Ken Schram: I hope 'Nickelsville' is back to stay

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Story Published: Jun 8, 2009 at 10:41 AM PDT

By Ken Schram

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SEATTLE -- "Nickelsville" is back on Seattle soil.

The homeless encampment, named after the city's mayor, pulled up stakes from a Renton area church and has relocated close to the area where it was booted by the city last fall.

The property it's now on is owned by the state and organizers are hoping they'll be allowed to stay.

It would help if people e-mailed the governor and asked her to get her on board letting them stay.

Tent cities have always been controversial. It's one of the reasons I support this kind of effort.

It's certainly not an answer to homelessness, but it keeps the issue in the public eye.

But my sense is that there's more hostility targeting tent cities of late.

I would've thought that the tough economy and the over 9% state unemployment rate would generate more understanding and compassion for the homeless.

Oddly, I think the opposite is true.

As more families and individuals struggle to get by, I think there's less sympathy for those who fail in that struggle.

I hope I'm wrong.

I hope people will contact the governor and ask her to let "Nickelsville" residents stay where they have at least some measure of peace and security.

I hope being back on Seattle soil works out for them.

Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. Or, you can e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com

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