Issaquah Sammamish Interfaith Coalition

From the Ballard Community Taskforce on Homelessness and Hunger:
"Governor Newsom has ordered that homeless camps set up on public land in California must be swept. The ordered required that homeless people be "connected" to organizations offering services but allows those sweeps even if no places are offered for people to go. This follows the Supreme Court's recent decision on the Grants Pass case stating that such sweeps and any criminalization measures against homeless people are not cruel and unusual punishment. From NYT:

Eric Tars, senior policy director at the National Homelessness Law Center in Washington, D.C., called the [the California] executive order “a misdirection of a systemic problem onto the victims.”

“The only way to end homeless encampments in California is to end the need for homeless encampments,” he said. “California has an affordable housing crisis, and, unless Newsom’s executive order is coming with sufficient resources to address that, this new push isn’t going to work.”

He noted that the order did not explicitly mandate that alternative shelter be provided for homeless campers, although it does require agencies and urge local leaders to connect people with service providers.

“Any policy that doesn’t provide for where people can actually be will prolong how long people are on the streets and increase encampments, exactly contrary to their goal,” he said.

An ask for this week:
One of our low income neighbors has a child going off to college and Mom can't afford to meet all of the child's needs. Their Amazon wish list is at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/11DD0CX8P275O?ref=cm_sw_sm_r_un_un_Dq5kPdXLfjnv3&fbclid=IwY2xjawEOuItleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcd4kPIS7fc-lF2zxALtWmj5yb_oZUAkEkLlA6Cq6-jkzymo5GWMwyUwkw_aem_mEYL0RCQq7m_uvb6MytD1A, in case you could gift an item or two to help with this transition.

Check out my list on Amazon

In the wake of the Supreme Court decision on Grants Pass, cities are moving to further criminalize homelessness.

New ordinance allows Lakewood police to remove people camping on public property The Lakewood City Council narrowly voted to allow police to remove homeless people from camping on public property.

Sleep is not optional for humans.

Seattle Nice: Are Sweeps the Answer? - PubliCola By Erica C. Barnett On this week’s edition of the Seattle Nice podcast, we discussed the Supreme Court’s recent decision…

https://komonews.com/news/local/new-ordinance-allows-lakewood-police-to-remove-people-camping-on-public-property-vote-homeless-unhoused-situation-problem-public-safety-criminalize-living-street-trespassing-civil-infraction-shelter-supreme-court-ruling-residents-homelessness

New ordinance allows Lakewood police to remove people camping on public property The Lakewood City Council narrowly voted to allow police to remove homeless people from camping on public property.

Confession Not Cancellation
from the Center for Action and Contemplation
Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
—Step 5 of the Twelve Steps
Richard Rohr names accountability and confession as vital in the healing process:
Early Christians were encouraged to participate in the healing power of communal confession: “So confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, and this will cure you” (James 5:16). Step 5 of the Twelve Steps says the same thing. Clearly, some notion of peer accountability and personal responsibility for our mistakes and failures is essential to heal or restore actual human relationships.
When we human beings honestly and humbly “admit” to one another “the exact nature of our wrongs,” we invariably have a human and humanizing encounter that deeply enriches both sides, and even changes lives—often forever! It’s no longer an exercise to achieve moral purity or regain God’s love, but in fact a direct encounter with God’s love. It’s not about punishing one side, but liberating both sides. God resists our evil and conquers it with good, or how could God ask the same of us?! God shocks and stuns us into love. Only love effects true, healthy inner transformation. Duress, guilt, shunning, or social pressure cannot do this.
Nothing new happens without apology and forgiveness. These are the divine technologies that regenerate every age and every situation. The “unbound” ones are best prepared to unbind the rest of the world. [1]
Writer and activist adrienne maree brown normalizes making mistakes and working towards accountability instead of “canceling” others:
We will tell each other we hurt people, and who. We will tell each other why, and who hurt us and how. We will tell each other what we will do to heal ourselves, and heal the wounds in our wake. We will be accountable, rigorous in our accountability, all of us unlearning, all of us crawling towards dignity. We will learn to set and hold boundaries, communicate without manipulation, give and receive consent, ask for help, love our shadows without letting them rule our relationships, and remember we are of earth, of miracle, of a whole, of a massive river—love, life, life, love.
We all have work to do. Our work is in the light. We have no perfect moral ground to stand on, shaped as we are by this toxic complex time. We may not have time, or emotional capacity, to walk each path together. We are all flailing in the unknown at the moment, terrified, stretched beyond ourselves, ashamed, realizing the future is in our hands. We must all do our work. Be accountable and go heal, simultaneously, continuously. It’s never too late.
We will not cancel us. If we give up this strategy [of canceling], we will learn together the other strategies that will ultimately help us break these cycles, liberate future generations from the burden of our shared and private pain, leaving nothing unspeakable in our bones, no shame in our dirt.
Each of us is precious. We, together, must break every cycle that makes us forget this. [2]

