If wars are won one battle at a time then SHARE (Seattle Housing And Resource Effort) won a small battle last week. The organization has received over $14,000 in donations to keep 11 of its 15 shelters open for the next month.
SHARE said it was a lack of city funds that caused them to consider closing. If the shelters had closed that would have put approximately 400 men, women and children out onto the street.
A contingent representing SHARE went to Mayor Mike McGinn's office last Monday then met briefly with the mayor and then with Aaron Pincus of the mayor's office. SHARE says they need $50,000 from the city to finish the year.
The money allows SHARE to buy tickets so homeless individuals will have transportation to shelters. SHARE will still need money for next month. The Mayor says the city is committed to keeping SHARE open for the rest of the year but the journalist in me thinks seeing is believing.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
So long to a friend
Robert Hansen was a contradiction. Take the face. This was the face of someone who'd lived a hard life; one on the streets in the cold and the wind. He looked older than his 58 years and sure smoked a lot. A lot of street people do. But getting to know Robert, he displayed a playfulness. A gentleness.
If someone was getting their picture taken at a Real Change event, he would walk behind people and flash a peace sign over their heads. I rode to the state capital with Robert once on Martin Luther King Day. We sat in the back seat of Brooke's car (the Real Change volunteer coordinator at the time) and Robert was having all kinds of trouble with his seat belt. Then before we rode back to Seattle, I had trouble hooking on my seat belt. Turns out I was looking straight ahead and Robert was holding on to the belt whenever I pulled it. He just smiled when I caught him.
The serious side of Robert was that he was interested in what was going on in the world. He spoke against budget cuts in front of the Seattle City Council. Once he got into a little tet-a-tet with Council Member Richard McIver. At one point, McIver told Robert his numbers were wrong. For months, Robert delighted in telling that story and how, in fact, his numbers were accurate. He said even Nick Licata, another Council Member, told him he was right.
Robert also attended events sponsored by the Freedom Socialist Party at the New Freeway Hall when he lived in Rainier Valley. Linda Averill rememembers Robert coming to some of her events when she ran for Seattle City Council. Members of the FSP and the Radical Women also knew Robert sell Real Change at the Seward Park PCC and at the Columbia City Market in the summer. A lot of people did, and he'd often tell his customers what articles were of particular interest.
A lot of people are upset about the circumstances surrounding Robert's death- how he was released from the hospital prematurely and was found dead in his new van that he was so proud of. In death, Robert stands as an example of how we all need health care. But on a personal note, I'll always remember that wide-eyed, open-mouth, toothless smile.
A Memorial Service for Robert Hansen takes place, Friday, May 14 at City Hall Plaza starting at 1:00
If someone was getting their picture taken at a Real Change event, he would walk behind people and flash a peace sign over their heads. I rode to the state capital with Robert once on Martin Luther King Day. We sat in the back seat of Brooke's car (the Real Change volunteer coordinator at the time) and Robert was having all kinds of trouble with his seat belt. Then before we rode back to Seattle, I had trouble hooking on my seat belt. Turns out I was looking straight ahead and Robert was holding on to the belt whenever I pulled it. He just smiled when I caught him.
The serious side of Robert was that he was interested in what was going on in the world. He spoke against budget cuts in front of the Seattle City Council. Once he got into a little tet-a-tet with Council Member Richard McIver. At one point, McIver told Robert his numbers were wrong. For months, Robert delighted in telling that story and how, in fact, his numbers were accurate. He said even Nick Licata, another Council Member, told him he was right.
Robert also attended events sponsored by the Freedom Socialist Party at the New Freeway Hall when he lived in Rainier Valley. Linda Averill rememembers Robert coming to some of her events when she ran for Seattle City Council. Members of the FSP and the Radical Women also knew Robert sell Real Change at the Seward Park PCC and at the Columbia City Market in the summer. A lot of people did, and he'd often tell his customers what articles were of particular interest.
A lot of people are upset about the circumstances surrounding Robert's death- how he was released from the hospital prematurely and was found dead in his new van that he was so proud of. In death, Robert stands as an example of how we all need health care. But on a personal note, I'll always remember that wide-eyed, open-mouth, toothless smile.
A Memorial Service for Robert Hansen takes place, Friday, May 14 at City Hall Plaza starting at 1:00
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Nickelsville movie is nostalgic
It wasn't directed by Martin Scorcese, won't win any Academy Awards, and the movie shown at the United Church of Christ on Friday night probably won't be the final cut, but Nickelsville - The Movie, a documentary on the homeless encampment named after former Mayor Greg Nickels, was still an enjoyable.
Over 50 Nickelodeon fans filed into the church hall (UCC was one of several venues to host the homeless encampment)and watched, what was for many, a trip down memory lane.
The movie was split into three sections - footage shot by Revel Smith from Real Change of Nicklesville's first week September 22-26, 2008; still photos by Peggy Hotes, the liason beween Veterans for Peace and Nickelsville; and interviews done by Peggy and Ion Gardescu, a graphic designer.
Yes, there were interviews. Plenty of interviews with Nickelodeons telling their story. The documentary begins with longtime Nickelodeon Richard explaining how the name was picked - names were put in a hat and Nickelsville was the name selected by the majority. Plus, there were interviews with New Hope Baptist Church Pastor Robert Jeffrey and University Christian Church pastor Janetta Craven Boyd who provided a home for Nickelsville.
