human stories

Surrounded 3rd Ave. near #Seattle City Hall getting face lift w/boards on Lyon Building today. But will it keep campers away? Tents popping up near Columbia St. Many people out here are not homeless but stay in nearby @DESCSeattle buildings. Come here to chill. Couple Weeks Ago @MayorofSeattle w/probably dozen sweeps this year on 3rd Ave near City Hall. Many of these are “trap tents.” Just set up to chill and do drugs. Worst kept secret. Thanksgiving Day Outreach Multiple faith based groups like Union Gospel Mission and Reach Ministry have been working this Pioneer Sq/downtown #Seattle corridor. So the lack of services and shelter options being offered are not the issue.

Year-Round Calling Many Americans enjoyed Thanksgiving with friends and family. But on Thursday, I followed multiple FAITH based groups and volunteers for one of their busiest days of the year in #Seattle, trying to help homeless by offering more than a meal. All In a Day Yes, I shot in less than two hours on Thanksgiving day. These encampments are nearby in SODO and Pioneer Sq, including problematic spot near #Seattle City Hall. @MayorofSeattle has done at least 10 sweeps here this year. Many are “trap tents” used for drugs. Happening Now Monday morning “blues” in downtown #Seattle as people smoke fentanyl. @MayorofSeattle w/probably dozen sweeps this year on 3rd Ave near City Hall. Many here say they are not Read More ›

Here’s one good criticism of a book about poverty-fighting programs I wrote 23 years ago, Compassionate Conservatism: “Olasky tells about the people who have established these programs. We do not hear the stories of people who have been helped by them.” Last month I wrote about two long-term homeless people, Barry Meyer and Stephanie Creighton. Both have found help in changing their lives. Meyer has just made a down payment on a home of his own: He wrote me (and sent a photo) on October 30: “Tonight is my last night in a shelter. I’m buying this and move in tomorrow.” Here’s a story about another formerly homeless man, Jeremiah Pruitt, 38, who vividly recalls the fire that changed his Read More ›

Chatter in Spokane @SheriffOzzie wants to move ahead sometime in November and clear out “Camp Hope.” But there is intel indicating FAR LEFT activists/ANTIFA could DISRUPT sweep. What a mess. Meanwhile Sheriff says he’s working back channels, hoping for orderly transition. Ozzie Unfiltered At today’s presser in #Spokane, @SheriffOzzie went off on local MEDIA and blamed “bureaucrats” for “Camp Hope.” A coalition of biz owners and neighbors want massive encampment removed before THANKSGIVING. Everyone Getting Put on Blast @SheriffOzzie clarified and said when he referenced “bureaucrats,” he was talking about @WSDOT_East and @WAStateCommerce. He also says Olympia cannot solve #Spokane‘s problems. Basically, just get out of the way and let us do our jobs. Business and Neighbor Coalition They are 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

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 ›

It’s tee time at Jackson Park golf course, part of Seattle’s vast network of public spaces. But go beyond the greens and onto nearby trails leading into the deep woods. It looks far worse than any bad shot into the rough.  “I had a friend show me up here,” says Champ, who’s homeless.   Surrounded by the cover of lush trees and an abundance space, Champ says he’s lived alone in peace at this encampment for almost three years. However, he says that’s now changing.  “Usually when somebody gets kicked out they go somewhere else — where they’re going they’re going to raise hell in that area cause they’re pissed,” says Champ.  He believes the city and state’s recent crackdown on Read More ›