I traveled to Washington last week to assist in my aunt’s post-surgery recovery. The night after her surgery the T.V. was on in her room showing “BREAKING NEWS: Two Dead in Shooting at Seattle Homeless Encampment”. I listened closely as the investigators were looking into the meaning behind the shooting. Amongst the broadcasters, another conversation emerged. They provided statistics that homelessness has become more of a problem in the City of Seattle in recent years. In response to the shooting, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, presented some solutions to the problem.
In a local NPR segment, the reporter highlights this information about homeless cleanups, “Last year, Seattle performed more than 500 of these cleanups, up from 350 the year before. It’s all adding to the sense of the crisis around homelessness and one reason Seattle’s mayor declared a state of emergency.” Ed Murray has “allocated an additional $5 million for shelters, and he’s about to announce a one-stop walk-in center where homeless people can find services.”
Similar to other efforts around the country to find solutions to homelessness, Seattle was on track to have a plan to end homelessness by this time. Statistics show that homelessness has increased by 19% over a year ago in Seattle.
I find it interesting that legislative action is being taken only after the problem is revealed through breaking news. I would be interested to see the trend in aid to the homeless in Seattle and if the heat around the topic will continue to inspire action. What do you think about Ed Murray’s response to the shooting?
Check out the NPR conversation here: