Homelessness

Statistics

The number of homeless encampments has increased immensely in the Ballard area. Over the last year the number of people living in parks specifically has grown to about 114 and the number of tents has doubled to around 64. The amount of people living on the streets in Seattle before COVID was about 3,700 and now there are many more because of COVID.

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City's Response

Seattle has started to remove some encampments and helped those living in them find places to stay, but their focus does not seem to be in the city of Ballard. It is also expensive and due to the pandemic they don’t have as many funds available to focus on helping individuals to get off the street.

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Neighbor's View

Citizens living in homes in the neighborhood of Ballard have also noticed that the amount of crime and violence in the area has increased over the past couple of months. The people who live permanently in the area have reached out to city officials to fix the issue and help the individuals suffering from homelessness for both those suffering and the residents sake. They want to live in a safer environment and due to the escalating violence, the city is getting worse. 

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Asset or Barrier?

This topic is a barrier because it has caused conflict in the community. Many residents in the community are upset with the amount of tents on their streets and especially in their parks because they feel that it is an unsafe environment for their children. They have encouraged the city to help individuals suffering from homelessness, but the city argues that they don't have enough resources to do so. There is some conflict between the residents of Ballard and government officials of Ballard on what to do about this issue, therefore it is a barrier to the neighborhood.

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Sources

Sun, Deedee. “Neighbors Increasingly Worried, Want Changes after Shooting at Ballard

Encampment.” KIRO 7 News Seattle, KIRO 7 News Seattle, 26 Aug. 2021, https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/neighbors-increasingly-worried-want-changes-after-shooting-ballard-encampment/3FNHJFCR3ZHETEPUOUTQNOJ2NU/. 

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Clarridge, Christine. “A Homeless Encampment Led Seattle to Close a Spray Park. What Does That Say about How the City Views Public Spaces?” The Seattle Times, The Seattle Times Company, 26 July 2021, https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/a-homeless-encampment-led-seattle-to-close-a-spray-park-what-does-that-say-about-how-the-city-views-public-spaces/.