Then there were clips from the first week of Nickelsville; and it was good to see the famous Nickelsville pink tents again. Revel, who shot most of this section of the film, got a laugh from the audience in her interview when she says, ``things are quiet now, but we'll probably hear from the Mayor and the police eventually.''
Anitra Freeman explained the campers options as Nickels' police ``stormed'' the West Marginal Way campgrounds that Black Friday of Sept. 26, 2008. Then we see Andrea Bauer, editor of the Freedom Socialist Newspaper, one of 22 Nickelsville supporters getting arrested (charges were eventually dropped). There's also a chubby guy with a blue jacket and a baseball cap who pops up a few times in the background- oh, that's me!
Nickelsville might also use this film as a fundraiser but Gardescu mentioned it could still use some tweeking- perhaps some musical tracks over the still photos. Nevertheless, it was still fun to see the beginning of Nickelsville, a time that sometimes seems like a millenium ago and other times just like yesterday.
Over 50 Nickelodeon fans filed into the church hall (UCC was one of several venues to host the homeless encampment)and watched, what was for many, a trip down memory lane.
The movie was split into three sections - footage shot by Revel Smith from Real Change of Nicklesville's first week September 22-26, 2008; still photos by Peggy Hotes, the liason beween Veterans for Peace and Nickelsville; and interviews done by Peggy and Ion Gardescu, a graphic designer.
Yes, there were interviews. Plenty of interviews with Nickelodeons telling their story. The documentary begins with longtime Nickelodeon Richard explaining how the name was picked - names were put in a hat and Nickelsville was the name selected by the majority. Plus, there were interviews with New Hope Baptist Church Pastor Robert Jeffrey and University Christian Church pastor Janetta Craven Boyd who provided a home for Nickelsville.
Then there were clips from the first week of Nickelsville; and it was good to see the famous Nickelsville pink tents again. Revel, who shot most of this section of the film, got a laugh from the audience in her interview when she says, ``things are quiet now, but we'll probably hear from the Mayor and the police eventually.''
Anitra Freeman explained the campers options as Nickels' police ``stormed'' the West Marginal Way campgrounds that Black Friday of Sept. 26, 2008. Then we see Andrea Bauer, editor of the Freedom Socialist Newspaper, one of 22 Nickelsville supporters getting arrested (charges were eventually dropped). There's also a chubby guy with a blue jacket and a baseball cap who pops up a few times in the background- oh, that's me!
Nickelsville might also use this film as a fundraiser but Gardescu mentioned it could still use some tweeking- perhaps some musical tracks over the still photos. Nevertheless, it was still fun to see the beginning of Nickelsville, a time that sometimes seems like a millenium ago and other times just like yesterday.
Monday, April 19, 2010
A whole new ballgame
The Seattle City Council passed ordinance 116807 establishing agressive solicitation as a civil infraction by a 5-4 vote today. But unless Mayor Mike McGinn has an unforesse change-of-heart, the bill is dead.
McGinn has said that he would veto the bill regardless of how today's vote turned out. But with only a 5-4 margin of victory, the Council doesn't have enough votes to override the veto.
“People who have concerns have been very clear about what their concerns are,” McGinn told Dominic Holden of The Stranger. “I don’t think it’s an appropriate piece of legislation.''
The legislation stated that anyone seen ``aggressively panhandling'' by a Seattle policeman could receive a $50 fine even though someone panhandling most likely doesn't have $50. Opponents of the bill noted there were already laws on the book that dealt with harassing people for money.
Less than a week ago, council member Tim Burgess, the driving force behind the bill, figured he would have an 8-1 majority. Even Tim Harris in his Real Change column said that the bill would probably pass.
But late last week the tide started to turn. First, McGinn said that he would veto the bill if it were a 5-4 vote. Then he said he'd veto regardless of the vote totals, highlighting the split feelings on the bill. Council member Nick Licata was the first dissenter of the bill and he was joined late last week by Tom Rasmussen. Bruce Harrell was undecided about the bill.
Then The Stranger's blog called out Mike O'Brien. In a Michael Moore moment, the first-term council member said that he would support the bill even though he hadn't actually read it. That led to a flurry of phone calls and e-mails to O'Brien's office Friday afternoon.
This afternoon, O'Brien went from hero to goat, receiving the biggest hand of the day from the homeless advocates who crowded into the City Hall chambers. ``This is the type of legislation I got on the council to oppose,'' O'Brien said. ``I had said I was going to support it but I changed my mind over the weekend.'' With O'Brien, Licata, Rasmussen and Harrell's nay votes, homeless advocates scored a decision if not a knockout.
Previously, the Seattle Human Rights Commission , which advises the council on civil rights' matters had voted 9-0 against the bill. The Commission said there was no connection between violent crime and panhandling. Most homeless advocacy groups had come out against the bill, the 34th, 36th, 37th and 43rd District Democrats had voted against it, and groups like the ACLU and NAACP were considering lawsuits.
A couple of hundred people filled the council meeting room for the vote. A total of 28 people were allowed to speak before the meeting began; 17 opposed the ordinance and 11 spoke in favor. The latter mostly represented downtown business interests who feel panhandlers are keeping people from going downtown.
However, at the end of the day it appeared that the ordinance wasn't a good piece of legislation. As Licata noted at a recent Public Safety Commission meeting, ``you can't legislate against fear. And that's what this bill is trying to do.''
