Homelessness
This is a regional issue that needs to be embraced by Kirkland. We should be inviting the community, homelessness and counseling services, and church organizations in for a very real discussion about how to combat the stigmas around homelessness. Housing is a fundamental right that the City should be taking a more aggressive position on providing to all residents.
A first step would be to offer base level services to provide for basic services such as laundry, shower, and cooking facilities for those who are currently facing homelessness. The cost of this should not be a significant obstacle.
A real focus on our neighbors facing homelessness needs to be a priority of all departments within the city. Getting more truly affordable and low income housing on the market is critical. Whether that is through development incentives, subsidized housing, rent control, or public mandate needs to be discussed and explored, but this needs to be addressed through more than simply allowing the construction of ADUs within current zoning as it will never keep pace with the current housing demands.
People are living in their cars in our community. We owe them our time and attention.
A first step would be to offer base level services to provide for basic services such as laundry, shower, and cooking facilities for those who are currently facing homelessness. The cost of this should not be a significant obstacle.
A real focus on our neighbors facing homelessness needs to be a priority of all departments within the city. Getting more truly affordable and low income housing on the market is critical. Whether that is through development incentives, subsidized housing, rent control, or public mandate needs to be discussed and explored, but this needs to be addressed through more than simply allowing the construction of ADUs within current zoning as it will never keep pace with the current housing demands.
People are living in their cars in our community. We owe them our time and attention.