Permitted Encampment Evaluation.pdf

Key Findings:

1. Effective Homelessness Response Strategy: City of Seattle's permitted encampments have met and exceeded contracted performance measures, serving people living outside in greenbelts, streets, cars, and hazardous situations.
2. Positive Community Response: Neighboring communities have responded positively, with no significant increase in crime when permitted encampments move in.
3. Self-Managed Governance Structure: Encampment residents contribute to day-to-day operations and community engagement efforts, building individual confidence and leadership skills.
4. Success of Case Management and Services: Adding case management and services to self-managed encampments has been successful, with 121 people transitioning into permanent housing.
5. Need for Further Research: More research is needed to address potential detrimental racial equity practices or program barriers for Black/African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic Latino people experiencing homelessness.

The Model:

1. Background: Mayor Murray convened an Emergency Task Force on Unsheltered Homelessness, leading to the development of permitted encampments on public land or privately owned property.
2. Ordinance and Joint Director's Rule: The City Council adopted an ordinance and joint Director's Rule to establish requirements for community outreach, encampment operations standards, and coordination with the permit process.
3. Program Oversight: HSD maintains program oversight through monthly reports, regular meetings, and collaborative issue addressing.

Program Operations:

1. Operator Selection: HSD selected experienced operators, including SHARE and Nickelsville, to manage encampment sites.
2. Case Management Services: LIHI provides case management services for residents at the encampments.
3. Elimination of 90-Day Relocation Requirement: Permitted encampments are now allowed to stay in one location for up to two years, reducing disruption and burden on the encampment community.