Tiny house village for homeless women opens in Whittier Heights

Geeky Swedes Ballard

After months of volunteer work, Seattle’s first sanctioned homeless camp dedicated to women is now open, and residents are moving in today.

Managed by the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), the Whittier Heights Tiny House Village — located at 8030 15th Ave. NW — features 15 tiny homes. The City Light building on site has been refurbished as a community area with restrooms, showers and laundry. Most of the houses were built by all-women teams of volunteers and carpenters, led by Women4Women.

LIHI says staff will be on the property around the clock to enforce a code of conduct and ensure a safe, clean environment. A case manager will assist residents to find long-term housing, employment and healthcare.

Some neighbors have expressed concerns about the new village — especially those located directly across the alley to the east. That side of the village is fenced off from the alley, and the sole entrance is located on 15th Ave. NW. The site is bordered by Homestreet Bank to the north and Duo apartments to the south.

The village was the site of Mayor Durkan’s announcement in May to ramp up short-term efforts to get homeless people off the streets. After Nickelsville moved out of Ballard in March, the village is the only sanctioned camp in the neighborhood.

Geeky Swedes

The founders of My Ballard

57 thoughts to “Tiny house village for homeless women opens in Whittier Heights”

  1. Enjoy the crime, Whittier Heights.
    Ballard sure has been “improved” by the presence of the people overdosing in the park, stealing from cars, and dealing drugs in front of the library. PROGRESSIVE

  2. Its not that they are allowed to do Heroin and Crystal Meth inside of the camp that is the problem, (which is insane) but its where do all their friends stay when they want to come and visit or when they show up randomly hoping to get in… When they are not admitted or get kicked out do they start setting up shop at Loyal Heights Community Center Field? or Baker Park? or Soundview? or Crown Hill Cemetary? Crown Hill Park? We know they will set up shop someplace-

  3. Good news is their sh*t faced boyfriends with anger issues won’t be let in so can just wander the neighborhood entertaining themselves.

  4. I see a bunch of negative predictions that didn’t come true for the encampment on Market St. Some people just don’t like helping people. SAD!!

    1. Do you live under a rock?
      Try going down to Commons Park, Market Street, Bergen Place, Ballard Library, or simply follow the SPD tweets for the North Precinct. Seattle certainly “suffers fools”.

      1. Don’t forget the devastating environmental damage next to The Locks due to the many, many unauthorized encampments that kept on springing up in the woods. Good look for one of our largest tourist spots in the city.

        1. Yep. The City Council banned plastic straws but doesn’t care about festering piles of unknown toxic trash, needles and waste everywhere, not to mention the byproducts of the RV meth operations and chemical toilet dumping in the gutters.

          Have we reached “peak stupid” yet?

          1. If it was a corporation that dropped 100’s of thousands of needles and metric tons of human waste all over our community O’Brien and the bunch would be on a crusade. Shows how hypocritical they are when it comes to the environment. O’Briens Sierra Club membership should be revoked due to the sheer damage of OUR environment that he has allowed

        2. Maybe you were both living under a rock, or just not paying attention, but the unauthorized Locks encampment and Commons issues were there before the the authorized Market encampment. If you’re going to make a statements like that, then prove it with facts.

          1. Actually, the commons “issues” were pre-existing but the Locks encampment was not. I was surprised at how nice and tidy the Nickelsville houses worked out to be. In isolation, they were a positive part of the neighborhood. But the immediate vicinity deteriorated rapidly (I watched it happen) – I feel there was a correlation. This situation is not the fault of the tiny houses denizens and supporters as much as the city – which will not take practical policing measures to keep the surrounding areas safe. I hope they will increase policing around this new tiny house village so that it, too, can be have a positive impact. If they do not, I agree that all the pearl clutching predictions described above are actually – likely to come true!

      2. Most of these people live in the city US News ranked #10 nationally in quality of life. The one ranked #3 in livability by the AARP. Gallup’s best job creators index pegged Seattle a 15th. They live in the city Forbes ranked 3rd in the nation for business and careers. Hottest real estate market in the country. That city.

        Everybody else sees a vibrant, healthy, growing city whose worst problems are an excess of the good things: wealth and construction and job growth.

        Paint a phony picture of “urban decay” and everyone thinks you’re crazy.

        1. Seattle is also ranked #1 or #2 in Property Crime out of the 20 largest Metro Areas…. and most of the property crime in this city isn’t even reported!!

