SEATTLE — Today is supposed to be opening day for the newest tiny house village in South Lake Union, located at 8th and Aloha.
The project has been controversial from the beginning in part because drugs and alcohol are allowed.
KIRO 7 has learned the first residents to move in may not make it here until early next week due to administrative delays.
According to the Low Income Housing Institute or LEHI, the City of Seattle’s navigation team is taking longer than expected transitioning people off the streets into this community.
But the staff said once the residents get here, they will get the help they need.
“From here they can work with case managers to look for work, look for housing, access services and get to a better place,” said Josh Castle, LEHI’s Advocacy and Community Engagement Director.
This village houses 22 homes, all donated and built by volunteers.
The city of Seattle pays for operating costs which are expected to be around $300,000 a year.
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About 30 men and women are set to live in this village which will be low barrier, meaning residents don’t have to be clean or sober.
But drugs and alcohol use won’t be permitted in open community areas.
“The residents will be signing a code of conduct so they know the rules and everyone has to abide by that,” said Castle.
There will 24/7 security on site, along with surveillance cameras.
But one neighbor we spoke with said he still has concerns.
“I just hope there’s enough done to help patrol. We already have pretty heavy problem here in this area,” said Jim Rudd. “I would see more police presence, maybe. I don’t’ know.”