Seattle City Wire

Seattle City Council Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis said he plans to introduce legislation during the next City Council meeting that will change out Seattle engages with those who are living in unauthorized encampments, according to a news release.

The legislation will create the Unsheltered Outreach and Response Team, which would help with the city's outreach efforts with contracted providers.

“Until we stand up more enhanced shelter and permanent supportive housing, the City cannot make credible offers of shelter to everyone who needs it,” Lewis said in the news release. “Therefore, it is imperative that campers are engaged by people equipped to build trust and help manage the encampment so that it can be safe and hygienic while residents work to exit homelessness. Our contracted service providers are the skilled liaisons best equipped to build that trust.”

Several organizations also work in the outreach program and would work with the response team.

“This new approach empowers the frontline workers with the skills and relationships to best serve unsheltered people in our city,” Colleen Echohawk, the executive director of the Chief Seattle Club said in the release. “I appreciate Councilmember Lewis for setting the table for a collaborative partnership between City government and the experts in compassionate outreach.”