I suppose the Seattle Times won't publish it, so here was my letter in response to Mayor Harrell proposing sales tax increases (!) to fund non-police responses. Today's budget release seems to include yet more money for cops.
This is a shortsighted, cynical and immoral budget proposal that steals revenue intended to address homelessness by building homes so the city can pay more cops more to sweep and harass those without homes. For good measure it cuts funding to the city department that does permitting and is already often a bottleneck for construction! Also somehow cuts funding for the department that makes sure folks can WATCH how the city operates.
#Seattle #HarrellHorrorShow https://mstdn.social/@urbanistorg/113200094077315958
Attached: 1 image NEW STORY // Harrell Swipes Affordable Housing Dollars to Backfill Budget, Reduce Service Cuts via @urbanistorg // 🔗 https://www.theurbanist.org/2024/09/25/harrell-swipes-affordable-housing-dollars-to-backfill-budget-reduce-service-cuts/?feed_id=4218&_unique_id=66f4736243361
An inside look into the shelters in San Francisco. The city now wants to arrest homeless people who refuse shelter. Which is horrific. This report shows why some people would rather be on the streets than in the shelter. Not to mention, just a few weeks ago there was a story about a refugee who came here to SF, went to a shelter, contracted a bad infection and lost her limbs. Truly horrendous situation all around for the homeless here. https://missionlocal.org/2024/09/sf-homeless-shelters-street-bed-navigation-centers/ https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/09/migrant-mom-loses-limbs-after-staying-in-sanfrancisco-homeless-shelter/
Great news on a decrease in overdose deaths: https://www.npr.org/2024/09/18/nx-s1-5107417/overdose-fatal-fentanyl-death-opioid
The article talks to actual people who have overdosed or been around others who have who cite availability of naloxone (often handed our by mutual aid groups or passed around when folks gather) & people being in groups to watch over each when drugs are used.
Both of these communal activities become harder with the "stay out" policy #Seattle city council just passed. Background: https://www.theurbanist.org/2024/09/16/seattles-stay-out-orders-and-encampment-sweeps-continue-trend-toward-criminalization/ #HarrellHorrorShow
On Thursday partner helped out at a sweep in SODO. The police there to make sure all people, belongings and vehicles moved ... except for illegally parked cars presumably owned by housed people rather than unhoused ones. Those didn't have to move.
The same location a couple days later has folks setting up tailgate parties in the no parking zone the fact of which has been used repeatedly to sweep people. #StopTheSweeps #HarrellHorrorShow #Seattle
Rachael
Rachael L