[1] Selected from Richard Rohr, Breathing under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps, 10th anniv. ed. (Cincinnati, OH: Franciscan Media, 2011, 2021), 35, 44, 38, 40, 46.
[2] adrienne maree brown, We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice (Chico, CA: AK Press, 2020), 76–77.

https://www.bellevuereporter.com/news/new-mosque-breaks-ground-in-bellevue/

Send a message to learn more

The local Tier 2 severe weather response has been extended through July 21.

Severe Weather Response - KCRHA Find overnight and daytime shelter information for severe weather events for Seattle and King County from the Regional Homelessness Authority.

From Women in Black:
From updated Death Data from the King County Medical Examiners, Women in Black learned of the deaths of 16 of our sisters and brothers outdoors, in public, or by violence in June. Last month there were at least TWO homeless homicide victims and THREE fire-related deaths (including two homeless people air-lifted down from Bethel, AK).

From noon to 1 PM Wednesday, June 19th we’ll stand vigil on the steps of Seattle City Hall (4th/James).

For the first time in the history of our WHEEL/Women in Black, there’ll be a simultaneous Solidarity Vigil, organized by supporters, in Lake City, at the Arch at the Lake City Mini Park (125th/Lake City Way NE).

We’ll be standing to honor and remember these beloved people:

**Billie Grimm-Stone, 32, died by smoke inhalation in an abandoned bldg fire at 917 NE 63rd on 6/4
**David Schonfeld, 61, died by gunshot homicide at HMC after shot at 3300 Airport Wy S on 6/5
**Alexx Ohnemus, 27, died by gunshot wound (manner unknown) at 1016 Occidental S on 6/9
**Russell Purrington, 37, died by meth/fentanyl-involved OD at a tea shop at 824 E Pike on 6/10
**Jennifer Marcelo, 54, found in unknown location; died at Swedish of natural causes on 6/12
**Eric Bland, 28, died by fentanyl-involved OD at 2024 Third Ave on 6/13
**Steve Sedgwick, 43, died by meth/ethanol-involved OD in hospital; found at 3434 S 152nd on 6/15
**Gregory Alfred, 63, died by smoke inhalation at HMC; found in abandoned bldg in Bethel AK on 6/15
**Doreen Black, 60 died by smoke inhalation at HMC; found in abandoned bldg in Bethel AK on 6/15
**Mark Lujan, 44, died by meth/fentanyl/ethanol-involved OD in parking lot at 1526 2nd Ave on 6/16
**William Tappe, 53, died at HMC; found outside at 4559 California SW on 6/16, cause pending
**Tyler Randall, 48, died by fentanyl-involved OD in vehicle at NE 44th/36th NE on 6/14
**Michael Brophy, 62, died by gastrointestinal hemorrhage at 15th W/W Armor (Golf Ctr) on 6/19
**Ryan Morris, 28, died by cocaine/ethanol-involved OD at 7th/Cherry on 6/20
**Larry Bailey, 61, died by anoxic encephalopathy (accident) at HMC; found at 3005 Rainier S on 6/20
**Cameron Heriford, 35, died by choke-hold homicide at HMC; found at 6900 E Green Lake Wy N on 6/28

This vigil will be dedicated to Denise Charbonneau-Bartlet, 64, beloved of Lake Washington UMC’s Safe Parking program, who died on June 19th in the Kia she called home.

