'We are at a crossroads': Report shows King County homelessness has surged

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

King County’s homelessness population nearly doubled over the last two years, growing at the second-fastest rate in the country.

A report released this week by Challenge Seattle, an alliance of CEOs from the region's largest employers, shows the homelessness rate surged 42% annually in King County over the last five years — despite a 21% annual increase in funding for homeless services over that period.

The situation is urgent, said former Gov. Christine Gregoire, the Challenge Seattle CEO.

“We are at a crossroads,” she said. “We need to get our arms around this problem now and allow people to permanently exit this cycle.”

It’s not just King County seeing the growth. Statewide, the number of homeless individuals grew by 27%. In Spokane, it’s up by 29% and Clark County has seen an increase of 33%.

Gregoire believes county, city and state leaders need to change the approach to the problem. She points to San Diego County and Bakersfield, California, where homelessness rates have dropped significantly thanks to a data-backed approach.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2021/05/20/king-county-homelessness-soars.html

[fierywoman]

1. And what percent has the cost of a house gone up lately in King County?

As a renter, it's terrifying.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

3. Can't speak for King County but the cost in my neighborhood in Snohomish County is unreal.

Over the last two month homes have sold for 14% on average over list price. Some sort of bidding war must be going on.

$614,000 for a 1600 sq. ft. was one of the most ridiculous sales last month.

[captain queeg]

2. I think every town of any size has seen a huge surge over the last decade

They’ve always been there but the numbers have really multiplied. I think addiction and mental
Health are the biggest drivers at least for some. It seems to me there are a few subgroups. The really down and out living on the side of roads with a tent or some tarps. There also seems to be quite a few who live in some kind of vehicles; some kind of RV or camper, or just living in their car. At least those folks can lock their doors for a little safety. It’s bad and getting worse and I don’t see any systematic efforts to find a solution. I really don’t have any great ideas. Living that way when you are 20 or 30 is bad enough, but when I see elder people or kids it’s really heart breaking.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

4. It's complicated

No doubt addiction and mental health are drivers. But the cost of housing is also a factor.

It seems many of the entry level homes have been bought up by real estate investment trusts (REITs) who in turn rent them out. These investors are often able to outbid people who just looking for a place to live.

[demosincebirth]

5. Most don't want to accept the fact that most is drug and alcohol addiction