I understand the intent of this thread is well meaning. However there seems to be a great deal of misinformation about the housing crisis, it’s causes and viable solutions. Undoubtedly it’s a problem in the city of Seattle, and King Co. but it already extends all throughout Western WA. Which begs a question to the OP; how is it you haven’t noticed the huge increase in the number of homeless in the city of Bellingham in the last few years?
Building more shelters isn't a fix. It’s not simply a matter of providing drug or alcohol rehab. Nor providing mental health services in the assumption that’s all it takes to solve homelessness. I’m not saying those things aren’t needed for some that are chronically homeless. But many living on the streets in western WA don’t have any of these issues and/or work full-time jobs. It’s really easy to blame the homeless, well I’m just going to say, FUCK THAT! Everyone needs permanent housing they can afford.
How do I know what I’m talking about? Last April I opened the door of my apt in Bellingham to find a 20-day notice to vacate. As did several of my other medically disabled neighbors. In the 9 years I lived there I was a good tenant, never did any damage or had a complaint against me. So WTF right? Quickly found out it’s totally legal to kick month to month tenants to the curb with just 20 days notice, no reason required. I did get legal help to negotiate staying another 30 days. Turns out the property management co. on behalf of the owners kicked everyone out in order to ‘remodel’ the units, thus jacking the rent from $660 to $1,200 a month.
Thankfully I have awesome, kind friends who let me stay and couch surf with them for 2 months, due to medical issues I would have literally died out on the streets, or out in the woods.
Given that I have 28 years of excellent rental history (mostly long term) in Bellingham. And I have no criminal record. No pets. No mental illness. I don’t smoke, drink or do drugs. Always paid rent on time. I should’ve been able to find an apt no problem, right? WRONG. None of that means a f’n thing to the vast majority of landlords and property managers. As others have mentioned it boils down to GREED. Here they prey on naïve college students with whom they get a fast turnover (1 to 4 years) to rent their dump. Then charge them huge fees and steal their security deposits, knowing students have neither the time or means to fight back. They only care about maximizing profits.
For each apt complex in town I could recite the rent amount, who the LL or Management was, if they accept rental assistance, and obviously if they any vacancies. I’d lose my mind if I had recall every BS excuse & NO I got simply for asking nicely. Most were at least somewhat considerate in saying no, while others were flat out asshats. I went to numerous property management offices to hand out my rental resume, which were likely trashed without anyone reading it.
There’s a number of obstacles low-income people face in finding a place to live. I’ll just address some of what I experienced in Bellingham. Such as ‘source of income’ discrimination. LLs and PMs requiring proof of employment with income 3x’s the rent. Age restrictions, being too young for many complexes which require tenants be 55 & over, no exceptions. Requiring first, & last months rent plus equal amount security deposit up front, which doesn’t include separate application and administrative fees. Considering the average 1-bd in Bellingham rents for $950 a month (as of last Aug) do the math. How does someone on a limited income come up with that kind of $$$.
Unfortunately landlords and property managers have gobs of lobbyist on both the local & state level fighting for their right to be unrestricted greed monsters.
Here’s an article which covers much of what I’m talking about. Despite my shyness I got up and spoke at the town hall mentioned in the article, and spoke another time in front of the Mayor and City council urging them to pass an ordinance to prohibit source of income discrimination. http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article163116298.html
I have to give props to the Bellingham Tenants Union for bringing many of these issues to light. I was approached last summer by a couple of founding members who sought my input. I’m grateful for their efforts trying to educate those that have turned a blind eye to the homeless crisis in Bellingham/ Whatcom Co. They ROCK! https://www.facebook.com/BhamTenantUnion/
Last but not least I'm incredibly happy that Pearl Jam is raising money and awareness for the many displaced/homeless people in Seattle.
