New information about the RV “safe lot” that the city is setting up at West Marginal Way SW and Highland Park Way, on a paved lot adjacent to the former longterm unauthorized-encampment site (our photo above is from Tuesday morning – part of the canvas-covered chain-link fence at the site has fallen down). As reported here Monday night, the lot could open as soon as February 19th; this afternoon it’s part of the discussion at the City Council’s Human Services and Public Health Committee meeting (2 pm at City Hall).
Documents prepared for the meeting include updates on various city initiatives responding to the homelessness emergency; “targeted vehicle response” is the one that includes the “RV safe lots” about to go into operation in Highland Park and in Ballard. That particular update answers some questions that have been asked, including answers we had been pursuing from the city and its designated operator. From the document:
Each safe lot is located in a zoned industrial area and together, are expected to accommodate 32 RVs in Ballard and 12 in (Highland Park). Each lot will also have sanitation and garbage service and meet several other criteria identified by the City Council in Resolution 31649. All residents must abide by a code of conduct policy that will prohibit drugs and violence and require residents to be good neighbors. The two safe lots are expected to be operational some time in February 2016.
R2H staff will conduct needs assessments and program intakes, distribute rapid re-housing, diversion and flex funds, provide housing navigation services, and connect clients to other resources as appropriate. The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) will manage site operations, including round-the-clock security.
The update goes on to mention the three interim lots the city has set up, none of which is in West Seattle, then continues:
In addition, (the city Human Services Department) is:
1. Working with Mary’s Place to identify 10 additional safe parking spaces for homeless families living in vehicles. These parking spaces will likely be located at a congregation in North Seattle.
2. Working with King County to identify up to 25 parking spaces outside of Seattle. King County and the City will jointly fund an additional case management position to serve this population.
3. Partnering with Seattle University, who will build relationships with, and provide technical assistance to, faith-based partners interested in providing additional safe parking spaces.
Budget
The funding for these various programs is approximately $740,000 and includes the following expenditures:
• $312,000 in on-going City general fund support for the revamped R2H program.
• $284,000 in SOE funds for LIHI to operate the two newly sited safe lots (includes rent, dumpsters, staffing, and site preparation).
• $144,000 to provide trash removal and toilets at the interim parking zones.
…
Data and reporting
HSD will collect data on the following:
− # additional parking spots created
− # households living in cars contacted through outreach
− # screenings/assessments conducted
− # households who are provided direct assistance to overcome a barrier (ID, car repairs, employment, etc.)
− # households moved into stable housing
In an introductory section, it’s noted that the recent One Night Count found “approximately 1/3 of the unsheltered population (living) in vehicles” – more than 900 people on that particular night. Today’s committee meeting, meantime, is at 2 pm and will have a public-comment period; if you can’t be at City Hall, you can watch live via Seattle Channel (online or cable 21). We’ll update with any other new information revealed during the meeting.
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