The City Council voted this afternoon to continue an effective and
compassionate approach to homelessness that focuses on funding permanent housing
and other essential services rather than allowing additional tent encampments throughout
our city.
When prevention efforts are not sufficient, the best strategy for dealing with homelessness—proven in many cities across the country—is to help people into permanent housing quickly. This is exactly what the Council directed in June when we authorized an additional $500,000 to help those living at the Nickelsville encampment in West Seattle find a place to live. The City now provides more than $30 million each year to provide homes and hope to the homeless.
As of last Friday, July 26th, 87 individuals at Nickelsville have completed a case management assessment, 18 have been placed in housing and are receiving services and 13 have declined services. This hard work and progress will continue.
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