Seattle sees progress in reducing homelessness downtown, but housing advocates say more work remains

SEATTLE — Seattle city leaders have promised to do more to combat the homeless crisis, and a few months into the new year, people are noticing some changes.

Both residents and housing advocates say they are seeing fewer tents on downtown streets.

Jon Scholes, president and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, believes a revitalization is underway,

“A year ago, we had 140 tents in different locations in downtown. Today, maybe 10 or 12,” said Scholes. “Downtown is reopened. It’s safer, more welcoming than it was a year ago.”

And more progress could soon be on the way,

The King County Regional Homelessness Authority tells KIRO 7 its currently working to move more than 200 people inside, targeting three areas in downtown and the Chinatown-International District.

Compass Housing Alliance Executive Director Mary Steele agrees that improvements are visible but says work is still desperately needed.

“The regional homelessness authority identified about 900 or so people who are still outside. So there are a lot of people who are still out there,” said Steele.

Steele said the improvement is likely a mixture of people getting help but also the product of unsheltered people being pushed out of downtown.

A spokesperson for Mayor Bruce Harrell said addressing homelessness not just downtown but throughout Seattle is a top priority for his administration this year. The city is also investing $97 million toward outreach, new shelters and other homelessness services.

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