On December 1, 2016, the Human Services Department announced the siting of three new temporary sanctioned encampments for homeless people in Seattle. As a part of the Bridging the Gap plan which was announced in October, the goal is for the City to better address the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness while the City fully implements its long-term plan, Pathways Home.
Together, the following three new sanctioned encampments will serve more than 200 people starting in early 2017:
- 1000 S Myrtle Street will contain up to 50 tiny houses serving 60-70 people.
- 8620 Nesbit Ave N. will contain up to 50 tiny houses serving 60-70 people.
- 9701 Myers Way S will contain up to 50 tents serving 60-70 people.
Mayor Murray announced the Bridging the Gap plan in October to recognize that the City should not displace unauthorized encampments that do not pose an imminent health or safety risk or do not unlawfully obstruct a public use, unless the City can offer those living there a safer alternative place to live. The first of the authorized encampments is scheduled to open in early January.
Additional information about the Mayor’s actions to address homelessness can be found here.