Without shelter, people die! At least 380 homeless/temporarily housed people died outside, in public or by violence last year, and 159 already this year.

Though the number of homeless people who’ve died unsheltered or by violence this year is lower than the same period last year—and we’re grateful for that!—we do not rest easy, nor will be stop fighting for more shelter, housing, and an end to brutal encampment sweeps. Standing vigil for 16 homeless people who died just in one month, including at least two homicide victims, is not easy. JOIN US next week.

Send a message to learn more

From King County Regional Homelessness Authority:
Tier 2 & Tier 3 Severe Weather Response Protocols will be extended through July 14.
With a shifting forecast including a prolonged heatwave with a NWS HeatRisk in the red and orange categories, KCRHA is extending Severe Weather protocols through July 14, in accordance with our Severe Weather Policy.

Due to variation in the forecast and HeatRisk, we will be changing activation levels as such:
July 5: Tier 2/Orange
July 6-9: Tier 3/Red
July 10-14: Tier 2/Orange

Tier 2 Heat & Smoke Severe Weather Protocols are activated when King County (or a sub-region of King County) reaches an orange HeatRisk status, based on the National Weather Service’s HeatRisk tool. Tier 3 protocols are activated when the NWS HeatRisk status reaches the red or magenta level.

During Tier 2 Heat & Smoke activations, the KCRHA:

Disseminates key public health information for at-risk groups
Distributes water and cooling supplies to service providers
Partners with jurisdictions to selectively activate cooling spaces
Contacts service providers to ensure their HVAC and ice-making systems are working properly

Tier 3 activations include Tier 2 activities, and the KCRHA:

Implements targeted outreach for the hottest subregions of King County
Stands up cooling tents areas where high-risk groups congregate
Conducts wellness checks
Seeks opportunities to partner with service providers to expand hours for cooling spaces

You can find details about resources for unsheltered community members and how you can support them on our Severe Weather page.

Severe Weather Response - KCRHA Find overnight and daytime shelter information for severe weather events for Seattle and King County from the Regional Homelessness Authority.

Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council will meet at noon, today, July 9 at a new venue: Bellevue 1st Congregational Church with a focus on heat survival and food security.

King County Regional Homelessness Authority is extending the Severe Weather Activation Period through Sunday, July 14. Tier 3 protocols will remain active through Tuesday, July 9. Tier 2 protocols will be active from Wednesday, July 10 – Sunday, July 14. Please visit link https://kcrha.org/resources/severe-weather-shelter/ for more current information on resources.

If you are interested in supporting local organizations as they offer additional resources and extended hours, please feel free to reach out to them directly for their most pressing needs. Shelter organizations on the Eastside include:
PorchLight
The Sophia Way
Mary's Place - Bellevue
Friends of Youth
Reclaim
Acres of Diamonds
https://kcrha.org/resources/severe-weather-shelter/

Severe Weather Response - KCRHA Find overnight and daytime shelter information for severe weather events for Seattle and King County from the Regional Homelessness Authority.

If you wanted to come to the meeting on July 6 at 9:30 AM related to responding to the Grants Pass decision but haven't connected with , please message me and include your email so I can send details.

From the Washington Post:
A covid summer uptick is underway as FLiRT and LB.1 variants ascend
Covid infections are growing in nearly all states — with the sharpest increases in the west.
By Fenit Nirappil
July 3, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. EDT
Three years after President Biden hoped July 4, 2021, would mark the country’s independence from covid, the coronavirus is still here as new variants drive yet another summer uptick.
The country is indeed free from the waves of mass death that once overwhelmed hospitals and morgues, as well as policies restricting how Americans had fun and went to school and work.
But just as the American Revolution didn’t fully eradicate the British threat (see: the War of 1812), the coronavirus remains a public health issue, inflicting milder but disruptive illness on most people and posing a greater danger to the medically vulnerable.
If you’re hearing about more people testing positive or getting sick, it’s no surprise, because data shows another wave forming, especially in the west. Here’s what to know about the latest regarding the coronavirus:

