WEST SEATTLE ENCAMPMENTS: Puget Ridge, Fauntleroy Park

| Fauntleroy | Puget Ridge | Safety | West Seattle news

Information from readers led us to inquire with the city’s Unified Care Team about two West Seattle encampments:

PUGET RIDGE: The reader photo above shows 21st SW just north of SW Myrtle [map], along the west side of the Sanislo Elementary campus (not in view because of a tangle of overgrowth). The reader who sent it expressed concern that the encampment is “growing” and seemingly unaddressed though school starts in less than two weeks. We asked UCT spokesperson Kate Jacobs if the site is on the city’s radar. Her reply: “Parking enforcement officers have visited the site and are scheduled to return this week to take appropriate next steps. Specific actions will depend on circumstances at that time. While parking ordinances apply equally to all vehicles, state and federal laws provide additional protection for people living in them.” We just went by the site before publishing this story, and two Parking Enforcement vehicles are in fact there now.

FAUNTLEROY PARK: Fires in the park have been among longrunning issues of concern to neighboring residents (from the park’s south/Arbor Heights side), who told us that notices were up for city action this past Monday. We asked Jacobs about that too, and she said, “The Unified Care Team completed a resolution at Fauntleroy Park on August 18. Outreach workers are connecting the two individuals who were residing at the site with case managers to support their transition to permanent housing.”

Erik August 21, 2025 (12:25 pm)

“state and federal laws provide additional protection for people living in them”. Has the WSB ever reported what these laws are and how they work? Do you have links to them? I feel like we hear this quote a lot but I have never read an explanation of them.

WS98 August 21, 2025 (1:01 pm)

Super easy to find this info, this document sums it up nicely:https://www.sequimwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19704/RV-Fact-Sheet?bidId=

anonyme August 21, 2025 (12:56 pm)

Such laws, if they actually exist, need to be abolished and the 72-hour parking rule enforced without exception. It is appalling that this is allowed on the border of an elementary school. It looks like the RV’s that had an open-air drug operation on Barton Pl. east of WV (and very near several schools) is reforming as well. This has to stop.

Fred Flintstone August 22, 2025 (7:08 pm)

What you propose is tyranny…how about putting in a rv park where poor folks can live out their misery in peace. People like you are why this is an issue.
- anonyme August 25, 2025 (6:22 am)
  
  If a 72-hour parking law is tyranny in your book, then you really do belong in a cave, Fred. BTW, I do support an RV park where laws are enforced – which is exactly why many RV dwellers would not take part. If “people like me” are the reason this is an “issue”, then people like you are the reason the problem exists. That knife cuts both ways, Mr. Flintstone.

TammyG August 21, 2025 (1:06 pm)

They will just come back, We watched this in Roxhill park yesterday, UTC team came and gone. Campers right back to it. Ever lasting Cycle that the city enables.

Nat August 21, 2025 (2:18 pm)

Yeah, it’s almost like just making people leave when they have nowhere to go is a really bad, ineffective idea!
- Carson August 21, 2025 (3:21 pm)
  
  Actually every single one of them has been offered housing multiple times and it’s been refused multiple times. Housing comes with stipulations like you can’t use drugs and alcohol and some don’t allow people convicted of certain crimes. It’s not a housing problem.
  - Derek August 21, 2025 (7:30 pm)
    
    No, that is absolutely not true, not every single person living in an RV is offered any permanent housing. Just temporary and that’s provided shelter space is there.
  - J MacDonald August 22, 2025 (1:55 am)
    
    Just what the world needs, another “actually” man.,..Ever been homeless? Ever been close? Your expertise is probably fashionable boat shoes or the current inventory at Crate and barrel…..
  - Alyssa August 22, 2025 (7:21 am)
    
    What housing facility offered them housing? It’s not just about not being able to drink or do drugs. It’s the fact that these organizations will say that but then offer no support to do so. Have you ever watched someone detox? They can’t do that without medical care safely or some program in place. And often times families are separated, or they can’t bring their pets. There is so much more to that then just offering them a bed somewhere. It is still a housing problem!
- curtis August 21, 2025 (4:40 pm)
  
  Actually it is called consequences and it absolutely works.
  - Derek August 21, 2025 (7:29 pm)
    
    Zero proof of it working Curtis, but sure!
  - Tony August 22, 2025 (9:30 am)
    
    If “consequences” magically result in me earning enough money to have a stable housing situation please let me know where I can find some!
  - Marslaura August 22, 2025 (10:37 am)
    
    I couldn’t agree more. When we as a society decided to have bleeding hearts and became the problem by ENABLING this behavior this is what we get! Quit making excuses for others and start holding them to account for their actions and live by the laws that govern society.
    - Fred Flintstone August 22, 2025 (7:16 pm)
      
