Seattle City Council renamed stretch of Eastlake Ave. for homeless advocate

The Seattle City Council approved renaming a stretch of Eastlake Avenue, giving it an honorary designation as “Bill Hobson Way.”

Bill Hobson was director of Seattle’s Downtown Emergency Service Center for more than 30 years. He became well-known around town as a homeless advocate, promoting safe and stable housing for those experiencing homelessness. He retired in 2015, and passed away June 24. His memorial service will be held at city hall on Thursday.

“Bill was a real agent of change in our community,” said council member Tim Burgess who introduced the legislation in honor of the man.

“He was incredibly compassionate, and a man of integrity, who worked really hard for the homeless and those living with poverty in our city,” he said.

The council approved the designation by 7-0.

Now street signs along one block of Eastlake Avenue between Denny Way and Court Place will also bear Bill Hobson’s name. One building along the stretch, at 1811 Eastlake Avenue, is the location of a project that Hobson was involved wit. It is a housing-first program for individuals with chronic alcohol addiction.

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