I have lived in Bellingham for the past two years now, and just bought a condo with my fiancé with an FHA loan, which is something that many HOAs in Bellingham have so that you can more easily afford to purchase a place. We also rent our master bedroom and bathroom toba couple that goes to the community college. They signed a contract to live in our place. We are pretty relaxed people, but as property owners we reserve the right to ask them to leave at any time. I know it’s shitty that you were asked to leave your place, but ultimately you don’t own it. Bellingham is growing rapidly. There is a demand for housing, so the prices are going to rise. We listed our room for rent and we got offered $200 more for it than we were asking. There are rumors that amazon wants to have a location near Bellingham which would give the community job growth. Something I learned a while back from an Econ teacher that I had is that the economy is its own breathing organism and we cant screw with it. There are many charitable organizations and many good people who offer help to those less fortunate, but I you can’t afford to live in a city, maybe it isn’t the right city. Stuff costs what people are willing to pay.
Justvmy opinion on things. We bought a condo as a long term rental investment, because real estate seems to be the thing over here in Bellingham. Going to school for my home inspection license next week!
Dont take this as me as me not wanting to help people, because I am a huge advocate for that.
It almost sounds like if you didn't rent out your master bedroom that you couldn't live there either?!?
If we have extra space and can cut down the mortgage cost, why wouldn’t we? I’m all about saving money! Which is why I don’t like renting, and why I have no issue renting extra space to friends
I understand the intent of this thread is well meaning. However there seems to be a great deal of misinformation about the housing crisis, it’s causes and viable solutions. Undoubtedly it’s a problem in the city of Seattle, and King Co. but it already extends all throughout Western WA. Which begs a question to the OP; how is it you haven’t noticed the huge increase in the number of homeless in the city of Bellingham in the last few years?
Building more shelters isn't a fix. It’s not simply a matter of providing drug or alcohol rehab. Nor providing mental health services in the assumption that’s all it takes to solve homelessness. I’m not saying those things aren’t needed for some that are chronically homeless. But many living on the streets in western WA don’t have any of these issues and/or work full-time jobs. It’s really easy to blame the homeless, well I’m just going to say, FUCK THAT! Everyone needs permanent housing they can afford.
How do I know what I’m talking about? Last April I opened the door of my apt in Bellingham to find a 20-day notice to vacate. As did several of my other medically disabled neighbors. In the 9 years I lived there I was a good tenant, never did any damage or had a complaint against me. So WTF right? Quickly found out it’s totally legal to kick month to month tenants to the curb with just 20 days notice, no reason required. I did get legal help to negotiate staying another 30 days. Turns out the property management co. on behalf of the owners kicked everyone out in order to ‘remodel’ the units, thus jacking the rent from $660 to $1,200 a month.
Thankfully I have awesome, kind friends who let me stay and couch surf with them for 2 months, due to medical issues I would have literally died out on the streets, or out in the woods.
Given that I have 28 years of excellent rental history (mostly long term) in Bellingham. And I have no criminal record. No pets. No mental illness. I don’t smoke, drink or do drugs. Always paid rent on time. I should’ve been able to find an apt no problem, right? WRONG. None of that means a f’n thing to the vast majority of landlords and property managers. As others have mentioned it boils down to GREED. Here they prey on naïve college students with whom they get a fast turnover (1 to 4 years) to rent their dump. Then charge them huge fees and steal their security deposits, knowing students have neither the time or means to fight back. They only care about maximizing profits.
For each apt complex in town I could recite the rent amount, who the LL or Management was, if they accept rental assistance, and obviously if they any vacancies. I’d lose my mind if I had recall every BS excuse & NO I got simply for asking nicely. Most were at least somewhat considerate in saying no, while others were flat out asshats. I went to numerous property management offices to hand out my rental resume, which were likely trashed without anyone reading it.