      Yes, with the same heavy hand stop zoning areas to prevent low income living. By removing the low income spots you force many into the streets, where ultimately a calamity sends people to use, or sell themselves, or not afford care they need. Stop invading their lives, rich people get more hand outs than these people yet we don’t drug test them and survey whom they can have over. Yet the rich get more of a tax break than any of us poors on the streets ever collect .
    - Jason cuvreau August 23, 2025 (8:37 am)
      
      Thank you Fred! The truth speak volumes!!
Anónimo August 21, 2025 (5:51 pm)

Well said!!

anonyme August 21, 2025 (2:24 pm)

The Homestead Law is obsolete and should be abolished. And it only protects the RV from being sold; it does not protect it from being towed after 72 hours, or impounded. Furthermore, as the majority of these RV’s appear to be used for dealing drugs, they should be subject to the forfeiture laws of WA state. There are ways to address this problem, but no one with the balls to actually do it. Instead, local politicians enable this behavior while spending a whole lot of taxpayer money pretending that they’re going to take action. Someday. Next election. Maybe. If you give them a lot more money.

Anne August 21, 2025 (2:36 pm)

UCT Kate Jacob’s-“ blah, blah,blah,blah,blah” rinse/repeat.

OneTimeCharley August 21, 2025 (3:57 pm)

Haul the junk away! I have noticed a lot more theft and public nuisance going on suddenly in the neighborhood. Coorelation? You’ betcha!

Jake August 21, 2025 (3:15 pm)

Cannot wait for Katie Wilson. Harrell’s sweeps are inhumane and worthless. They do nothing to solve homelessness. Just a shuffle.

Roddy3 August 21, 2025 (10:08 pm)

What’s Katie gonna do different? Please explain.

Lauren August 21, 2025 (3:25 pm)

Imagining losing your residence. Imagine moving everything you own and hold dear—clothing, photos, family mementos—into an RV, where you now live. Imagine having that RV impounded and not being able to pay the fee to get it back, losing your home AND all your belongings. Now, you’re even more homeless than you were to begin with. That’s what these laws are meant to prevent.

Jeff August 21, 2025 (4:22 pm)

Imagine that you used to live in a nice place, but now there is a shantytown full of thieves next door. It’s illegal, but nobody cares and they call you a bad person for not liking it. You know, since we’re imagining things.
- Lights, Cameras, and a Lawyer August 21, 2025 (4:44 pm)
  
  I agree with you, Jeff. We live next to a nuisance property, had our house set on fire with Molotov cocktails but didn’t get it on camera so SPD did nothing, and were told by a community officer that dealing with these situations is a game of chess. The people who defend these situations need to invite these people to come live with them.
Hopeful August 21, 2025 (4:33 pm)

Lauren, as much as I agree with your empathy and consideration, there is a difference between folks living on the streets because of bad circumstances (like a previous poster said, there are services for people–they are rarely ever utilized but those who need them take action) vs. enabling addicts. I’m a therapist, specialized in addiction, and the humanity we seek requires consequences and rehab so these folks can get back on their feet with a clear mind/body. These people are suffering but enabling never works. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/the-new-report-on-homelessness-shows-a-catastrophe-for-wa/
- B August 22, 2025 (1:44 am)
  
  Well said
- PeerSupport August 22, 2025 (7:36 am)
  
  As someone who works in social services and directly with multiple people who have the ability to refer people to CEA, these services are used consistently and there is not enough housing. There are thousands of people recommended for 2 or 3 spots at almost every nomination. If you have not been unhoused for years you will not get permanent supportive housing. If this is your experience in addiction counseling I’m imagining you work with very privileged clients and not with the unhoused. We need a better solution and Lihi is leading the way with its Tiny Home communities, that really gets people off the streets. The issue is everybody thinks it’s shameful to have unhoused or no income people live near them so putting these projects anywhere becomes problematic.
Anne August 21, 2025 (4:44 pm)

There is help-I’m trying to imagine all you’ve described & then imagine why in the world that help is refused-can you imagine that?!
Ihhh August 21, 2025 (4:54 pm)

Imagine paying high and rising property taxes, yet being unable to walk around the neighborhood because of trash and drug paraphernalia. I fully support helping people return to a decent way of living, as long as they are also seeking that, and not a lifestyle that enables harmful behavior. My rights as a law-abiding taxpayer should also be respected.
- Derek August 21, 2025 (7:27 pm)
  
  Because your personal costs is unbearable compared to people being homeless because we abandoned the lower income bracket entirely selfishly?
  - Faunterloy Fairy August 22, 2025 (4:01 pm)
    
