MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Rats, garbage are latest problems for Nickelsville

Nov 27, 2012, 6:35 AM | Updated: 8:33 am

After days under water, things are looking a little brighter at the Seattle homeless camp known as Nickelsville.

But receding flood waters have uncovered a lot of garbage along with some some unwelcome guests: rats.

“At night, you just see the rats everywhere,” resident Heather Couture tells KING 5.

“These rats are healthier than we are,” says resident Buddy McArdle.

City officials are providing rat traps to help deal with the problem.

The camp was overwhelmed with rain during last week’s record storms. Many residents lost all of their meager belongings.

A number of Ron and Don listeners have donated food, clothing, tents and other supplies in a massive outpouring of compassion. But residents say they still need a lot of help. They’re hoping for more tarps, tents and also plastic containers to keep donated goods dry.

KIRO Radio’s Val Stouffer contributed to this report.

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Rats, garbage are latest problems for Nickelsville