There’s a number of obstacles low-income people face in finding a place to live. I’ll just address some of what I experienced in Bellingham. Such as ‘source of income’ discrimination. LLs and PMs requiring proof of employment with income 3x’s the rent. Age restrictions, being too young for many complexes which require tenants be 55 & over, no exceptions. Requiring first, & last months rent plus equal amount security deposit up front, which doesn’t include separate application and administrative fees. Considering the average 1-bd in Bellingham rents for $950 a month (as of last Aug) do the math. How does someone on a limited income come up with that kind of $$$.
Unfortunately landlords and property managers have gobs of lobbyist on both the local & state level fighting for their right to be unrestricted greed monsters.
Here’s an article which covers much of what I’m talking about. Despite my shyness I got up and spoke at the town hall mentioned in the article, and spoke another time in front of the Mayor and City council urging them to pass an ordinance to prohibit source of income discrimination. http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article163116298.html
I have to give props to the Bellingham Tenants Union for bringing many of these issues to light. I was approached last summer by a couple of founding members who sought my input. I’m grateful for their efforts trying to educate those that have turned a blind eye to the homeless crisis in Bellingham/ Whatcom Co. They ROCK! https://www.facebook.com/BhamTenantUnion/
Last but not least I'm incredibly happy that Pearl Jam is raising money and awareness for the many displaced/homeless people in Seattle.
I have lived in Bellingham for the past two years now, and just bought a condo with my fiancé with an FHA loan, which is something that many HOAs in Bellingham have so that you can more easily afford to purchase a place. We also rent our master bedroom and bathroom toba couple that goes to the community college. They signed a contract to live in our place. We are pretty relaxed people, but as property owners we reserve the right to ask them to leave at any time. I know it’s shitty that you were asked to leave your place, but ultimately you don’t own it. Bellingham is growing rapidly. There is a demand for housing, so the prices are going to rise. We listed our room for rent and we got offered $200 more for it than we were asking. There are rumors that amazon wants to have a location near Bellingham which would give the community job growth. Something I learned a while back from an Econ teacher that I had is that the economy is its own breathing organism and we cant screw with it. There are many charitable organizations and many good people who offer help to those less fortunate, but I you can’t afford to live in a city, maybe it isn’t the right city. Stuff costs what people are willing to pay.
Justvmy opinion on things. We bought a condo as a long term rental investment, because real estate seems to be the thing over here in Bellingham. Going to school for my home inspection license next week!
Dont take this as me as me not wanting to help people, because I am a huge advocate for that.
It almost sounds like if you didn't rent out your master bedroom that you couldn't live there either?!?
If we have extra space and can cut down the mortgage cost, why wouldn’t we? I’m all about saving money! Which is why I don’t like renting, and why I have no issue renting extra space to friends
Got it!
Yeah, we are still pretty young. I run a small business from my living room, so having the extra money helps. She’s in school full time and I will be as well in February. Plus we love Bellingham!! Wanted to have some kind of property here before prices reach Seattle prices. Bellingham has some of the best mountain biking and out door recreation of anywhere I’ve been in the US! Love it here!
There is a part of Bellingham Called Fairhaven. They banned homeless people. There’s literally no homeless people there and they get escorted out. I’ve never seen that anywhere before.
I'm all for helping folks but the efforts they are making is not making a difference. I kind of feel at this point that its enabling. To do the same thing over and over isn't going to solve the issues in Seattle.
I think I read that 80-90% of the homeless problem stems from opiods/mental health. They need to focus on those issues and treatment.
I have a friend who's brother is bi-polar and on the street. Every few months he gets hauled in after an episode. They diagnose him and get him on the meds he needs......then they put him back on the street. Because of his history, then they don't allow him to possess the meds, and then the cycle starts over again. Broken model. I feel like there needs to be infrastructure changes in the way Seattle is addressing the issues. The old way isn't working.
My sister mentioned something called "tiny houses" in an area that the houses are literally just that. It was designed to help the homeless population but isn't really helping either.
