The three City of Seattle-authorized homeless encampments, that were established as a result of the City’s March ordinance that permitted three encampments on City or private land, have successfully moved 57 encampment residents into transitional and permanent housing and assisted 40 residents in obtaining jobs.
Nonprofit organization Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) operates the encampments, including the encampment 2826 NW Market St, in partnership with Nickelsville and SHARE.
LIHI employs two case managers, funded through the Seattle Human Services Department, to help families and individuals living in tiny houses and tents to access housing and an array of services and employment.
“We have good news to report: in the month of June our case managers helped 13 people move into housing, seven into shelters and nine people got jobs. This frees up space for 20 other homeless people living in dangerous conditions on the street. The three city-supported encampments enable people to live in a safe place linked with services,” says Sharon Lee, LIHI Executive Director. No alcohol, drugs or weapons are allowed at the encampments.
The three encampments feature a mix of tiny houses (8’ x 12’) and tents on platforms. Many of the tiny houses have been built by volunteer labor, many through vocational training programs. According to LIHI, each tiny house costs about $2,200 for wood, insulation and building materials.
LIHI has reported the following statistics for the three encampments combined from the period of October 1, 2015, through June 28 this year:
- 57 encampment residents moved to permanent or transitional housing (majority into LIHI housing)
- 30 encampment residents moved into other shelter
- 40 encampment residents found employment
- 3 encampment residents were reunited with relatives (LIHI provided transportation)
Currently the Nickelsville Ballard Encampment has a population of 21 residents.
The SHARE Interbay Encampment (3234 17th Avenue W) has 63 residents and the Nickelsville Othello Village (7544 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S) has 47 residents.