McGinn has said that he would veto the bill regardless of how today's vote turned out. But with only a 5-4 margin of victory, the Council doesn't have enough votes to override the veto.
“People who have concerns have been very clear about what their concerns are,” McGinn told Dominic Holden of The Stranger. “I don’t think it’s an appropriate piece of legislation.''
The legislation stated that anyone seen ``aggressively panhandling'' by a Seattle policeman could receive a $50 fine even though someone panhandling most likely doesn't have $50. Opponents of the bill noted there were already laws on the book that dealt with harassing people for money.
Less than a week ago, council member Tim Burgess, the driving force behind the bill, figured he would have an 8-1 majority. Even Tim Harris in his Real Change column said that the bill would probably pass.
But late last week the tide started to turn. First, McGinn said that he would veto the bill if it were a 5-4 vote. Then he said he'd veto regardless of the vote totals, highlighting the split feelings on the bill. Council member Nick Licata was the first dissenter of the bill and he was joined late last week by Tom Rasmussen. Bruce Harrell was undecided about the bill.
Then The Stranger's blog called out Mike O'Brien. In a Michael Moore moment, the first-term council member said that he would support the bill even though he hadn't actually read it. That led to a flurry of phone calls and e-mails to O'Brien's office Friday afternoon.
This afternoon, O'Brien went from hero to goat, receiving the biggest hand of the day from the homeless advocates who crowded into the City Hall chambers. ``This is the type of legislation I got on the council to oppose,'' O'Brien said. ``I had said I was going to support it but I changed my mind over the weekend.'' With O'Brien, Licata, Rasmussen and Harrell's nay votes, homeless advocates scored a decision if not a knockout.
Previously, the Seattle Human Rights Commission , which advises the council on civil rights' matters had voted 9-0 against the bill. The Commission said there was no connection between violent crime and panhandling. Most homeless advocacy groups had come out against the bill, the 34th, 36th, 37th and 43rd District Democrats had voted against it, and groups like the ACLU and NAACP were considering lawsuits.
A couple of hundred people filled the council meeting room for the vote. A total of 28 people were allowed to speak before the meeting began; 17 opposed the ordinance and 11 spoke in favor. The latter mostly represented downtown business interests who feel panhandlers are keeping people from going downtown.
However, at the end of the day it appeared that the ordinance wasn't a good piece of legislation. As Licata noted at a recent Public Safety Commission meeting, ``you can't legislate against fear. And that's what this bill is trying to do.''
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A bizarre morning
I feel like I fell through the Looking Glass and wound up at the Seattle City Council this morning. Today was the day, that the council voted to send Council Member Tim Burgess' ``Aggressive Solicitation Ordinance'' to full committee. About a dozen Real Change supporters showed up with signs but it was a far cry from the last Public Safety Committee meeting that featured a standing room only crowd of speakers.
Before the Public Safety Committee meeting, chaired by Burgess began, 15 minutes of public comment was held. Seven spoke (including a couple of Real Change vendors)against the Solicitation Ordinance and four in favor. It does seem like regular people are against this ordinance and those in favor are representing some special interest organization. Perhaps the type of organization that would support a Burgess campaign for Mayor? Just a thought.
After some provisions by absent council member Sally Clark were added to the ordinance, Burgess, council president Richard Conlin and council member Sally Bagshaw were joined at the table by the most progressive member of the council, Nick Licata.
Licata felt that the bill was now more humane than the original but still had two amendments. The first was a proposal for more police - bringing back fixed beat patrols and hiring new police officers. The second was for more street outreach and increased housing capacity and street services. Licata noted that ``services are now miniscule,'' a point that Burgess seemed to agree with when he ``debated'' Real Change director Tim Harris at Seattle University a month ago.
``You can't build a bridge halfway,'' said Licata. ``The bill shouldn't take effect until these provisions are met.'' However, Licata noted in an exchange with Conlin that even with the provisions he still wouldn't support the bill.
That became a mute point when none of the council members would support Licata's add-ons. It's worth noting that two of the Public Safety Committee members weren't in attendance. Burgess said that Sally Clark was ill but alternate Bruce Harrell was nowhere to be seen.
Those in attendance voted 3-1 to send the bill to full committee. Just like on the Supreme Court, Licata has the option to write a dissenting opinion which he hoped to do in the next couple of weeks. Council president Conlin said he would decide whether Licata's report would have to be done by next Monday. Somebody's in a hurry to get this bill passed.
As if those opposing the bill hadn't suffered enough, council member Bagshaw then said she agreed with Licata although she didn't vote for his provisions. Bagshaw then went on for another five minutes saying she was for Real Change, the Seattle Police, Tent City, more human services, and just about anyone else that came to mind. Bagshaw was offended when someone put up a sign that said, ``Liar.'' Actually, ``Please Shut Up'' would have been more appropriate.
Now it appears the ordinance will go to council and be passed by an 8-1 margin as Licata, unlike some council members, doesn't mind being the lone dissenting vote. Who knows what will happen when the ordinance takes effect?
Before the Public Safety Committee meeting, chaired by Burgess began, 15 minutes of public comment was held. Seven spoke (including a couple of Real Change vendors)against the Solicitation Ordinance and four in favor. It does seem like regular people are against this ordinance and those in favor are representing some special interest organization. Perhaps the type of organization that would support a Burgess campaign for Mayor? Just a thought.
