Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s initiative to expand homeless shelter space has gained initial backing from the City Council, which advanced her proposal for $5 million to fund the construction of 500 new tiny homes by June. The city’s Finance, Indian Communities, and Tribal Government Committee supported the measure, though some council members, like Dan Strauss, voiced concerns over increasing encampments, particularly in Ballard. Strauss noted a visible surge of encampments since the pandemic, pointing out issues with encampments obstructing public spaces.
Currently, there are over 600 tiny houses in about 20 villages in Seattle. Wilson’s team has identified $17.5 million to support this tiny home expansion, with an average annual cost of $35,000 for each unit, covering staffing and support services. While tiny houses are promoted as a rapid solution for homelessness and encampment elimination, some neighbors express frustration over unmet city promises regarding local encampments. Peter Easty, a business owner near a homeless camp, criticized the city’s lack of accountability and follow-through on earlier commitments to address encampments, emphasizing the need for action and consequences.
Mayor Wilson plans to hold a community session on the shelter expansion at Seattle City Hall this Wednesday at 6 p.m.
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