KIRKLAND, Wash. — King County’s efforts to help the homeless received pushback as parents are filing lawsuits against the supportive housing unit that was bought near an elementary school.
Back in March, King County bought the La Quinta Inn through its “Health Through Housing” initiative.
This is the second location for supportive housing that critics say is too close to schools.
Mike Raskin says his children attend school near the site.
“L.A. passed a rule saying they don’t want homeless within 500 feet of a school because of some of the things happening down there. We’re pro-homeless, we’re supportive of homeless facilities in Kirkland, just not next to a school.”
Kirkland Deputy City Manager Jim Lopez says focus groups are engaging the public about the project and says the city is working with the county to firm up protocols to ensure the facility is run safely.
King County has highlighted other hotel purchases like the one in Auburn and Renton that are in business districts, which are far from schools.
Kirkland and King County says they are both reviewing the lawsuit.