In the past two years more than 600,000 individuals experienced homelessness at least one night during those twenty-four months. However, as agencies across the country spend billions of dollars to eradicate the situation, those being victimized by the effects are seemingly powerless.
One neighborhood tucked away within the city's Central District has become the source of a contentious debate as the area has become flooded with hundreds of tents, tarps, and sleeping bags in an effort to force the local government's hand.
Containing nearly 250 people, occupants consist of not only refugees sent to Seattle as part of a sponsored resettlement program but also so-called activists spurring the takeover as they did during the infamous CHOP protests that took place during the height of the pandemic.
The group who had previously resided in a handful of hotels near the airport in the city of Tukwila, ran short of housing funds after the family-run establishments threatened eviction after racking up more than 2 million dollars in unpaid room fees where costs can range from $80 to 95 dollars per night. Subsequently, in a midnight-hour attempt, they held a city hall meeting where the city's mayor provided additional funding for the next few days.
However, progressives in the region, that is known for providing gated tent parking lots,mini-tiny home villages, and subsidized housing programs, has taken the ordeal to a new level as they transported them to Garfield Park, a recreational area owned by Seattle Public Schools.
"They're missing school, they're being traumatized, and our city officials are not listening to us"- Neighborhood Resident
In addition to effectively holding the park hostage until their newest demands are met, as the move itself solicited a private donation of $50,000 to house the group for another week, reports indicate a possible repeat protest as tensions rise.
"This is not a good condition for children to be in"- Anonymous Resident
City officials who have had to shell out millions in lawsuits in recent years over protests in the area, have scrambled to come up with additional money which are prompting costs to quickly rise around $5,000 per day.
As the battle rages on, the park is currently deciding how to allocate a recent improvement grant of more than $2 million dollars.