overwhelming use of fentanyl, some of the campers are also being blamed for thefts in the area. Someone went on the Nextdoor app and claimed a tent was being used to run a meth lab. Of course I had to check it out. Otherwise, everyone living here was super accommodating and wanted me to tell their Read More ›

It Was Inevitable First tent just showed up to the Leary Triangle in Ballard. City removed the fencing and concrete blocks around this parcel last week, hoping to turn this into a dog park. Meanwhile, the tent encampments in the area continue to expand. The 72 hour parking rule is being enforced, but the RV’s keep coming back. Councilmember Dan Strauss (@CMDanStrauss) has his hands full. Marc Dones and the @KingCoRHA needs to do more outreach here. I counted at least 30 tents and RV’s in this area alone. No end in sight for this part of #Seattle. @GovInslee @kcexec @MayorofSeattle @seattlecouncil @KCCouncil @SeattleParks @seattledot Block Party’s Over…Sort of Earlier this month, SDOT removed the blocks around Leary Triangle. But Read More ›

Here We Go Again Ari Hoffman (@thehoffather) first to report on a NEW RV encampment expanding on the former Burger King, 7-11, and Baskin Robbins parking lot off S. Rainier Ave. So sad that south #Seattle is losing vital businesses in this already underserved neighborhood. Numerous shops like Grease Monkey (@GreaseMonkeyInt) already left because of crime, shootings, and homeless related issues. Squatters have caused fires and continue to take over these abandoned properties in the city. They know city has limited power to remove them. It’s on the owner of this lot to properly fence it off. At the very least, city should be enforcing this requirement already on the books. Where is Councilmember Tammy Morales (@CMTammyMorales?) She was supposed Read More ›

Block Party’s Over…Sort of On Tuesday, the Seattle Department of Transportation (@seattledot) removed some of the “eco-blocks” near the Leary Triangle and Fremont Brewery in Ballard. But the agency says only a few were taken out because it’s time to re-open this piece of land that’s expected to be turned into a dog park. Otherwise, no sign of any other slabs of concrete being removed by the city even though it’s technically a violation. These were quickly put up all over Ballard to prevent tents and RV’s from moving in. But as you can tell, this part of #Seattle is still dealing with the homeless crisis. How soon until tents start moving back in? It really is turning into whack Read More ›

Search for Solutions #Burien council meeting is expected to be packed again Monday evening. Neighbors and biz owners are demanding an immediate solution to address the homeless encampment expanding in the main business corridor. Several new tents popped up over Easter weekend. Drug use is rampant. One camper got arrested. Volunteers at Hope Community Christian Church are trying to help, even offering to convert part of their building into a detox center. But they’re running into red tape and bureaucratic obstacles at City Hall. Meanwhile, @burien city leaders are calling on King County officials to step in and give them more resources. Is anyone working together? @KCCouncil @kcexec @KC_RHA @GovInslee @JoeMcDermottWA @DiscoveryCWP Finding More Foil and Needles New location, same Read More ›

Final Look I was there on Wednesday when King County crews started clearing out this SODO encampment, a shell of it’s former self. Hard to imagine at one point there were at least 40 people living here. This location has seen fires, fights, drug overdose deaths, and been a source of crime in the neighborhood. It was also going to be one of the parcel’s used for Dow Constantine’s (@kcexec) failed HOMELESS MEGAPLEX before #Chinatown-ID residents fought back. No sign of Councilmember Tammy Morales (@CMTammyMorales) as encampment sweeps continue in #Seattle. @MayorofSeattle @GovInslee @seattlecouncil @KCCouncil @CMSaraNelson @CMTMosqueda @D5Juarez @KC_RHA

Homeless Arson Suspect in Court Thursday morning Arthur Arakelov faced a judge for the first time. He’s accused of torching dozens of boats in Lake Union last month and causing millions of dollars in damage. He pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, #Seattle‘s homeless community remains in shock over these allegations and supporters say this was likely an accident. He’s being held on $100K bail and is due in court again later this month. @mayorofseattle @D5Juarez @kcexec @seattlecouncil @KCCouncil @GovInslee @CMSaraNelson @CMTMosqueda @seattlePD @SeattleFire More from SPD Body Cam It appears Arakelov was cooperative and wanted to get out of the cold. He was treated on site and taken to the hospital. #Seattle Surveillance Video Look at the orange glow. Authorities say Read More ›