See the below release from the Low Income Housing Institute announcing the opening of the new Licton Springs Village homeless encampment. Together, Teamster Locals 174, 763, 117, and Joint Council 28 donated two of the houses, and also Local 174’s members at The Boeing Company delivered the homes from Olympia to Seattle. The first person to move into the homes was a homeless veteran who had been camping in Woodland Park.
Great job Teamsters at continuing the fight for economic and social justice!!
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April 6, 2017
On April 5th, The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) and our partner SHARE celebrated the opening of Licton Springs Village, the sixth City of Seattle sanctioned homeless encampment. The site features 30 tiny houses, counseling offices, a kitchen tent, and a “Kingdome” and “Queendome” that will be used for emergency overflow shelter when all the tiny houses are filled.
Philip Holt of SHARE thanked everyone for coming, saying “This gift of tiny houses will give us a greater sense of community.”
Kevin Whatley, neighbor and member of Aurora Licton Urban Village (ALUV), gave the village an impassioned welcome to the neighborhood. “If you are reasonable, reasonable solutions will work. We need to roll up our sleeves and pitch in. With the village providing litter patrols, the neighborhood will be cleaner, removing needles from the ground, and there will be more eyes on the neighborhood.” Kevin went on to announce that ALUV will be using their city fund allocation for a public art project to beautify the entrance to the village.
Elizabeth Dahl of Aurora Commons also welcomed the village, saying, “Some of our friends will no longer struggle to find a safe and warm place to sleep. This village will remove the torment of having nowhere to go.”
The Mayor’s Director of Homelessness George Scarola praised eveyone who had worked on the village. “The secret is community. These programs work on a foundation of shared experience informing hard work.”
James Kahn, aide to Councilmember Kshama Sawant urged for more enlightened taxation policies that will raise the funds to house everyone.
LIHI Executive Director Sharon Lee thanked everyone, saying “LIHI will be installing heat and light in the tiny houses as well as shower pavilions at both Licton Springs and Georgetown Villages.” Lucky Seven Foundation awarded a $60,000 challenge grant for help with building showers and laundry facility at Licton Springs and Georgetown Villages. Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar.
Volunteers and supporters continue to play an integral role in developing an effective response to ending homelessness. For information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Josh Castle. For information about LIHI’s tiny house villages or to schedule a tour, contact Bradford Gerber.
To donate to LIHI’s Tiny House Program, please visit Donate.
To donate food or prepared meals, please visit SHARE/WHEEL Licton Springs Village