What’s the latest covid data this summer?
Coronavirus infections are probably growing in 44 states and territories as of June 25, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nationally, coronavirus activity in wastewater remains low but is increasing; it is highest and rising most sharply in the west, according to the CDC. June data may be incomplete because of reporting delays.
Jasmine Reed, a CDC spokesperson, said the recent increases are happening after a spring where the United States experienced the lowest coronavirus activity since the first pandemic wave.
“Covid-19 is expected to continue to have periodic surges as new variants emerge; immunity from previous infections and vaccinations also decreases over time,” Reed said in an email.
Experts say wastewater data is best interpreted as a way of understanding which way the virus is trending.
“We have consistently seen over the past three years that there is a winter surge and there is also a summer surge,” said Marlene Wolfe, a program director for WastewaterSCAN, a private initiative that tracks municipal wastewater data, and an assistant professor of environmental health at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. “Right now we are waiting to see whether we actually will see a downturn over the next couple of weeks and we’ve hit the peak here, or whether those levels will actually go up.”
The CDC no longer tracks comprehensive covid hospitalization data, which served as a good barometer for the virus’s severity. Agency
officials said the data they do have shows recent increases in covid hospitalization rates among seniors in some parts of the west.
The death toll of the ongoing summer uptick is not clear, because fatality data takes several weeks to become accurate. In May, weekly deaths involving the coronavirus hovered in the low 300s, according to the CDC.
Which variants are circulating?
Return to menu
The coronavirus is constantly evolving to overcome the immune defenses of a population in which nearly everyone has antibodies from vaccinations or previous infections.
Nearly two-thirds of infections are caused by KP variants dubbed FLiRT (named after the locations of their mutations, not anything romantic), according to CDC data as of June 22. A similar variant, called LB.1, which has an additional mutation than the FLiRT variants, is on the rise and accounted for 17.5 percent of cases.
They are all descendants of the JN.1 variant, which drove the winter wave and was significantly different from the dominant variant that preceded it.
What do we know about the FLiRT and LB.1 variants?
Return to menu
These new variants don’t mark a significant evolutionary leap or seem to cause more severe disease and death.
“So much of this is at the molecular level. The clinical difference is minor, if any,” said Preeti Malani, an infectious-diseases physician at the University of Michigan. “It’s important to track these from a public health standpoint, but, to me, this is normal, expected evolution.”
The Infectious Diseases Society of America offers a detailed examination of the preliminary research findings on each of these new variants, cautioning that much of the data has not been peer-reviewed or corroborated by real-world studies of how the virus operates outside labs where it is researched. Here are the key takeaways:
• The most common FLiRT variants have mutations that can more efficiently infect people who have been vaccinated and spread more easily than JN.1.
• LB.1 appears to be even more infectious than FLiRT variants and more adept at overcoming immunity conferred by vaccines.
• Vaccination still produces antibodies that can recognize the latest variants and effectively defends against severe disease.
• Paxlovid, the antiviral treatment, is still effective against the new variants and tests can still detect them.
What’s happening with vaccines?
Return to menu
The coronavirus vaccine currently on the market is designed to target defunct XBB variants, but it still confers some protection against the latest variants. An updated vaccine is expected to hit the market in late summer or fall and will be promoted as part of a broader respiratory virus vaccination campaign.
CDC Director Mandy Cohen last week recommended that everyone 6 months and older receive that new vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration urged manufacturers to target the KP.2 variant.
Reed, of the CDC, said the new vaccine should be effective against the other common variants, citing early lab studies, because they are closely related.
People who are 65 and older or are immunocompromised qualify for a second dose of the existing vaccine. If they haven’t already received an additional dose, it’s worth consulting a doctor on whether to get one now while covid is on the rise or to wait until the updated vaccine hits the market.