Here's an article about one of the tiny house villages: http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2016/01/chs-pics-take-a-tour-of-e-unions-tiny-house-village/ It is a great place for displaced people who are trying to get into something more permanent. Gets them out of the weather, and out of a tent. Gives them a little security, and peace of mind. But it is strictly transitional, and I'm not sure it scales. These houses and villages are typically built by volunteers, using donated materials, and placed on lots owned by churches or other public spaces. I think the effort is appreciated, and these little villages are certainly kept nicer than the shithole tent cities are.
"I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
I understand the intent of this thread is well meaning. However there seems to be a great deal of misinformation about the housing crisis, it’s causes and viable solutions. Undoubtedly it’s a problem in the city of Seattle, and King Co. but it already extends all throughout Western WA. Which begs a question to the OP; how is it you haven’t noticed the huge increase in the number of homeless in the city of Bellingham in the last few years?
Building more shelters isn't a fix. It’s not simply a matter of providing drug or alcohol rehab. Nor providing mental health services in the assumption that’s all it takes to solve homelessness. I’m not saying those things aren’t needed for some that are chronically homeless. But many living on the streets in western WA don’t have any of these issues and/or work full-time jobs. It’s really easy to blame the homeless, well I’m just going to say, FUCK THAT! Everyone needs permanent housing they can afford.
How do I know what I’m talking about? Last April I opened the door of my apt in Bellingham to find a 20-day notice to vacate. As did several of my other medically disabled neighbors. In the 9 years I lived there I was a good tenant, never did any damage or had a complaint against me. So WTF right? Quickly found out it’s totally legal to kick month to month tenants to the curb with just 20 days notice, no reason required. I did get legal help to negotiate staying another 30 days. Turns out the property management co. on behalf of the owners kicked everyone out in order to ‘remodel’ the units, thus jacking the rent from $660 to $1,200 a month.
Thankfully I have awesome, kind friends who let me stay and couch surf with them for 2 months, due to medical issues I would have literally died out on the streets, or out in the woods.
Given that I have 28 years of excellent rental history (mostly long term) in Bellingham. And I have no criminal record. No pets. No mental illness. I don’t smoke, drink or do drugs. Always paid rent on time. I should’ve been able to find an apt no problem, right? WRONG. None of that means a f’n thing to the vast majority of landlords and property managers. As others have mentioned it boils down to GREED. Here they prey on naïve college students with whom they get a fast turnover (1 to 4 years) to rent their dump. Then charge them huge fees and steal their security deposits, knowing students have neither the time or means to fight back. They only care about maximizing profits.
For each apt complex in town I could recite the rent amount, who the LL or Management was, if they accept rental assistance, and obviously if they any vacancies. I’d lose my mind if I had recall every BS excuse & NO I got simply for asking nicely. Most were at least somewhat considerate in saying no, while others were flat out asshats. I went to numerous property management offices to hand out my rental resume, which were likely trashed without anyone reading it.
There’s a number of obstacles low-income people face in finding a place to live. I’ll just address some of what I experienced in Bellingham. Such as ‘source of income’ discrimination. LLs and PMs requiring proof of employment with income 3x’s the rent. Age restrictions, being too young for many complexes which require tenants be 55 & over, no exceptions. Requiring first, & last months rent plus equal amount security deposit up front, which doesn’t include separate application and administrative fees. Considering the average 1-bd in Bellingham rents for $950 a month (as of last Aug) do the math. How does someone on a limited income come up with that kind of $$$.
Unfortunately landlords and property managers have gobs of lobbyist on both the local & state level fighting for their right to be unrestricted greed monsters.
Here’s an article which covers much of what I’m talking about. Despite my shyness I got up and spoke at the town hall mentioned in the article, and spoke another time in front of the Mayor and City council urging them to pass an ordinance to prohibit source of income discrimination. http://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article163116298.html
I have to give props to the Bellingham Tenants Union for bringing many of these issues to light. I was approached last summer by a couple of founding members who sought my input. I’m grateful for their efforts trying to educate those that have turned a blind eye to the homeless crisis in Bellingham/ Whatcom Co. They ROCK! https://www.facebook.com/BhamTenantUnion/
Last but not least I'm incredibly happy that Pearl Jam is raising money and awareness for the many displaced/homeless people in Seattle.
