36th District Dems Weigh In On Sweeps

This resolution from the 36th District Democrats (North Ballard, Ballard, Magnolia, Queen Anne, Belltown, Fremont, Phinney Ridge and Greenlake) opposing the Nickels administration homeless encampment sweeps policy is more evidence that the tide has turned on this issue and that opposition is growing. The resolution passed by voice vote at their June 12 meeting with few nays. The Progressive Party of Washington State has also voted to support this resolution. We hope to see other citizens organizations follow suit.

RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO THE CITY OF SEATTLE'S DEMOLITION OF HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS (JUNE 12, 2008)

WHEREAS homelessness is a national problem that will likely get worse in a declining economy, and

WHEREAS the 2008 One Night Count found more than 2,600 persons surviving outside in greater Seattle on a winter night when emergency shelters were full, and;

WHEREAS it is inhumane and immoral to punish people for living outside when there is not enough shelter or affordable housing to meet the need, and;

WHEREAS the Mayor's Office pursues a policy of demolishing homeless people's encampments and throwing away their property without providing any alternative shelter, and;

WHEREAS homeless advocates have broadly condemned this policy for failing to address the chronic and severe shortage of emergency shelters and services;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the 36th District Democrats call for Mayor Nickels to stop all non-emergency homeless camps demolitions immediately and to expand homeless housing and services, and;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 36th District Democrats urge the city to work with homeless advocacy groups to find more humane ways to address the problem of homelessness.