The University of Washington looking is at potential sites on its Seattle campus that could host a tent city. The news came at a forum on homelessness held last night at Seattle University.
Denzil Suite, UW’s vice president of student affairs, said his university is committed to doing something about the homeless crisis in Seattle.
“Our conversations are focusing on what is the best way to do so, whether it’s hosting a tent city, or partnering with other schools or agencies who are sheltering the homeless or providing health care services to the this community,” he said.
About 200 people turned out for the event, including dozens of students wanting to know how they can help the people living on the streets they encounter every day. The audience was riveted by the personal story of Susan Russell who has been homeless off and on for years.
“I have been robbed; I have been raped; I have been beaten; I have been harassed by the police,” Russell told the crowd.
Last January, more than 3,000 men women and children were counted living on the streets in King County.
Students hungry to do more to help those in need heard two bits of advice. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray told them to lobby elected officials to do more. Homeless advocate and photographer, Rex Hohlbein, says the simple act of making eye contact and saying hello to a person without shelter can give that individual just enough hope to get through the day.
Susan Russell, the woman who shared how dangerous homelessness can be, is now in temporary housing. She said it will expire any day. She doesn’t know where she’s going to go to next.