          1. That’s not what “ranked” means, you know. Like you don’t rank sports teams by how many penalty kicks, free throws or touchdowns they have in a season. They *are* statistics, but they are different statistics. You could make a list with your baseball and soccer and football and basketball and synchronized swimming team numbers all jumbled together and call it “ranking”, but it’s nonsense.

            The FBI released city crime data and said very loudly and clearly that the data should NOT be used to make comparisons between cities. The reason is that each city reports crime differently.

            Here’s a simple example: one city will make a crime report if you hear someone jimmying your back door, but they run away before actually getting in. Other cities don’t keep a record of attempted break ins. Both cities could have the same rate of attempted break ins, but one is reporting all of them and the other is not. You can’t compare the two.

            Seattle did not “rank” #1 or #2 in property crime. It’s a transparent lie worthy of a Donald Trump rally. Safe Seattle and their fellow loons can go on repeating it, but it’s a lie.

            There’s a mountain of other evidence that contradicts it. Everywhere you look, whether it’s jobs or real estate or general quality of life, Seattle is doing quite well. No evidence at all of rampant crime.

            And no evidence of unreported crime either. None. It’s a made up lie. “Unreported crime” is one of those made-up theories that had to be invented to explain away the obvious contradictions in this “urban decay” narrative. The conspiracy theories, the supposed city council and police corruption, the lunatics have to keep weaving more and more elaborate stories to paper over the glaring flaws in their story.

          2. Beat:J2, THEFT – CAR PROWL at 83XX BLOCK OF LOYAL WY NW reported on 7/11/2018 4:43 PM, Call# 18000254727

            SeattlePD Boy 1
            @SeattlePDB1
            Beat:B1, AUTO THEFT at 15XX BLOCK OF NW 57 ST reported on 7/11/2018 4:22 PM, Call# 18000254704

            @SeattlePDB3
            Beat:B3, LICENSE PLATE THEFT OR LOSS at 44XX BLOCK OF THACKERAY PL NE reported on 7/11/2018 4:14 PM, Call# 18000254604

            @SeattlePDJ3
            Beat:J3, THEFT – CAR PROWL at 60XX BLOCK OF 6 AV NE reported on 7/11/2018 3:34 PM, Call# 18000254330

            @SeattlePDJ3
            Beat:J3, ASSAULTS, OTHER at N 85 ST / CORLISS WY N reported on 7/11/2018 2:03 PM, Call# 18000254557

            @SeattlePDJ2
            Beat:J2, AUTO THEFT at 6 AV NW / NW 73 ST reported on 7/11/2018 1:45 PM, Call# 18000254248

            @SeattlePDB2
            Beat:B2, NARCOTICS, DRUG TRAFFIC LOITERING at 51XX BLOCK OF 14 AV NW reported on 7/11/2018 12:42 PM, Call# 18000254393

            @SeattlePDJ1
            Beat:J1, PROWLER at 95XX BLOCK OF DAYTON AV N reported on 7/11/2018 3:11 AM, Call# 18000253940

            @SeattlePDJ3
            Beat:J3, HARASSMENT, THREATS at GREENWOOD AV N / N 84 ST reported on 7/11/2018 12:22 AM, Call# 18000253540

          3. So you are saying that these crimes are directly related to sanctioned homeless camps, like the one mentioned in the story? Because tha’st what the story here is about. Prove that these crimes you posted are directly related to this story or you comment is irrelevant to this story.

          4. No, I’m saying these crimes were all committed by misunderstood “valuable community members”. Bigot.

          5. Bigot? Uh, ok, So since you unable to intelligently answer my question as to whether of not the above list of crimes is directly related to the sanctioned types of encampments, you call me a bigot? I want the property crimes to stop, the police to be able to do their jobs, the council and other politicians to be held accountable, just like most others, but I also believe in community AND helping people in need. You trolling and calling me a bigot is far from helpful and makes you look like the actual bigot.

          6. In theory I support helping the needy, however, it is obvious to all except for those with meth sized holes in their brains that “Homeless Inc” is a big racket we’re all forced to pay for, only to suffer from the results. That “bigot” was sarcasm, since anyone fed up with being accosted by crackheads and junkies is now a “bigot”.

            Let’s have a look at what’s on today’s menu, shall we?

