SEATTLE — In the heart of South Lake Union near Eighth Avenue and Aloha Street, a new village is taking shape.
On Tuesday, volunteers put the finishing touches on 22 120-square-foot homes that will eventually house about 30 men and women who are currently living on the streets.
The project has been in the works for months and KIRO 7 first reported about plans for this village in the spring.
When neighbors found out, many voiced concerns over safety, given it is a low-barrier facility.
But the people running the camp, who are with the Low Income Housing Institute, said safety will be a priority.
“There will be security on site 24/7,” said Josh Castle, the institute's Director of Community Engagement.
“There will also be one entry and one exit, and people will have to sign a code of conduct to stay at this camp,” Castle said.
Just a week ago, the city announced that Licton Springs, the first low-barrier camp, in which drugs and alcohol are allowed, will shut down after March of 2019.
KIRO 7 found crimes have spiked near the camp since it opened.
The SLU Tiny Village will not allow substance use in public spaces, including the bathroom, kitchen and community areas.
It is set to open by the end of October.
A woman who lives up the street from the camp told KIRO 7 she’s not too concerned about the new residents moving in.
“There might be some issues but I think, overall, it’s good,” said Tiana Morris. “If you go a few streets over, there are people camping on the streets anyway, so I don’t think it will make a huge difference.”
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