(The Center Square) – Facing homelessness, around 70 refugee families formerly living in the Tukwila encampment sought immediate help from the Seattle City, but received none.
The refugees stem from countries including Venezuela, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Refugees told The Center Square that they were taken to the Quality Inn located in Kent due to the health risks for pregnant women and children at the Riverton Park United Methodist Church encampment.
The asylum seekers were staying at the hotel from Jan. 10 through Jan. 30. Facing eviction from the hotel, the refugees called on the Seattle City Council to utilize immediate emergency funds for temporary housing costs, as well as allocate funds for permanent shelter, attorney fees, and help obtaining work permits.
Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore said that the city can’t simply write a check to pay for short-term housing or open up shelters, but said her office has reached out to the Seattle Mayor and King County Executive Offices.