homelessness

Seattle Street Newspaper Real Change Raises Price

Sara Lerner — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:52:59 +0000

The weekly newspaper Real Change provides an outlet for hundreds of people who are low-income and homeless to make money and hold a steady job. On Wednesday, the paper doubled its price from $1 to $2.

The Public Property Security Problem In Nickelsville

The Conversation With Ross Reynolds — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:36:55 +0000

For almost 2 years the homeless camp known as Nickelsville has been located in West Seattle. Mayor Mike McGinn has not approved the camp but has said that he has no plan to evict the camp either. Well, the unsanctioned camp that is normally relatively quiet is causing a bit of a stir this last week.

Proposed Hygiene Facility For Homeless In Ballard Raises Concerns

Meghan Walker — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:27:34 +0000

A local organization is trying to address the growing need for homeless facilities in Ballard. The Low-Income Housing Institute (LIHI) wants to build a hygiene facility, known as an Urban Rest Stop, on the ground floor of a senior housing facility that’s being built. The development is in the middle of a residential neighborhood next to the Ballard Library and this has some residents concerned.

Annual Homeless Count Focuses Beyond The Numbers

Liz Jones — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:25:47 +0000

In the pre-dawn hours this Friday, hundreds of volunteers will fan out across King County to look for people sleeping in alleys, parks, shopping centers and city busses. The effort is part of the county’s annual One Night Count, which aims to get an annual head-count of people who are homeless.

More Seattle Churches To Offer “Safe Parking” For Homeless

Liz Jones — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 01:23:24 +0000

On Sunday nights, you can find Graham Pruss under the Ballard Bridge, serving up a hot meal. A recent menu included ham and potato soup, locally baked bread and apple cobbler. He calls this weekly dinner a bridge to connect with people who live in their cars. They’re often referred to as car campers or mobile homeless, but Pruss prefers the term, vehicle residents.

Pruss is one of many homeless advocates who’s pushed Seattle to provide more services to this group of people. In response, last year the city launched the “safe parking” program, which opens up church lots where people can park and connect to housing services. The pilot program is modestly increasing this year, in a step toward what advocates hope will be a citywide expansion.

Giving To Panhandlers

Ross Reynolds — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 19:56:08 +0000

To give or not to give? That's the question many of us face when encountering panhandlers on Seattle's sidewalks. Some people make up their minds about how to act and don't deviate from the script. For others, the ethical questions resurface with every encounter.

Now, it seems we're at a crossroads. Many people are still out of work. Yet social services will probably be cut even further next year. Will that change how you give?

Compass Post Office Provides Mailing Address For 3,500 Homeless In Seattle

Amy Radil — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 16:59:33 +0000

The holidays often bring extra presents and messages from loved ones. But to receive those messages, you have to have an address.

Anyone who needs a mailing address can have the mail sent to 77 South Washington St. in Seattle's Pioneer Square. That’s the post office run by the Compass Housing Alliance. Most of the 3,500 people in Seattle who use that address are homeless or in temporary housing.

Teen Kicked Out Of His House At Age Seventeen

Keilon Anderson and RadioActive Youth Media — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 20:15:27 +0000

It started with an argument.

Marcus McGuire, 17, asked his mom if his girlfriend could come over to the house. His mom said no and Marcus remembers his mom referring to his girlfriend as a "broad."

Marcus says he snapped.

He started yelling and before long it was World War III. Marcus's mom eventually kicked him out of the house.

Homeless And Under Age 25

Ross Reynolds — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:50:35 +0000

It’s estimated that in King County, around 700 people under the age of 25 don’t have permanent housing. Among adolescents in general, LGBTQ youths are more vulnerable to health and psychological problems than heterosexual youths. Many are victims of parental physical abuse, turn to substance abuse, and have both mental and general physical health problems.

Ross Reynolds sits down with three people currently living without permanent housing to talk about what issues they have had to deal with as homeless youth.

Homeless Mom: It Costs $700 A Month To Live In A Van

RadioActive Youth Media and Sarah Rosenthal — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 23:40:33 +0000

When Elizabeth Jay tallies up her living expenses each month, they come to about $700. That doesn't include rent, because Jay is homeless: she lives in her van.