    Yes Derek it is unbearable. I realize it’s shocking to some, that those of us who have worked hard in life for what we have, should expect parks and sidewalks that we can enjoy without stepping on human feces, discarded needles, and piles of garbage. “If it’s on the ground it’s in the Sound” also applies here. I don’t want to see our waterways polluted with that stuff either. Since you imply that you aren’t as selfish as some of us, I suggest you have them come live with you and prove it.
Kyle August 21, 2025 (9:04 pm)

The hideout RV has also been a regular of Highland Park on Henderson for the past 3 YEARS. Imagine denying help and services from the city for over 3+ years and never being given any consequences to change your lifestyle. I think you are talking about some down on your luck family that just got kicked out fantasy. These folks in particular need a dose of reality on how to be part of a community and actually respect others and make forward progress on housing stability (might mean giving up drugs). Shame on the city for not tracking encounters and after offering people help for I don’t know the 30th time, taking some real action for the betterment of these folks living like this and the community too.
- T September 2, 2025 (12:53 pm)
  
  The “hideout” who go back and clean up after themselves? Had an officer tell them to try harder even though the housing authority sent them a letter saying they met the requirements for “no benefits” whatsoever. Yes, they frequently stayed on 9th and Henderson, but did you ever actually go and introduce yourself to them Kyle? I did and they are actually pretty decent people. If you give the people a chance and treat them like people, you get a better outcome. Plus the RV lots for homeless make you sign over your RV if they put you in housing (6 month lease) then if you don’t qualify anymore your back on the streets. Can’t sign something over to someone else if it’s not in your name. Theirs belong to his dad

Anne August 21, 2025 (4:43 pm)

Imagine living in an area with human excrement running down the street & out the bottom of a non-working holding tank. Imagine living in an area where there is a real fire danger. Imagine living in an area where drugs are bought/sold openly along with stolen property -wow-just imagine.

Linda August 21, 2025 (4:47 pm)

Sad this even needs to be discussed. Nip it in the bud.

Delridge August 21, 2025 (5:24 pm)

I was wondering why the trailhead/road on Highland Park Way hill is getting taken over and turning into a trash dump. Looks like they’ve found their new home until officials just shuffle them and make them another neighborhood’s problem.

Derek August 21, 2025 (7:28 pm)

Where are homeless supposed to put their trash?
- vapocool August 23, 2025 (6:58 am)
  
  @Derek, “Where are homeless supposed to put their trash?” WOW REALLY where are they supposed to?! Well not all over the streets, sidewalks, and greenbelts and yes there are housed people who litter and I wish they’d stop doing it too!

The Earl August 21, 2025 (6:06 pm)

Just imagine. Having such terrible neighbors

It’s me again August 21, 2025 (6:59 pm)

Speaking of laws – the Supreme Court ruled last year that homeless can be removed by the city, they do not have the right to sleep on the streets https://www.npr.org/2024/06/28/nx-s1-4992010/supreme-court-homeless-punish-sleeping-encampments

linda August 21, 2025 (8:15 pm)

I want to point out that one of the people who’s RV is in the gully area on 21st by Sanislo has been staying in this location for years. Because I have a relative in the area, I’ve kept and eye on this for all the years they have been there. This person is quiet, they keep to themselves and have never caused problems. Based on the presence/absence the vehicle, I’ve always assumed they are among the many working poor in Seattle. They always arrive after the school year is over and they always pack up and leave prior to school starting. In addition, they have always kept the area tidy and have never left any trash behind (unlike all the people who illegally dump their unwanted stuff in this location). They have been a good, albeit temporary, neighbor.

vapocool August 23, 2025 (6:53 am)

And Linda this is wonderful that this RV’er is courteous to their surroundings and “neighbors” but this is sorry to say a rare occurrence. Just wondering, RV’s are self-contained where do they “dump” their waste and waste water?
flimflam August 23, 2025 (7:40 am)

That’s an exception to the (general) rule unfortunately.

Nitro August 21, 2025 (11:00 pm)

Thank you for clearing the campers from Fauntleroy Park. They were causing a lot of damage to the park and to the creek where the salmon fry are trying to mature. There are still needles where their campsite was, so please keep dogs on leash and on the trails (and keep a close eye on kids) if walking in the park.

K August 22, 2025 (6:57 am)

This would all be a non-issue if NIMBYs weren’t so precious about preserving city-subsidized car storage. All streets should be pay-to-park, or at minimum two hour max parking.

Jeff August 22, 2025 (10:19 am)

Sorry but the city doesn’t subsidize anything. All the money the city gets is from taxpayers.

Scarlett August 22, 2025 (11:00 am)

Get ready for more “Hoovervilles” as the wealth gap continues and fewer and fewer Americans can afford housing.

WS Dave August 23, 2025 (8:25 am)

Perhaps we should start calling them Trumpvilles?

We have always had this problem to lesser or greater extents. Trump policies and leadership are exacerbating the issues.

