Homeless

Politics

Should Seattle expand involuntary commitment for mental health and addiction?

A controversial policy known as “involuntary commitment” for people struggling with severe untreated mental health or addiction issues could be on the table next year in Seattle.

Burien group protests city’s new camping ban by sleeping outside

This weekend a group of people set up tents in downtown Burien to protest the city’s recently enacted camping ban, an ordinance that prohibits people from sleeping overnight on public property. The activists said the city should not enforce the law until it provides some sort of shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Burien church proposes hosting homeless tent encampment as city's camping ban takes effect

Oasis Home Church in Burien wants to open its parking lot as a space for people to temporarily live in their tents. Under a new city ordinance, it would be the only spot in Burien where people could do that legally. But now Burien’s city manager says the church doesn’t have the right paperwork to open the camp.

Education

Student homelessness in Seattle schools jumps by a third in 2023

The number of Seattle Public Schools students experiencing homelessness has spiked over 30% in the past year.

Crime

Homelessness remains top concern for Seattle voters, but public safety is gaining ground

Crime and public safety may soon overtake homelessness as the top concern on Seattle voters’ minds, according to research from the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

Bellevue leaders ‘not proud’ of delays to open parking lot for people living in vehicles

After months of delays, the city of Bellevue is still waiting to open its first parking lot for people living in cars and RVs. City leaders say no viable human services organization has applied to run the site.