Seattle considering legalizing homeless camps
Photos by Steve Shay
by LINDA BRILL / KING 5 News
Posted on June 28, 2013 at 5:41 PM
Updated Friday, Jun 28 at 6:29 PM
Where should Seattle’s homeless go? It’s a question that is coming to a head now that the illegal tent city called Nickelsville is being forced to close.
Some want to legalize up to three homeless encampments on public and private land. The camps would have about 100 people each and be strictly regulated.
But, what neighborhoods? It will be a tough sell.
Seattle City Council Member Nick Licata sponsored the ordinance.
“As long as it’s not permanent, well managed, and doesn’t decrease public safety,” he said.
Tent cities are allowed at religious sites, like church parking lots. In the past decade, some 30 churches have hosted the homeless.
“The religious community will continue to do its part, but, we need other parts of the community to step up as well,” said Michael Ramos with the Greater Seattle Church Council.
In Highland Park, next to Nickelsville, for some, it’s been an uneasy relationship with their homeless neighbors. But several residents say living next to the camp has been fine.
Although Nickelsville has had some problems in the past, so what? So do we all and honestly we need to start working together,” said resident Joelle Craft.