            Beat:B1, FIGHT DISTURBANCE at 22 AV NW / NW MARKET ST reported on 7/12/2018 11:14 AM, Call# 18000255753

            Beat:J1, AUTO THEFT at 87XX BLOCK OF 2 AV NW reported on 7/12/2018 11:58 AM, Call# 18000255776

            Beat:J2, BURGLARY – RESIDENTIAL, UNOCCUPIED at 6XX BLOCK OF NW 81 ST reported on 7/12/2018 10:21 AM, Call# 18000255592

            Beat:J2, BURGLARY – RESIDENTIAL, OCCUPIED at 73XX BLOCK OF 11 AV NW reported on 7/12/2018 9:42 AM, Call# 18000255483

            Beat:B3, BURGLARY – COMMERCIAL at 35XX BLOCK OF WOODLAND PARK AV N reported on 7/12/2018 7:13 AM, Call# 18000255395

            Beat:J2, BURGLARY – RESIDENTIAL, UNOCCUPIED at 77XX BLOCK OF 11 AV NW reported on 7/12/2018 5:55 AM, Call# 18000255296

            Beat:J2, BURGLARY – UNOCCUPIED STRUCTURE ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY at 77XX BLOCK OF 23 AV NW reported on 7/12/2018 4:29 AM, Call# 18000255407

            Beat:J2, HARASSMENT, THREATS at 65XX BLOCK OF 22 AV NW reported on 7/12/2018 4:22 AM, Call# 18000255034

          1. The only bums I see are on threads like this, denigrating their fellow human beings.

          3. Keep trolling. You keep getting downvoted. Maybe your vile opinions aren’t wanted in Ballard.

  5. “LIHI says staff will be on the property around the clock to enforce a code of conduct and ensure a safe, clean environment.”

    aside from all the meth and heroin you mean?

    1. With their dealers sauntering through the neighborhood. Also, right where middle school kids walk to school everyday.

      What could go wrong?

  6. What’s crazy to me is that all of the people who try to argue that this stuff (needles, garbage, feces, toxic waste) isn’t happening when in fact it is…. understand the concept of “Leave no Trace” when they are in the mountains or in the wilderness… yet for some reason refuse to have that apply to their own neighborhood. There is no difference people.. “Leave no Trace” means exactly that and if you think there is a difference than YOU are the problem.

    1. Nobody is claiming these things never happen. What you’re being told is that there is no evidence that these kinds of nuisances and inconveniences that are typical of any city are growing out of control. There is no evidence that these nuisances are having a serious impact, other than in the minds of a small group of paranoids who watch too much Fox News and spend too much time on Nextdoor.com.

      1. ” There is no evidence that these nuisances are having a serious impact”

        Exactly. Working mom at the car dealership was only slightly inconvenienced.

        1. Yeah, like you even had any idea how many sexual assaults had happened this year until that one hit the news and you could pin it on your hate group’s boogeyman. Over at KIRO and Dori Monson and Jason Rantz’s show, they’re all about “believe women” aren’t they?

          One rape (that you know of) did happen. Nobody ever told you the rate of sexual assault was zero. But it’s a fact which has been demonstrated to you many times, in many different ways, that crime is not out of control, and it is in fact at a far lower rate than in recent years. It has been this low, with typical annual variation, for at least the last decade.

          It’s also been demonstrated that homeless people are not a cause of crime, and that they do not commit crimes at a greater rate than anyone else. The vast majority of rapes — over 90% — are by acquaintances. People with jobs, and houses.

          You don’t care at all about that 90%. You’re not demanding sweeps or background checks to do anything about that 90%. All you want is to persecute this specific minority because they are poor.

          You’re angry because you see too many poor people.

          1. No…. I would rather see poor people get housed instead of living in the streets… But you don’t.
            No… I would rather see the money go directly to the people who WANT a hand up…. But you don’t.
            No…. I would rather see our city manage our money in a responsible way… But you don’t.
            No… I want to see criminals prosecuted for their crimes… But you don’t

            AND No…. I want my son to grow up in a city that actually does something about the environment (Act Locally instead of Globally), than do lip service…. AND you certainly don’t

          2. So as soon as someone points out a serious impact your answer is “look, squirrel!”.

          3. Elenchos, much like Tumblr, does the following:

            1) Plays down ACTUAL crimes as “rare” or “not representative” of whomever. Did you just read a newspaper article about the very crimes he/she says aren’t occuring? Clearly you are being biased.

            2) Accuse entire groups of guilt by association for crimes committed by long-dead ancestors centuries earlier, and insist these things still occur regularly without any evidence. The Pioneers were “evil” but MS13 or some local heroin dealer like Che Taylor are some kind of victim. Always avoid any mention of law enforcement tactics in places like the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, Venezuela, Cuba, Turkey or any other “diverse” place that is obviously much better than “evil” America.

