homelessness

Where’s the Accountability? @DESCSeattle properties remain a massive drain on #Seattle especially when city is already down officers. These units house formerly homeless, but do not require treatment for drug addiction or mental illness. This is the “HOUSING FIRST” model in action. DESC Problems #Seattle‘s first homicide of year on Jan. 2 happened inside CANADAY HOUSE. @DESCSeattle properties deal with high rates of complaints and 911 calls. Units house formerly homeless, drug addicts, and people struggling with mental health issues. Complaints Stacking Up Homeowners near @DESCSeattle’s Clement Place(“HOUSING FIRST”model) documented numerous problems caused by some residents. Fights, drugs, attempted burglary. Neighbors claim DESC building managers are ignoring them. #seattleicestorm Downtown Disaster City has cleared tents off 3rd Ave and Cherry Read More ›

Happening Now N.96th St. homeless encampment in Seattle being cleared. But already many positive developments. At least 4 tiny house referrals and several motel vouchers accepted. But some campers are choosing to move to another neighborhood. On going story as clean ups continue. Immediate Action Unclear who did this, but someone already put out these concrete blocks on a spot that used to have several tents here on N.96th St., to prevent others from coming in. Here We Go Again Crews cleared multiple tents on N.96th St. this morning in Seattle. Outreach groups referred homeless into some form of shelter. But moments ago, neighbors confronted camper who returned. This can’t become the norm. Parting Words N.96th St. homeowners complained daily Read More ›

Exclusive I have obtained surveillance footage showing vicious attack on Eric Larson at Bellevue Transit Center on July 10. He passed away Tuesday. He was a wheelchair bound HOMELESS man. Prosecutors say it was “unprovoked.” GABRIEL VARGAS-GARCIA is facing murder charge. Closer Look Absolutely tragic. GABRIEL VARGAS-GARCIA remains behind bars and will be arraigned later this month. This is another reminder, the HOMELESS community is extremely vulnerable. How We Got Here Prosecutors say 2 days before rampage, VARGAS-GARCIA was released from prison after time served on a sexual assault conviction. No audio in surveillance and Larson could not speak in hospital. So we may never know if words were exchanged. Homeless Community Grieving Larson was a regular at Congregations for Read More ›

Looking at the graphic photos and aftermath of this brutal beatdown is difficult even for the most hardened law enforcement veterans.. “This kind of cruelty is absolutely unacceptable. Investigators, prosecutors, who have seen the worst of the worst in people look at this case and are heartbroken,” says Casey McNerthney, spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  These photos show 63 year old Eric Larson intubated with a fractured skull, unable to speak, and fighting for his life in the hospital.  Prosecutors say Larson is homeless and uses a wheelchair. Early Sunday morning at the Bellevue Transit Center in downtown, police say 25 year old Gabriel Vargas-Garcia  assaulted him.  “This was an unprovoked attack,” says McNerthney.  Authorities say Vargas-Garcia Read More ›