Real Change News | Director’s Corner

November 26, 2008
Vol: 15 No: 49

Director's Corner

Director’s Corner

by: Timothy Harris , Executive Director

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One of the many ways in which I keep myself entertained is by watching Mayor Nickels’ evolving talking points on homeless encampments. The latest Bizzaro-world iteration of this is the mayor’s adamant assertion that Nickelsville is a “wildcat” protest encampment, initiated, if not entirely populated, by “homeless advocates.”

The encampment, which has routinely been filled by 90-100 homeless and has sometimes even had to turn away Nightwatch referrals, has provided a safe community for those who would otherwise struggle on their own to survive in the city’s parks and greenbelts.

While the mayor’s claim has been met with extreme skepticism and even ridicule, Nickels is sticking to his story. Why?

At issue is a rising tide of unmet survival needs in Seattle and the viability of the city’s strategy of holding the line on new shelter, while relying on the creation of housing with services to reduce the numbers of homeless people.

While there is little doubt that Nickelsville is aimed at the mayor and his inflexible policy of dismantling homeless survival encampments, the need that the camp serves in undeniably real.

A new distinction is emerging between Seattle’s deserving and undeserving poor: Those homeless who reside in the city’s overflowing shelter system are seen as legitimate, and those who do not are seen as recalcitrant criminals, or undeserving of services, support, or even acknowledgement.

The mayor’s dismissive approach to the survival needs of Seattle’s most impoverished residents cannot be allowed to go unchallenged. Real Change is leading the fight, and we need your support during our winter fund drive.

Please make a secure and fully tax-deductible online donation or send your gift to Real Change, at 2129 Second Ave., Seattle 98121.

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