Homeless encampments continue to stay in the news for a variety of reasons. Violence is the current news as the Seattle Police Department (SPD) said one victim was shot in the ankle and has non-life-threatening injuries. The police is investigating the shooting that happened at an encampment under I-5 near Dearborn Street, which borders the Chinatown-International District.
Seattle looks at homelessness as a serious issue. It has dedicated over $29 million dollars in this year’s budget towards resolving encampments. The city also helped with cleaning and hygiene, and $15.6 million for housing and shelter. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) officials say the area where the shooting happened is scheduled for emergency cleanup later this week, and outreach workers are connecting with those living there.
This are has a history. Multiple encampments in that same area were removed last year in August. In addition, fences were put up to keep people from camping on WSDOT property. At the time, officials said the majority of the 60-70 people living in that area accepted services or help into transitional housing.
It has been reported that there are 22 tents remaining in the Chinatown-International District and neighboring Pioneer Square.
According to city data, so far this year, there have been 13 shots fired calls or shootings related to encampments in the city.
Businesses and those who work nearby said they’ve dealt with multiple break-ins and fires threatening their property, and while the removals have helped clean up the area, they would like to see more long-term solutions from the city to tackle this issue and help local businesses thrive.
