Re: “Seattle residents report encampments in record numbers,” Oct 3, Project Homeless: I’ve spent five years as a volunteer visiting RVs throughout the city in a joint program between St. Vincent de Paul and Seattle Public Utilities.
The city of Seattle did not truly address the issue of homelessness, just only one aspect of it: the appearance. When there were larger encampments, efforts could have been made with some, but not all, to create stability by meeting basic needs for hygiene, food and water along with services to deal with garbage and crime. This would have created a more stable situation where case management services could have been more effective.
More could have been accomplished with a focus on the creation of more appropriate shelter options, tiny homes and safe lots for those living in vehicles and RVs. Instead, homeless people were kept in instability by moving them and associated problems from area to area. It may have looked like something was done, but only in appearance. Definitely a new direction is needed.
Jerry Gunville, Seattle