San Francisco is experiencing the same problem as what you've described and they do have very strict laws to prevent "remodeling and rent hikes."
Unfortunately no such laws or rent controls against landlords hiking up rents as much as they want to here, no matter the reason. While some individual cities in Washington 'might' have such protections, most don't and there's no WA state laws preventing it.
I have lived in Bellingham for the past two years now, and just bought a condo with my fiancé with an FHA loan, which is something that many HOAs in Bellingham have so that you can more easily afford to purchase a place. We also rent our master bedroom and bathroom toba couple that goes to the community college. They signed a contract to live in our place. We are pretty relaxed people, but as property owners we reserve the right to ask them to leave at any time. I know it’s shitty that you were asked to leave your place, but ultimately you don’t own it. Bellingham is growing rapidly. There is a demand for housing, so the prices are going to rise. We listed our room for rent and we got offered $200 more for it than we were asking. There are rumors that amazon wants to have a location near Bellingham which would give the community job growth. Something I learned a while back from an Econ teacher that I had is that the economy is its own breathing organism and we cant screw with it. There are many charitable organizations and many good people who offer help to those less fortunate, but I you can’t afford to live in a city, maybe it isn’t the right city. Stuff costs what people are willing to pay.
Justvmy opinion on things. We bought a condo as a long term rental investment, because real estate seems to be the thing over here in Bellingham. Going to school for my home inspection license next week!
Dont take this as me as me not wanting to help people, because I am a huge advocate for that
Please drop the myth there's help available from numerous charitable organizations for the homeless/displaced people, While one or two may offer some limited help, their funding runs out a few months into each year. This myth also implies they're just too strung out, crazy or lazy to seek help. It's become a privileged way of covering up & dismissing the issues of homelessness.
Going by what I've learned in conversations with homeless advocates in B'ham; In order to be considered "homeless" a person must sleeping outside or in their car. They're given directions to a shelter(the horror stories are awful) which are typically full and where they can go get a free meal. Then those who meet certain criteria can have their name put on a list for locally subsidized housing...the wait to get into toa place is 18 months - 2 years. Dont get me started on how federal funding for emergency housing has been cut by the Greedy Old Perverts in Congress
Even if the silly rumor was true, if Amazon were to put a facility up here (which they won't) there's literally no room within Bellingham or Whatcom Co to build such a structure. Sit in on a city council or county council meeting sometime and look at some of the zoning maps...poof! there goes that rumor... lol
There's alot with the mindset that real estate has become "the thing" in Bellingham, and a by-product of "the thing" is that people have become NOTHING.
For 28 years, I worked, volunteered (until becoming disabled) and raised 2 kids as a single parent in Bellingham. I don't live there anymore. To find an apartment & landlord (with a conscious) who was willing to consider my character, good credit and rental history before price gouging me onto the street, I now live out in the county 17 miles away from all my friends and family. Other than rent, everything else is more expensive out here. Still I'm luckier than most that have been displaced.
It's great you had money in able to buy a condo in Bellingham. Did your condescending, NIMBY attitude come with it, or was that extra? Sorry I just don't understand where you expect long-time Bellingham residents to go when they get priced out of their homes?
I have lived in Bellingham for the past two years now, and just bought a condo with my fiancé with an FHA loan, which is something that many HOAs in Bellingham have so that you can more easily afford to purchase a place. We also rent our master bedroom and bathroom toba couple that goes to the community college. They signed a contract to live in our place. We are pretty relaxed people, but as property owners we reserve the right to ask them to leave at any time. I know it’s shitty that you were asked to leave your place, but ultimately you don’t own it. Bellingham is growing rapidly. There is a demand for housing, so the prices are going to rise. We listed our room for rent and we got offered $200 more for it than we were asking. There are rumors that amazon wants to have a location near Bellingham which would give the community job growth. Something I learned a while back from an Econ teacher that I had is that the economy is its own breathing organism and we cant screw with it. There are many charitable organizations and many good people who offer help to those less fortunate, but I you can’t afford to live in a city, maybe it isn’t the right city. Stuff costs what people are willing to pay.
