MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seattle getting new and enhanced homeless shelter

Jul 10, 2017, 9:22 AM

Seattle homeless shelter...

People living on the streets of Seattle will have another option for shelter on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle’s homeless navigation center finally opens its doors Wednesday after long delays.

RELATED: Seattle and Salt Lake continue swapping homeless solutions

People can come and go from the shelter as they please. They can bring their pets and partners and, though it’s discouraged, people are allowed to drink and use drugs there so long as it doesn’t bother others.

Residents will also be offered to mental health, addiction and housing services.

The city converted the Pearl Warren Building at 606 12th Avenue South into the Navigation Center. There are expanded shower facilities, storage space, and other modifications. It is modeled after shelters in San Francisco — dormitory-style housing with showers, laundry facilities, and food provided.

The city plans to house up to 75 people at once.

There is a 60-day cap on stays.

In a recent evaluation of permitted homeless encampments, the city found more than 400 adults (18 and over) are living in them. Sixty percent of camp residents are male, 39 percent female, and 1 percent are transgender.

MyNorthwest News

Rain streaks the glass of a window overlooking a gray city. (Photo: Dmitry_Rukhlenko via Envato)...

Meteorologist Nick Allard, KIRO 7 News

Rain, it has been a while!

The weather pattern is finally starting to change after a long stretch of warm and dry weather — rain is back.

21 minutes ago

Olympia program...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Olympia launching pilot program allowing people to live in their cars

The City of Olympia is launching a pilot program allowing people to live in RVs and other vehicles for up to six months with a permit.

47 minutes ago

wa recall salmonella e. coli...

Jason Sutich

WA among 15 states hit by alfalfa sprout recall over E. coli, Salmonella

Alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts were recalled on Saturday due to E. coli and Salmonella contamination across 15 states, including Washington.

2 hours ago

dead whale...

Lexi Herda, KIRO 7 News

Necropsy: Dead whale found in Commencement Bay was likely alive when ship hit it

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said a fin whale found decaying in Commencement Bay was likely alive when it was hit by a ship.

2 hours ago

wa firefighters white supremacy flag...

MyNorthwest Staff

WA National Guard firefighters under investigation for posing with white supremacist flag during wildfires

A group of firefighters are currently under investigation for posing in a photo gathered around a white supremacist Rhodesian flag during the Little Giant fire.

3 hours ago

pioneer square restaurant close...

Jason Sutich

Pioneer Square Italian restaurant joins growing list of closures after World Cup, owner cited escalating costs

Luigi's Italian Eatery is slated to shutter next month after more than a decade of operating in Pioneer Square, becoming the latest of many businesses to close.

4 hours ago

Seattle getting new and enhanced homeless shelter