"There is a heat advisory for Friday through Monday for the King County region. Temperatures are expected to reach the 90s. Stay cool and out of the heat by going to an open library, community center, or other publicly accessible facility (such as the mall, movies, or public pool/splash pad). Stay hydrated. Go to kcemergency.com for local information and resources."
kcemergency.com
This weekend we are expecting a stretch of very warm and hot weather that can be dangerous to everyone, especially those who do not have access to effective cooling systems or adequate hydration . The National Weather Service Seattle forecast has a heat advisory from noon on Friday through Monday (July 5-8). Temperatures are expected to reach the mid 90’s. This is likely to bring high risk for much of the population, especially those who are heat sensitive and those without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Fire risks are high as well, so be extra cautious as you are out and about.
Going to a movie theater, a mall, or the library to cool off may be the best way possible for most of us in King County.
For those experienceing homelessness and looking to get out of the heat, King County Regional Homeless Authority has identified locations to assist.
Public Health – Seattle & King County has shared many ways to stay cool and safe during hot weather and ways to beat the heat.
King County Metro riders can find heat-related information and how to stay cool and safe on Metro during the heat.
There is a Stage 1 Burn Ban in unincorporated King County, And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the fireworks ban as well.
For everyone when days are hot:
 Keep window blinds or curtains closed when outdoor temperatures skyrocket. This reduces indoor temps and reduces the strain on cooling equipment, if in use.
 Keep windows and doors closed in locations with air conditioning.
 Drink plenty of fluids (but avoid alcohol, caffeine, or lots of sugar that can make you lose body fluid).
 Dress in layers to manage varying temperatures.
 Minimize extended time outside.
 Turn off unnecessary lights and unplug unused electrical equipment.
 Take a tepid shower or bath to cool down.
 Avoid hot and heavy meals that can raise your body temperature.
 Check on vulnerable family or neighbors by phone or text to make sure they are safe and cool.
 NEVER leave pets or children in a hot car. Call 9-1-1 if you see a child or pet in a hot car.
 For summer tips for pets, Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) can help you out.
 Learn the warning signs of heat illness that happens when the body can’t cool down. If someone has heat stroke, they need to call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room immediately.
If you must be outside:
 The most important thing to do is to drink lots of water. When it’s really hot, drink up to a quart of water every hour with moderate to heavy physical activity.
 Carry a water bottle.
 Consider sports drinks for electrolyte replacement when sweating a lot.
 Wear loose, light clothing with materials designed to wick sweat.
 Wear a hat with a brim.
 Check with your supervisor about adjusting your work hours to start earlier, when it’s cooler.
 Stop all activity if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, faint or have a pounding heart or trouble breathing.
 Although the lakes, rivers and streams can be a tempting way to cool down, remember to get used to the cold water slowly and wear personal protective devices to be safe in the water.
Water safety
 For details on river safety, visit kingcounty.gov/riversafety.
 For information on water safety and drowning prevention, visit the King County Water Safety website
 By law, children 12 years old and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times in a moving vessel less than 19 feet in length, unless in a fully enclosed area. You can borrow a lifejacket from a lifejacket loaner stations at these locations Lifejacket Loaner Stations
https://kcrha.org/resources/severe-weather-shelter/

Severe Weather Response - KCRHA Find overnight and daytime shelter information for severe weather events for Seattle and King County from the Regional Homelessness Authority.

On July 6 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM the Issaquah Sammamish Interfaith Coalition and other interested parties will be meeting at 745 Front Street South -- Spirit of Peace United Church of Christ, in the lower part of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Drive around to the back to park. We will be considering What shall we do next to protect those who can no longer afford local rents? Can we create safe zones? Is it time for some restrictions on rent inflation? Is it time for an effort to cool the housing market and to invest in creating housing options that are affordable to low wage workers and people with disabilities? Can we create more Cooperative communities? Revive or replace the CCS host home program of the 1980's? Come and share your creative ideas!
If it is up to cities to do what they will, it is going to take a lot of good advocacy to protect our most vulnerable citizens. I believe it is time to prepare and to organize. If you cannot come in person, email us at [email protected] for the Zoom link.

Send a message to learn more

“Arrests and fines are not solutions to homelessness because they do not address the underlying causes of the crisis. Instead, these measures make it more difficult for people to access the affordable housing, health services, and employment necessary to become rehoused.
“The primary causes of homelessness are the inability to afford housing and the severe shortage of affordable homes. Nationally, there is a shortage of 7.3 million homes affordable and available to people with the lowest incomes. Without affordable options, more than 10 million of these households pay more than half of their limited incomes on rent, leaving them with few resources to make ends meet. They are always one financial shock away from falling behind on rent and facing eviction and, in the worst cases, homelessness. Despite the clear need, only one in four people eligible for housing assistance receives any help due to chronic underfunding by Congress.”

