7 spots considered for permanent homeless camp

KOMO News has obtained a list of potential permanent sites for the encampment.

About 100 people currently call Nickelsville home. The tents are currently set up in the city's University District. But the tents and the camp's tenants have had to move every 90 days.

"Ninety days isn't a long time. It seems just when you get comfortable, you've got to get ready to move," said Nickelsville resident Falcon W.

Nickelsville isn't meant to be permanent housing for anyone; it's meant to serve as a temporary shelter that allows people to get back on their feet.

"Well, many of the people in Nickelsville, as well as tent cities, are working. They have jobs and their desire is to get out of homelessness," said Michael Ramos.

And now there's a push to find this homeless camp a permanent spot of land.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn put together a task force to make recommendations, and one includes a permanent location.

"Just having land is all we need. And we can build from there," said Nate Martin, Nickelsville's bookkeeper.

The homeless camp already operates as a small town with arbitrators who lead and settle disagreements, as well as security that makes sure everyone follows the rules.

The camp's residents are looking forward to the possibility of a garden that might come with a permanent site. A garden would allow residents to grow food in the ground instead of in containers as they do now.

The following are the potential permanent homes:

Interbay Substation - 3222 17th Ave. W
Industrial Way Median - Industrial Way S. & Adams St.
Berm - 35th Avenue W. & SW Edmunds Street
Smith Cove -1451 23rd Ave. W.
SDOT Sign Shop Property - Airport Way S. And S. Snoqualmie Street
Delridge Substation - 5601 SW 23rd St.
Excess Property - 12098 Stone Ave. N.

Interactive Google Map:

View Proposed Homeless Camp Locations in a larger map