After some provisions by absent council member Sally Clark were added to the ordinance, Burgess, council president Richard Conlin and council member Sally Bagshaw were joined at the table by the most progressive member of the council, Nick Licata.
Licata felt that the bill was now more humane than the original but still had two amendments. The first was a proposal for more police - bringing back fixed beat patrols and hiring new police officers. The second was for more street outreach and increased housing capacity and street services. Licata noted that ``services are now miniscule,'' a point that Burgess seemed to agree with when he ``debated'' Real Change director Tim Harris at Seattle University a month ago.
``You can't build a bridge halfway,'' said Licata. ``The bill shouldn't take effect until these provisions are met.'' However, Licata noted in an exchange with Conlin that even with the provisions he still wouldn't support the bill.
That became a mute point when none of the council members would support Licata's add-ons. It's worth noting that two of the Public Safety Committee members weren't in attendance. Burgess said that Sally Clark was ill but alternate Bruce Harrell was nowhere to be seen.
Those in attendance voted 3-1 to send the bill to full committee. Just like on the Supreme Court, Licata has the option to write a dissenting opinion which he hoped to do in the next couple of weeks. Council president Conlin said he would decide whether Licata's report would have to be done by next Monday. Somebody's in a hurry to get this bill passed.
As if those opposing the bill hadn't suffered enough, council member Bagshaw then said she agreed with Licata although she didn't vote for his provisions. Bagshaw then went on for another five minutes saying she was for Real Change, the Seattle Police, Tent City, more human services, and just about anyone else that came to mind. Bagshaw was offended when someone put up a sign that said, ``Liar.'' Actually, ``Please Shut Up'' would have been more appropriate.
Now it appears the ordinance will go to council and be passed by an 8-1 margin as Licata, unlike some council members, doesn't mind being the lone dissenting vote. Who knows what will happen when the ordinance takes effect?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Just say no
I was only a teenager but I still remember the event quite clearly. I was running some errands in downtown Providence and figured I could catch a ride home from my father who worked nearby. The elevator to my dad's parking garage was located next to a small donut shop so, having been walking around all day, I sat on the ground next to the elevator and waited for my dad to arrive.
A woman sprang out of the donut shop in near-hysteria and told me that I couldn't sit down in front of the elevator- although she never really told me why I couldn't. For many years I just figured the woman was an up-tight East Coast person.
Sometimes in the summer I would visit my cousin out West, first in Santa Barbara and then in Seattle where people were less up-tight, more layback and relaxed. One of my first Seattle moments was going on the Pioneer Square underground tour in the early `80's. The tour guide pointed out ``our neighbors'' and the tourists waved to the people who were hanging out in the square. The people who would be called ``bums'' back East.
Of course, the Seattle establishment isn't as friendly towards the homeless these days (chances are those who hung out in Pioneer Square 25 years ago weren't homeless but lived in the downtown single unit houses that have long since disappeared). Heck, some in the Pioneer Square Neighborhood Association don't want Real Change moving there.
On Wednesday, the Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee will vote on Council Member Tim Burgess's Panhandling Ordinance. (see more details on the bill below). The bill has to get out of committee to even be voted on by the full Council. There are rumors that Council Member Nick Licata might block the bill and Real Change hopes to have a large contingent in attendance. Anyone interested should arrive about 9:00am.
There are already sufficient laws on the books to deal with people who are harassing their fellow citizens. This bill appears to be nothing more than another step towards criminalize the homeless. I urge anyone who feels this way and wants to take a stand towards ``a more uptight Seattle'' to attend Wednesday's meeting.
A woman sprang out of the donut shop in near-hysteria and told me that I couldn't sit down in front of the elevator- although she never really told me why I couldn't. For many years I just figured the woman was an up-tight East Coast person.
Sometimes in the summer I would visit my cousin out West, first in Santa Barbara and then in Seattle where people were less up-tight, more layback and relaxed. One of my first Seattle moments was going on the Pioneer Square underground tour in the early `80's. The tour guide pointed out ``our neighbors'' and the tourists waved to the people who were hanging out in the square. The people who would be called ``bums'' back East.
Of course, the Seattle establishment isn't as friendly towards the homeless these days (chances are those who hung out in Pioneer Square 25 years ago weren't homeless but lived in the downtown single unit houses that have long since disappeared). Heck, some in the Pioneer Square Neighborhood Association don't want Real Change moving there.
On Wednesday, the Seattle City Council Public Safety Committee will vote on Council Member Tim Burgess's Panhandling Ordinance. (see more details on the bill below). The bill has to get out of committee to even be voted on by the full Council. There are rumors that Council Member Nick Licata might block the bill and Real Change hopes to have a large contingent in attendance. Anyone interested should arrive about 9:00am.
There are already sufficient laws on the books to deal with people who are harassing their fellow citizens. This bill appears to be nothing more than another step towards criminalize the homeless. I urge anyone who feels this way and wants to take a stand towards ``a more uptight Seattle'' to attend Wednesday's meeting.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Criminalizing the homeless
My friend Henry and I used to joke about how there's no real aggressive panhandling in Seattle. Even the panhandlers tend to be polite compared to other cities. Years ago, I was followed four blocks by a panhandler in New York City something you'd never see in nice Seattle.