            3) Call everyone who cites evidence contrary to ridiculous statements as “hate group” “Nazis” “Russian Bots” etc.

            Elenchos, did you ever move to Canada to escape all the evil Trump racists? In any case your grasp of evil gringo language is getting better with your use of paragraphs. Did you order anything on Amazon today?

          4. It’s always the same thing: everything rests on a few well chosen anecdotes. Nobody ever said there was zero crime. Citing the existence of individual crimes doesn’t disprove the fact that there is not a crime wave. It disproves a straw man claim that we live in a utopian gated community.

            You guys trumpet a few individual car prowls and never admit that the car theft rate is ONE FOURTH what it was just a dozen years ago. And so on.

            You never explain why retail space gets snapped up so readily by businesses, or why workers continue to flock the city. If people were discovering a crime-ridden hellscape, they’d LEAVE. Or something.

            One thing they would do is vote for Scott Lindsey. Or Catherine Weatbrook. Or sixth or seventh place primary loser Harley Lever. You’re claiming real people are experiencing terrible crime and urban blight. You’re calming it’s there in the daily lives of everyone.

            Why did Lindsey only get 25%? Why did Lever only get a fraction of what Nikkita Oliver or Mike McGinn got — and even that wouldn’t have been enough to be a contender.

            Not only is all the media and all parts of the government at all levels involved in this conspiracy to hide this urban decay, but the VOTERS are in on it too? Your story doesn’t add up. None of you guys has ever presented a convincing case for why your version of the city sounds like Escape from New York and everyone else looks out their window and sees boring old Seattle.

            Look at Gene Balk’s numerous comments and articles demolishing this phony crime paranoia. None of you could come up with any kind of explanation. Balk was right because all he’s doing is describing the obvious meaning of very simple facts. Everyone agrees quality of life is high, everyone agrees real estate is in high demand, everyone agrees if you want to attract high-skill workers, offering the a life in Seattle is a good way to entice them. The police crime data agree with all those facts.

            All you guys have is some hand-waving oooga booga fairy tail about unreported crime and some kind of developer-city hall conspiracy that nobody can even make sense of.

            It’s not working. Nobody is buying it. Please think of a new angle. Make up a new story. Try something else. We all see you.

          5. Looks like I spoke too soon, you’re back to walls of hysterical text. You’re lucky to enjoy a country where we have civil debates about being ripped off by parasites, instead of one of your “preferred” nations where cruelty is the norm and people threatening locals and insulting their integrity are dealt with swiftly and severely.

            On behalf of Western Civilization and its founders: you’re welcome!

          6. The parasites are the people at the top of society, not the bottom. Duh. And western civilization is full of barbarity so get off your high horse.

          7. @Nick
            Yeah, huh. Let me know about Pakistan when you move, Genius.

  7. Go team!
    They need to start on the road to recovery somewhere!
    You are part of the problem or you are part of the solution!
    Cordially,
    Accessory Unit Dweller

  8. Fill up the city with junkie thieves, raise your taxes to pay for them, then FINE YOU $10,000 if you are too busy to report a stolen gun before it’s used by a junkie thief a day later. Bear in mind the junkie thieves get a few days in the clink then a hug and back on Pike/Pine or up here on Market Street.

    Here we are folks. Peak stupid. Peak hatred for property rights and public safety.

    1. How can you be TOO BUSY to report a stolen gun? Sounds like you are the problem. If you are a fine upstanding property owner – you should dang well report on your guns.

        1. “liberal pea brain”

          I have a theory why you guys get shut out of every election in one of the most liberal cities in the country.

        2. You should keep your weapons locked up LIKE I DO. You’re an idiot. NOT a responsible gun owner. Irresponsible, like most wing nuts.

          1. Yeah, and your unleashed pit bull will maul a child. I keep 8 guns under the bed in case some mutant, 5 gendered meth zombie breaks in the house to demand more taxes.

          2. Genius, the one percent are the ones squandering your tax money and shirking their tax obligations. Wake up.

  13. I’m living in wittier heights and first I would Like to thank all of you for your support what is it they were supposed to do we are not allowed visitors we’re just trying to get a start on life again and when there are people like you who give us such a vote of approval we’re doomed from the start . We are all women I’ve lived here since they opened which hasn’t been long and there has never been an overdose we have nothing to do with any of your complaints these things have been happening all over Seattle and will continue to happen all over Seattle regardless of a small group of us that are trying to make it

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