Re: Nickelsville

Encouraging as it is to see community involvement in Nickelsville—calls for donating supplies, food, water, clothing, and such but I also wonder what Seattle’s plan is to something in the short, mid, and long term to solve problems of homelessness? Does our Mayor and City Council have such a plan that can be shared with the community? If not, why not?

We spent an average of $1062 per household in 2002 to support the criminal justice system according to the Washington State Institute for Public Policy. While we certainly want an effective criminal justice system, I think we can and should be able to do more to address the homeless situation for a fraction of that cost. This is where a plan would help—our community could see the costs and benefits as well as the opportunities for the homeless. Then of course, we have to actually take action to make it work.

In the meantime, I encourage everyone to donate some useful stuff to a very good cause.

Happy Holidays and a brighter future for all!

Sincerely,

David Gould