Nevertheless, City Council member Tim Burgess has introduced a new ordinance to put stronger restrictions on aggressive panhandling. It defines aggressive solicitation ``as acting in an intimidating way while asking someone for money.'' That includes blocking someone while asking for money, using abusive language and panhandling near ATMs and parking pay stations.
This doesn't quite make sense for several reasons:
Burgess made his proposal in conjunction with the statement that serious crime has gone up 23 percent in Seattle since 2008. But even Burgess isn't claiming that all the serious crime is being committed by panhandlers.
There are already laws on the books against so-called ``aggressive panhandling.'' I've been told by people who live downtown that tourists tend to be a bigger pain in the ass than the homeless. To make another law only succeeds in criminalizing the homeless.
The ordinance that Burgess is proposing carries a $50 fine. If someone's asking for money, chances are they don't have $50. (This could also make the law less likely to be enforced by police).
Burgess is attempting to be the kinder, gentler Mark Sidran, the former City Attorney who was in the forefront of anti-homeless laws in the `90's. Burgess says he wants panhandlers to get help, whether it's for alcoholism or mental disorders, admitting in the next breath that social services will continue to be cut in Seattle.
Of course, what the panhandlers really need is money. And speaking of money, I'm reminded of a line that Tim Harris wrote in Real Change about a year ago, ``hide the homeless, the rich people are coming.'' The catalyst for Burgess' action comes from the complaints of the well-to-do, particularly the condo owners who have been told by the rich yuppies (that they want to move into their complexes) that said yuppies don't want to look at poor people.
The City Council will start holding hearings on the proposed ordinance starting on March 17. Stay tuned.
Nevertheless, City Council member Tim Burgess has introduced a new ordinance to put stronger restrictions on aggressive panhandling. It defines aggressive solicitation ``as acting in an intimidating way while asking someone for money.'' That includes blocking someone while asking for money, using abusive language and panhandling near ATMs and parking pay stations.
This doesn't quite make sense for several reasons:
Burgess made his proposal in conjunction with the statement that serious crime has gone up 23 percent in Seattle since 2008. But even Burgess isn't claiming that all the serious crime is being committed by panhandlers.
There are already laws on the books against so-called ``aggressive panhandling.'' I've been told by people who live downtown that tourists tend to be a bigger pain in the ass than the homeless. To make another law only succeeds in criminalizing the homeless.
The ordinance that Burgess is proposing carries a $50 fine. If someone's asking for money, chances are they don't have $50. (This could also make the law less likely to be enforced by police).
Burgess is attempting to be the kinder, gentler Mark Sidran, the former City Attorney who was in the forefront of anti-homeless laws in the `90's. Burgess says he wants panhandlers to get help, whether it's for alcoholism or mental disorders, admitting in the next breath that social services will continue to be cut in Seattle.
Of course, what the panhandlers really need is money. And speaking of money, I'm reminded of a line that Tim Harris wrote in Real Change about a year ago, ``hide the homeless, the rich people are coming.'' The catalyst for Burgess' action comes from the complaints of the well-to-do, particularly the condo owners who have been told by the rich yuppies (that they want to move into their complexes) that said yuppies don't want to look at poor people.
The City Council will start holding hearings on the proposed ordinance starting on March 17. Stay tuned.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Latest from Nickelsville
I took the liberty of reprinting a letter that Scott Morrow sent out about meeting with Phil Fujii from the Mayor's Office on Monday. This is certainly an improvement from where Nickelsville was with the former Mayor.
>
> Greetings Friend of Nickelsville!
>
> We hope this Alert finds you well, and that it tells you two things:
> Firstly, what happened at our meeting Monday with Seattle Mayor Mike
> McGinn’s Deputy Mayor of Operations – Mr. Phil Fujii - and secondly
> how things are going since our recent move to Greater Mt. Baker
> Missionary Baptist Church.
>
> Eight Nickelodeons – including oldtimers and newcomers, past campers
> and present, staff and supporters, young and old, – presented our case
> to Mr. Fujii. Here it is:
>
> The Nickelodeons want to meet directly with the Mayor. After being
> treated as second class citizens by the former Mayor, a change of
> policy in this area is badly needed. Mayor McGinn and Nickelsville
> should meet and become powerful friends and allies: We both want to
> do more with less, and we both want to engage and empower. Meeting
> with the Mayor is a crucial way to begin working together.
>
> Our goal is a permanent site in the City of Seattle for up to 1,000
> homeless people, and we understand that we need to make a deal among
> friends for this to succeed. Our deadline is May 5th, when we move
> from Mt. Baker Missionary Baptist to a permanent site.
>
> Mr. Fujii said that he had been anointed by the Mayor to work with
> us. He was hoping the Mayor could drop by for a minute and meet us,
> but unfortunately he was double-booked. He said the Mayor wanted to
> work something out. Mr. Al Poole, from the Human Services Department,
> has been delegated the responsibility to bring together an
> Interdepartmental City Meeting, and figure out if the city could work
> with Nickelsville.
>
> You may recall that Mayor Nickels never would meet with us, or respond
> to our letters. What’s more, when we tried to seek an appointment,
> they turned off the elevator and locked the stairwells on us so we
> couldn’t get to his office!
>
> Compared to that, the meeting with Mr. Fujii was huge progress. Our
> friends at SHARE – who we expect will be with us at the meeting with
> the Mayor – have worked with Mr. Fujii when he was at Vulcan. Not
> only was he a straight shooter there, but he got things done. He
> understood how a poor people’s organization worked, and was
> encouraging and respectful. So we have hope.
