KENT, WASHINGTON – In a shocking exploration of the ongoing homelessness crisis in Seattle, video journalists Nick Shirley and Jonathan Choe have released a video titled “Deep Inside a Hidden Homeless Camp in the Woods” on YouTube, providing a never before seen look into the lives of those living in a secluded encampment in Kent, just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle.
Uploaded on December 30, 2024, the video delves into the harsh realities faced by individuals who have sought refuge in the forest after being displaced from urban areas.
The video begins with Shirley and Choe navigating through a landscape marked by concrete and plastic barriers, remnants of where homeless encampments once stood openly. This area, previously notorious for being a hub of not just homelessness but also criminal activities like vehicle theft and drug trafficking, has now pushed its residents deeper into the woods.
Upon entering the forest, they encounter individuals who refer to themselves as “survivors,” living in tents and makeshift shelters, some of which have been there for years. The journalists document the lives of several residents, including a man named Kenny, who explains his choice to live in the woods primarily due to the attachment he has to his pet, which most shelters do not accommodate. Another resident, Marcus, highlights the lack of outreach from the city in his opinion, stating it’s been over a year since any official has checked on their well-being or offered assistance.