Mike August 22, 2025 (12:15 pm)

I’ve pretty much had it. Give 3 choices to these folks : take the housing offered , go to jail, or leave the City. Mental health services should be provided. Drugs, sanitation problems, neighborhood thefts – has to stop. We are entitled to use of our streets, sidewalks,parks, greenbelts without worrying about needles, human waste, blocked sidewalks and trails, and physical threats.

935 August 23, 2025 (6:36 am)

Hear hear!!

END the encampments!!

tim August 22, 2025 (8:03 pm)

At the very least. Shouldn’t it be required that a “vehicle” is operational and currently licensed to be on the street? Tow it away if it isn’t. If it’s over 3 days give it a ticket.

1994 August 22, 2025 (11:14 pm)

Yes – I totally agree with Tim and Mike above Tim’s post! And they should have proof of vehicle insurance as required by WA State law. The Unified Care Team visited the Virgil Flaim park in north Seattle 30 times to prod the campers to move along, accept services…..but end result a couple weeks ago was 2 guys murdered at the park….
Jason cuvreau August 23, 2025 (8:34 am)

I remember being here in the same situation as a child. Are there kids there. Is the person/people. Because, they are people live there veterans? Mental health issues? You have no clue but automatically assume they are garbage. Shame on you!

Teresa August 23, 2025 (11:45 am)

My husband and I are part of Washington’s homeless I guess you could say, I don’t necessarily consider myself homeless, we live in a motorhome along with our three little dogs now however we live by the “leave no Trace rule” I clean up my garbage as well as most of the garbage around me the other people have left. We lost our house and our jobs at the same time, 7 years ago. we were offered a motorhome so we took it. Granted unlike most people out here we do not have a monthly income, we rely on donations from the public or do some kind of hussle AKA dumpster drive usually and sell what we can. While others were offered housing we have never and I mean never been offered, until recently, offered any help of any kind. I’ve always wanted a motor home but on the other hand you guys are all up and housing why can’t the people that want to stay in campers and motorhomes be offered a campground or the back of the park and rides that are all blocked off and absolutely useless or one of the seven parking lots warehouser has that are all empty. This in turn will cost the county, the city, the state, the taxpayers a whole heap less money than the housing or the apartments or whatever you guys are stuffing people in. we are all adults and no adult likes to be told what to do every time why because we grew up and do not live with our parents no more. I was talking with this guy named John who works with Federal ways parks and recs we were talking about the back of the park and rides and I’m talking like a temporary campground or even the permanent little campground thing for us that live in campers and motorhomes. You could probably initially get 10 people with RVs or campers into the back of the park and ride on 348th in Federal Way. give each person basically three spaces, one to park the car if they have a car, one for space for the camper or the motorhome and the 3 space for I guess you’d call the yard. The area would need two abilities to get the fresh water, three or four Honey buckets, a large dumpster and if they’re using the septic on their Rv then contract with a company to come out and clean them when necessary. Charge each family or individual 35 to 50 dollars a month to be there, they should be able to come up with that, and if they can’t then have them fill out a piece of paper or something for like a grant or something I don’t not for sure what but yeah or will be given three days to move. Make sure you give him like a 2-day grace period you come up with the money or what, charge them an extra I don’t know 3 dollars a day for late fees . Imposed rules like your garbage must be kept up , the animal must be kept under control, and their feces cleaned up. Yes you can have visitors but no wild parties no more than two visitors overnight for one night only per week. Of course have people sign a rental agreement per se. And if you need anybody to enforce these laws I’ll be more than happy to do it I almost had an associate in business I only failed one class.Thank you for your time and if anyone wants to contact me regarding anything in this post feel free to do so @ e.t.luke.1970@gmail.com

Spooled August 25, 2025 (5:08 am)

The Hideout RV simply moved to 16th & Graham in front of the college. This morning from 3:30 onward there was a woman shouting from there and later three gunshots. These RV campers are NOT good neighbors who just need a chance. The most frustrating thing is, even if Police DO respond, they have no authority over homeless. Nothing will happen until there’s a fatality or a child is involved somehow.

Katie E September 2, 2025 (1:11 pm)

That is a flat out lie. Has your nose grown 3 inches?

spooled August 25, 2025 (2:47 pm)

Highland Park neighbors: 16th Ave SW in front of the college is getting temporary No Parking signs dropped off right now (2:30pm 8/25) from approximately Holly Street to the college North parking lot entrance. This will displace several RVs, box trucks, pickups, and a boat full of junk. It is likely they will disperse to places they’ve recently been like 18th & Myrtle/Orchard or the South end of Riverview Playfields. Neighbors, if you don’t want an RV in front of your house, it may be advisable to strategically park some cars to discourage this.