Issue: There is not enough permanent housing for people who are homeless. On any given night, more than 2,000 people try to survive outside in parks, doorways, and greenbelts throughout King County. Living outside is hard enough. People who are homeless fear for their lives and spend each day and night trying to stay dry and warm. They should not have to worry that City of Seattle personnel will seize and then throw away all of their belongings — including blankets, sleeping bags, and tents.
Currently, several Seattle departments are sweeping areas where homeless people camp. Campers receive little or no notice and many come back to their places of refuge to find that their personal belongings have disappeared or that their shelters have been destroyed.
Background: The city needs a clear protocol for outreach and notification prior to areas being cleared of people and camps. This protocol must include:
• A clear, consistent process of notifying people who are homeless that an area is going to be cleared of debris and encampments. This notice should be given in person and in writing.
• Outreach teams dispatched to an area well before the proposed clearing. Experienced staff should evaluate people’s needs and engage them in services, so that they can develop real alternatives before the scheduled sweep.
• Human service workers should have an opportunity to give input into the protocol.
The city should also address the reason why people are forced to live in greenbelts: it’s an indication that human and social services are lacking. Many people who are trying to survive outside are apprehensive about accessing shelters or services or do not meet the entry requirements of those shelters. All of Seattle would benefit if additional resources were invested towards outreach and housing for people without shelter. Human services advocates are asking the City to invest $975,000 of the $70 million budget surplus in shelter, day services, hygiene services and outreach to people on the streets.
Action: The City of Seattle is currently crafting the 2008 budget. Contact your City Councilmembers TODAY to tell them to fund outreach to people who are homeless, and to stop throwing away blankets!
Seattle City Councilmember Email Addresses:
Nick Licata: [email protected]
Sally Clark: [email protected]
Peter Steinbrueck: [email protected]
Richard Conlin: [email protected]
David Della: [email protected]
Jan Drago: [email protected]
Jean Godden: [email protected]
Richard McIver: [email protected]
Tom Rasmussen: [email protected]
Sample message:
“Seattle is working to develop enough permanent housing and services for people who are homeless. But right now there are thousands of people trying to survive outside. We can do more to help people who are on the streets. Please invest $975,000 in outreach, shelter and hygiene services for people who are outside tonight.”