>
> PLEASE WRITE MAYOR MCGINN AND THANK HIM FOR THE PREPARATORY MEETING
> WITH DEPUTY MAYOR FUJII. ENCOURAGE MAYOR MCGINN TO MEET WITH US AND
> OUR SUPPORTERS, SO THAT WE CAN ALL SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE
> INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE AND QUICKLY REMOVE ANY ROADBLOCKS THEY
> MIGHT ENCOUNTER!
>
> Now here’s the Second Part of the Update:
>
> The move from New Hope Missionary Baptist Church to Greater Mt Baker
> Baptist Church went well! The camp’s population is around 60 and
> needs more tents, blankets and tarps to expand. Neighbors have been
> very friendly.
>
> Here are the donations we particularly need this week:
>
> --Funds for dumpster, porta potties, and cell phones. These costs are
> over $2,000 a month, and we’ve fallen behind again! Please DON’T ruin
> your own credit rating helping us. Please DO get the groups you are a
> member of to start helping us, and tell sympathetic friends of our
> need.
>
> --We’re out of Tents! The new site is a little bigger than the old
> site, plus tents have a limited life span anyway. Other building
> materials are also needed, especially pallets and plywood, nails,
> tarps of different sizes, also sleeping bags and blankets, firewood,
> propane for cooking grills, rope and duct tape.
>
> Thank You for your help with the upkeep and building of Nickelsville,
> as we work toward getting our permanent site.
>
> CONTACT INFORMATION:
>
> Mayor Mike McGinn
> Deputy Mayor of Operations Phil Fujii
> P.O. Box 94749
> Seattle, WA 98124-4749
>
> Mike.Mcginn@seattle.gov
> phil.fujii@seattle.gov
>
> Send Copies of Correspondence to
>
> Nickelsville
> P.O. Box 2548
> Seattle, WA 98111
>
> scott@nickelsvilleseattle.org
>
> Nickelsville is presently located at Mt. Baker Missionary Baptist
> Church. It is on South Jackson Street, at the SW Corner of 25th &
> Jackson. The camp is on the far south end of their property, on S.
> King and 25th.
>
> The Camp Phone # is 450-5268. The Staff Phone # is 450-9136.
>
> DON’T BE A STRANGER!
>
>
>
> Greetings Friend of Nickelsville!
>
> We hope this Alert finds you well, and that it tells you two things:
> Firstly, what happened at our meeting Monday with Seattle Mayor Mike
> McGinn’s Deputy Mayor of Operations – Mr. Phil Fujii - and secondly
> how things are going since our recent move to Greater Mt. Baker
> Missionary Baptist Church.
>
> Eight Nickelodeons – including oldtimers and newcomers, past campers
> and present, staff and supporters, young and old, – presented our case
> to Mr. Fujii. Here it is:
>
> The Nickelodeons want to meet directly with the Mayor. After being
> treated as second class citizens by the former Mayor, a change of
> policy in this area is badly needed. Mayor McGinn and Nickelsville
> should meet and become powerful friends and allies: We both want to
> do more with less, and we both want to engage and empower. Meeting
> with the Mayor is a crucial way to begin working together.
>
> Our goal is a permanent site in the City of Seattle for up to 1,000
> homeless people, and we understand that we need to make a deal among
> friends for this to succeed. Our deadline is May 5th, when we move
> from Mt. Baker Missionary Baptist to a permanent site.
>
> Mr. Fujii said that he had been anointed by the Mayor to work with
> us. He was hoping the Mayor could drop by for a minute and meet us,
> but unfortunately he was double-booked. He said the Mayor wanted to
> work something out. Mr. Al Poole, from the Human Services Department,
> has been delegated the responsibility to bring together an
> Interdepartmental City Meeting, and figure out if the city could work
> with Nickelsville.
>
> You may recall that Mayor Nickels never would meet with us, or respond
> to our letters. What’s more, when we tried to seek an appointment,
> they turned off the elevator and locked the stairwells on us so we
> couldn’t get to his office!
>
> Compared to that, the meeting with Mr. Fujii was huge progress. Our
> friends at SHARE – who we expect will be with us at the meeting with
> the Mayor – have worked with Mr. Fujii when he was at Vulcan. Not
> only was he a straight shooter there, but he got things done. He
> understood how a poor people’s organization worked, and was
> encouraging and respectful. So we have hope.
>
> PLEASE WRITE MAYOR MCGINN AND THANK HIM FOR THE PREPARATORY MEETING
> WITH DEPUTY MAYOR FUJII. ENCOURAGE MAYOR MCGINN TO MEET WITH US AND
> OUR SUPPORTERS, SO THAT WE CAN ALL SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE
> INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE AND QUICKLY REMOVE ANY ROADBLOCKS THEY
> MIGHT ENCOUNTER!
>
> Now here’s the Second Part of the Update:
>
> The move from New Hope Missionary Baptist Church to Greater Mt Baker
> Baptist Church went well! The camp’s population is around 60 and
> needs more tents, blankets and tarps to expand. Neighbors have been
> very friendly.
