Homelessness

-Kylie Karimoto

Homelessness in the International district

Pie chart Credit to Seattle.gov

Homelessness

In the international district, homelessness and homeless encampments is a major barrier to the community. The pie chart to the left shows the demographics of their homeless population. Many would consider homelessness and homeless encampments a barrier due to the potential threat it causes to public health and security. Many felt safer after government officials cleared homeless encampments, to which they reported the countless trash, heroine needles and human waste left by the homeless. An environment like that could possibly spread many diseases and attract many rodents and cockroaches.

According to Tara Beck at a nearby homeless centre, “more violent crime and lower-level criminal offences, lack of social distancing, increased biowaste, needle hazards, and all of that impacts not just the people who are living here but also the surrounding community.”

Upon walking around the neighbourhood, many of the buildings seem to be in a close proximity to each other and seem to lack ‘green areas’. This leads to many of them sleeping on sidewalks, cold concrete and small benches in front of many sheltered shop front doors. Although there are not many nearby benches found throughout the neighbourhood, neighbouring transportation government buildings installed benches that are designed to drive homeless people away. There seems to be a divide between the homeless and the residents of the international district, creating a noticeable social division. Many of either side avoid each other and keep to themselves.

Hing Hay Park is a popular hub spot for friends and family in the International District, but also hosts its share of homeless people.

(Photo by Sidney Sullivan) found on Seattle Globalist Blog

Tents and structures seen at a homeless encampment near South Dearborn Street in Seattle's International District,

(Photo by Matt M. McKnight/Crosscut) found on Kiro7 News

Resources:

There are a variety of resources in international district communities including shelters and housing services like the DESC’s Navigation Center, Low Income Housing Institute, and InterIm Community Development Association.

DESC Navigation Center

-Shelter for homeless adults living in encampments.

-includes hygiene facilities, 24/7 staffing, and intensive case management

-enables people to develop pathways to permanent housing, income, healthcare, and stability.

Low Income Housing Institute

-providing advocacy and technical assistance to promote the interests of low-income and homeless people

-opened over 3,000 affordable housing units.

The Interlm Housing Services

-Nonprofit affordable housing community development organisation

-offers housing counseling services

Overall I would rate a 3. Majority of my groups topics are assets to the International District like Transportation, Physical Health, public parks and green spaces. While Homelessness and Mental health is a barrier.

Sources

1) Johnson, Graham. “City Clears Homeless Camp near Chinatown-International District.” KIRO 7 News Seattle, KIRO 7 News Seattle, 21 May 2020, https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/city-cleans-up-homeless-camp-they-say-is-public-health-risk-sets-up-shower-trailers/C5F4WVG6MFDHBARAJLL3ABFKME/.

2)Department of Neighborhoods. “ CHINATOWN INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT (Filipinotown, Japantown, Little Saigon).” Seattle.gov, Department of Neighborhoods, July 2018, http://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/Neighborhoods/Districts/Neighborhood Snapshots/Chinatown-ID-Little-Saigon-Snapshot.pdf.

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