After months of volunteer work, Seattle’s first sanctioned homeless camp dedicated to women is now open, and residents are moving in today.
Managed by the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), the Whittier Heights Tiny House Village — located at 8030 15th Ave. NW — features 15 tiny homes. The City Light building on site has been refurbished as a community area with restrooms, showers and laundry. Most of the houses were built by all-women teams of volunteers and carpenters, led by Women4Women.
LIHI says staff will be on the property around the clock to enforce a code of conduct and ensure a safe, clean environment. A case manager will assist residents to find long-term housing, employment and healthcare.
Some neighbors have expressed concerns about the new village — especially those located directly across the alley to the east. That side of the village is fenced off from the alley, and the sole entrance is located on 15th Ave. NW. The site is bordered by Homestreet Bank to the north and Duo apartments to the south.
The village was the site of Mayor Durkan’s announcement in May to ramp up short-term efforts to get homeless people off the streets. After Nickelsville moved out of Ballard in March, the village is the only sanctioned camp in the neighborhood.