>
> Here are the donations we particularly need this week:
>
> --Funds for dumpster, porta potties, and cell phones. These costs are
> over $2,000 a month, and we’ve fallen behind again! Please DON’T ruin
> your own credit rating helping us. Please DO get the groups you are a
> member of to start helping us, and tell sympathetic friends of our
> need.
>
> --We’re out of Tents! The new site is a little bigger than the old
> site, plus tents have a limited life span anyway. Other building
> materials are also needed, especially pallets and plywood, nails,
> tarps of different sizes, also sleeping bags and blankets, firewood,
> propane for cooking grills, rope and duct tape.
>
> Thank You for your help with the upkeep and building of Nickelsville,
> as we work toward getting our permanent site.
>
> CONTACT INFORMATION:
>
> Mayor Mike McGinn
> Deputy Mayor of Operations Phil Fujii
> P.O. Box 94749
> Seattle, WA 98124-4749
>
> Mike.Mcginn@seattle.gov
> phil.fujii@seattle.gov
>
> Send Copies of Correspondence to
>
> Nickelsville
> P.O. Box 2548
> Seattle, WA 98111
>
> scott@nickelsvilleseattle.org
>
> Nickelsville is presently located at Mt. Baker Missionary Baptist
> Church. It is on South Jackson Street, at the SW Corner of 25th &
> Jackson. The camp is on the far south end of their property, on S.
> King and 25th.
>
> The Camp Phone # is 450-5268. The Staff Phone # is 450-9136.
>
> DON’T BE A STRANGER!
>
>
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Nickelsville, Day One
``I'm a homeowner now.''
That was the gleeful exclamation of a Nickelsville resident after hammering in the final nail to set up his new tent at Nickelsville's (tenth) newest site. There was some humor in the statement but one more member of Seattle's homeless community could sleep with something over his head.
It's been a long and ongoing journey for the homeless encampment named after former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. Fortunately, several of the original residents who made camp in South Park almost a year and a half ago have found housing. But the Nickelodeons who put up tents at the Greater Baptist Church on 2425 S. Jackson St. represent only about 60 of the 3,000 plus homeless in the greater Seattle area.
As the campers, who now include several couples and even a couple of dogs set up camp, Richard, one of the original Nickelodeons questioned whether things are much better with Nickels out of office.
``We want to talk to the new Mayor (Mike McGinn) about finding a permanent place for Nickelsville,'' said Richard. ``We talked to him once, before he took office, but since then...''
The latest Nickelsville site is a little larger than there previous home at New Hope Chuch but still much too small for Nickelsville to reach its ultimate goal of 1,000 campers. Without a permanent residence, Nickelsville will probably just move to another temporary home in 90 days.
Throughout its existence Nickelsville has relied on the kindness of strangers to keep going. Currently on the wish list are bottled water, blankets, nails, and 7x7,
8x8 tents.
Visit Nickelsville behind the Greater Mt. Baptist Church, one block East of 23rd Ave. in the Central District.
That was the gleeful exclamation of a Nickelsville resident after hammering in the final nail to set up his new tent at Nickelsville's (tenth) newest site. There was some humor in the statement but one more member of Seattle's homeless community could sleep with something over his head.
It's been a long and ongoing journey for the homeless encampment named after former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. Fortunately, several of the original residents who made camp in South Park almost a year and a half ago have found housing. But the Nickelodeons who put up tents at the Greater Baptist Church on 2425 S. Jackson St. represent only about 60 of the 3,000 plus homeless in the greater Seattle area.
As the campers, who now include several couples and even a couple of dogs set up camp, Richard, one of the original Nickelodeons questioned whether things are much better with Nickels out of office.
``We want to talk to the new Mayor (Mike McGinn) about finding a permanent place for Nickelsville,'' said Richard. ``We talked to him once, before he took office, but since then...''
The latest Nickelsville site is a little larger than there previous home at New Hope Chuch but still much too small for Nickelsville to reach its ultimate goal of 1,000 campers. Without a permanent residence, Nickelsville will probably just move to another temporary home in 90 days.
Throughout its existence Nickelsville has relied on the kindness of strangers to keep going. Currently on the wish list are bottled water, blankets, nails, and 7x7,
8x8 tents.
Visit Nickelsville behind the Greater Mt. Baptist Church, one block East of 23rd Ave. in the Central District.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Are things getting better???
The past few years have been tumultuous for Seattle's homeless community. First, there were the homeless encampment sweeps; the formation of Nickelsville, which was chased around the city, a scenario that would be funny if it wasn't disgusting; and some Nickelsville supporters were even arrested and headed for trial before City Attorney Tom Carr wisely aborted the case. It's no wonder homeless advocates let out a sigh of relief the day Mayor Greg Nickels left office.
But are things really any better? The Parks and Recreation Department has come up with a code of conduct that could be approved next month. The new code could give city employers the right to scoop backpacks or other personal items left unattended. Plus, there are provisions against blocking entrances and walkways that could be widely interpreted to make parks less welcoming to the homeless.
Then there was the recent one-night count of the homeless. A total of 2,759 homeless were counted on the streets by volunteers from 2 to 6 AM on Jan. 29.
The Seattle Times trumpeted that homelessness is down five percent. But who really knows? Apparently, sweeps did take place just before the one-night stand. More shelters have opened and people might have been a little better hiding out this year.
Have we reached a point where a certain amount of homelessness is accepted. Next we'll be hearing that it's good news that the homeless rate only went up five percent this year instead of ten.
