As of 2024, roughly 16,800 individuals experience homelessness in King County, showing a significant increase each year. This has citizens wondering what implementations have been made to end this crisis, especially in one of Seattle’s neighborhoods with the densest unhoused population: Little Saigon. Most notably, the intersection of 12th and Jackson, which Seattle politicians have called a hotspot for crime and homelessness.
In an attempt to displace the homeless population, Seattle’s former mayor Bruce Harrell expanded the police force and administered power washing 3 times daily to deter unhoused individuals who gravitate towards the intersection. Conversely, Mayor-elect Katie Wilson has proposed rehabilitation-focused policies with housing at the forefront.
Some argue that Harrel’s implementations are not competent, nor are they long-term solutions to individuals experiencing homelessness. For example, Lincoln history teacher, Mr. D’Amico states “we are not going to address homelessness unless we address housing, that is what the city of Seattle will do everything but address.” Additionally, business owners in Little Saigon are also dissatisfied by city initiatives to address homelessness and crime in the area…