NLIHC Statement on Supreme Court Ruling in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson Washington, D.C. – The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) strongly condemns the Supreme Court’s decision in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson to allow jurisdictions to arrest and ticket unhoused people for sleeping outside, even when adequate shelter or housing is not available.

This seems worth sharing . . .

The Seven Habits of Highly Depolarizing People - The American Interest How to make friends and influence people on the other side of the aisle.

From Alison Eisinger, Seattle King County Coalition on Homelessness:

"The U.S. Supreme Court just issued the worst case scenario ruling we dreaded in Grants Pass v. Gloria Johnson. In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that cities are allowed to punish people experiencing homelessness for sitting and sleeping outside when they don't have access to shelter. In so doing, these six Justices demonstrate their jarring disconnection from reality.

"Justice Gorsuch wrote in the majority opinion that the fines and jail sentences Grants Pass imposes on people do not “qualify as cruel and unusual.” Here are the facts: Grants Pass ordinances bar people from using blankets, pillows, and cardboard while sleeping within the city. The initial fine for this crime is $295. If unpaid, that fine increases to $537.60. A person who receives two such citations can be banned by local police from city property, and violation of this ban can result in criminal trespass charges, which carry penalties of up to 30 days in jail and a $1,250 fine.

"We do not share these six Justices' understanding of right and wrong, or of what constitutes cruelty. We know what it means to deprive people of basic safety, a blanket, and warmth. This ruling means more cities will try to pass and enforce laws to fine, arrest, jail, or banish people who must sleep and survive outside because they have no home. But as Justice Sonya Sotomayor wrote in dissent, this decision "leaves the most vulnerable in our society with an impossible choice: Either stay awake or be arrested.” That's not a choice any human can make."

The Coalition will be meeting on July 6 at 9 AM. In a 6-3 vote the Court decided that it is not cruel and unusual punishment to fine people $295 per instance for sleeping in public spaces when they have no where else to sleep.
What shall we do next to protect those who can no longer afford local rents? Can we create safe zones? Is it time for some restrictions on rent inflation? Is it time for an effort to cool the housing market and to invest in creating housing options that are affordable to low wage workers and people with disabilities? Can we create more Cooperative communities? Revive or replace the CCS host home program of the 1980's? Come and share your creative ideas!
If it is up to cities to do what they will, it is going to take a lot of good advocacy to protect our most vulnerable citizens. I believe it is time to prepare and to organize.
I am currently looking for a place where we might hold a hybrid meeting the morning of July 6 to discuss this matter as a coalition. If those efforts are not successful, I will open my home to those who wish to gather in person. Please let me know if you are interested in meeting in person or prefer to Zoom on July 6. A head count will help me select an appropriate venue.
Thank you!!

Supreme Court allows cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court cleared the way for cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside in public places on Friday, overturning a California appeals court ruling that found

https://nlihc.org/news/nlihc-statement-supreme-court-ruling-city-grants-pass-oregon-v-johnson?utm_source=NLIHC+All+Subscribers&utm_campaign=3735dca9f0-Connection_06282024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-dd95ffe44a-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t(Connection_06282024)

NLIHC Statement on Supreme Court Ruling in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson Washington, D.C. – The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) strongly condemns the Supreme Court’s decision in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson to allow jurisdictions to arrest and ticket unhoused people for sleeping outside, even when adequate shelter or housing is not available.

Disaster for the poor and vulnerable who can no longer afford the high rents in many cities!

Supreme Court allows cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court decided on Friday that cities can enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outdoors in West Coast areas where shelter space is lacking.

Today! June 26

🌈🌃LGBTQIA2S+ individuals are disproportionately impacted by the housing crisis. Join Be:Seattle and our guest speakers from the community to talk about it this Wednesday on Zoom at 6 PM.

We have an awesome group joining us:
✨ Ebo Barton, Director of Housing Services, Lavender Rights Project
✨ Matthew Bromley, Housing Program Manager, Entre Hermanos
✨ Taylor Farley, Executive Director, Q***r Power Alliance
✨ Andrew Aashiofu, Brett Pepowski, and Ry Armstrong, Commissioners from the Seattle LGBTQ Commission