No, a change of Mayors isn't going to solve all of our problems.
But are things really any better? The Parks and Recreation Department has come up with a code of conduct that could be approved next month. The new code could give city employers the right to scoop backpacks or other personal items left unattended. Plus, there are provisions against blocking entrances and walkways that could be widely interpreted to make parks less welcoming to the homeless.
Then there was the recent one-night count of the homeless. A total of 2,759 homeless were counted on the streets by volunteers from 2 to 6 AM on Jan. 29.
The Seattle Times trumpeted that homelessness is down five percent. But who really knows? Apparently, sweeps did take place just before the one-night stand. More shelters have opened and people might have been a little better hiding out this year.
Have we reached a point where a certain amount of homelessness is accepted. Next we'll be hearing that it's good news that the homeless rate only went up five percent this year instead of ten.
No, a change of Mayors isn't going to solve all of our problems.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
New sheriff in town
New City Attorney Peter Holmes has received some attention recently for his statements about not prosecuting marijuana users. But on Thursday night we got the opportunity to ask (one of) Seattle's newest public officials about his views on Nickelsville, Tent Cities, sweeps of homeless ecampments and the city's take on homeless issues.
``I believe Nickelsville - if it's still called that- should have a permanent home. Homelessness is a problem that's not going away.'' Holmes was speaking at Night Cap, a new feature sponsored by Town Hall. Josh Feit and Erica C. Barnett from Publicola took the stage with Holmes, who's been in office all of two weeks.
On the surface it appears that Holmes and Mayor Mike McGinn are taking a more laissez-faire approach to things than their predecessors- former Mayor Greg Nickels and City Attorney Tom Carr. But while Holmes and McGinn haven't declared war on the homeless it sounds like the city will take action if neighbors complain about a homeless site.
``The mayor's office has a system if neighbors complain,'' Holmes explained. ``People will get a warning and no property will be destroyed. There's a handbook that the city uses that was put together with the help of the ACLU and homeless organizations. There are safeguards to protect belongings from being destroyed.'' Holmes added that no one has complained to his office about homeless camps in the two weeks he's been in office.
Of course, it will be the Mayor who'll set the agenda for how the city of Seattle deals with the homeless. However, Holmes said that he's looking forward to the city renewing its' agreement with Tent City 3 and said that he will take part in the one-night homeless count that takes place at the end of January.
``I believe Nickelsville - if it's still called that- should have a permanent home. Homelessness is a problem that's not going away.'' Holmes was speaking at Night Cap, a new feature sponsored by Town Hall. Josh Feit and Erica C. Barnett from Publicola took the stage with Holmes, who's been in office all of two weeks.
On the surface it appears that Holmes and Mayor Mike McGinn are taking a more laissez-faire approach to things than their predecessors- former Mayor Greg Nickels and City Attorney Tom Carr. But while Holmes and McGinn haven't declared war on the homeless it sounds like the city will take action if neighbors complain about a homeless site.
``The mayor's office has a system if neighbors complain,'' Holmes explained. ``People will get a warning and no property will be destroyed. There's a handbook that the city uses that was put together with the help of the ACLU and homeless organizations. There are safeguards to protect belongings from being destroyed.'' Holmes added that no one has complained to his office about homeless camps in the two weeks he's been in office.
Of course, it will be the Mayor who'll set the agenda for how the city of Seattle deals with the homeless. However, Holmes said that he's looking forward to the city renewing its' agreement with Tent City 3 and said that he will take part in the one-night homeless count that takes place at the end of January.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Rally for Basic Health
While Governor Christine Gregoire will be giving her ``State of the State'' message next Tuesday (Jan 12) in Olympia a group called Sisters Organize for Survival will hold a State of Emergency Rally for Basic Health. As part of a campaign to defend the state Basic Health Plan, S.O.S will rally on the capitol steps while Gregoire addresses the legislature. S.O.S is calling for the reversal of cuts to Basic Health and other life-and-death services by instituting a tax on the wealthy and cooperate profits. The group also has over 3,000 signatures supporting Basic Health to be hand-delivered to elected officials that day.
Washington state has the most regressive taxes in the country. With a state sales tax system, the poorest pay 17 percent of their income in taxes and the rich only three percent. When a person earns their second million dollars it's untaxed; financial consultants are untaxed. S.O.S supports a progressive income tax. ``Basic Health along with other social services and public education could be funded by taxing the profits of the largest corporations and the incomes of the state's wealthiest -including the tens of thousnads of millionaires who reside here,'' says Gina Petry, S.O.S. coordinator.
For anyone wishing to travel to Olympia next Tuesday, carpools will leave from New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S. at 9:00am. For more information call (206) 722-6057, http://www.savebasichealth.org/. Donations welcome.
Washington state has the most regressive taxes in the country. With a state sales tax system, the poorest pay 17 percent of their income in taxes and the rich only three percent. When a person earns their second million dollars it's untaxed; financial consultants are untaxed. S.O.S supports a progressive income tax. ``Basic Health along with other social services and public education could be funded by taxing the profits of the largest corporations and the incomes of the state's wealthiest -including the tens of thousnads of millionaires who reside here,'' says Gina Petry, S.O.S. coordinator.
For anyone wishing to travel to Olympia next Tuesday, carpools will leave from New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S. at 9:00am. For more information call (206) 722-6057, http://www.savebasichealth.org/. Donations welcome.
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