Justvmy opinion on things. We bought a condo as a long term rental investment, because real estate seems to be the thing over here in Bellingham. Going to school for my home inspection license next week!
Dont take this as me as me not wanting to help people, because I am a huge advocate for that
Please drop the myth there's help available from numerous charitable organizations for the homeless/displaced people, While one or two may offer some limited help, their funding runs out a few months into each year. This myth also implies they're just too strung out, crazy or lazy to seek help. It's become a privileged way of covering up & dismissing the issues of homelessness.
Going by what I've learned in conversations with homeless advocates in B'ham; In order to be considered "homeless" a person must sleeping outside or in their car. They're given directions to a shelter(the horror stories are awful) which are typically full and where they can go get a free meal. Then those who meet certain criteria can have their name put on a list for locally subsidized housing...the wait to get into toa place is 18 months - 2 years. Dont get me started on how federal funding for emergency housing has been cut by the Greedy Old Perverts in Congress
Even if the silly rumor was true, if Amazon were to put a facility up here (which they won't) there's literally no room within Bellingham or Whatcom Co to build such a structure. Sit in on a city council or county council meeting sometime and look at some of the zoning maps...poof! there goes that rumor... lol
There's alot with the mindset that real estate has become "the thing" in Bellingham, and a by-product of "the thing" is that people have become NOTHING.
For 28 years, I worked, volunteered (until becoming disabled) and raised 2 kids as a single parent in Bellingham. I don't live there anymore. To find an apartment & landlord (with a conscious) who was willing to consider my character, good credit and rental history before price gouging me onto the street, I now live out in the county 17 miles away from all my friends and family. Other than rent, everything else is more expensive out here. Still I'm luckier than most that have been displaced.
It's great you had money in able to buy a condo in Bellingham. Did your condescending, NIMBY attitude come with it, or was that extra? Sorry I just don't understand where you expect long-time Bellingham residents to go when they get priced out of their homes?
Woah, I didn’t mean to sound condescending. I just think housing costs what people are willing to pay. I grew up in anchorage where homelessness is awful. Everyone I talked to at the local shelters and in down town were great people. Every person I spoke to also was on the streets due to either drugs or alcohol. I hate drugs, and hate alcohol because they have ruined many lives and deeply affected mine.
I think affordable housing for homeless people will happen if somebody somebody decides to do it. But I think decreasing drug and alcohol abuse are more worth while.
There was a popular rumor last fall that they purchased a lot of property on state street, but I cannot confirm if there is any merrit to the rumor.
And as a a person, my fiancé and I are super excited that we just purchased our first place recently. Sorry, but I am just excited. I’m getting married next summer, we are seeing Pearl Jam the week after our honeymoon, so I’m just over the moon at the moment!
Im not sure what your disability is, but I honestly wish you the best and hope that you have good in your life. You seem like a person who deeply cares and I hope your future is positive.
Even though we have different ideas ideas on what will fix the problem, I’m happy to have this conversation so different ideas can be seen :-)
I have lived in Bellingham for the past two years now, and just bought a condo with my fiancé with an FHA loan, which is something that many HOAs in Bellingham have so that you can more easily afford to purchase a place. We also rent our master bedroom and bathroom toba couple that goes to the community college. They signed a contract to live in our place. We are pretty relaxed people, but as property owners we reserve the right to ask them to leave at any time. I know it’s shitty that you were asked to leave your place, but ultimately you don’t own it. Bellingham is growing rapidly. There is a demand for housing, so the prices are going to rise. We listed our room for rent and we got offered $200 more for it than we were asking. There are rumors that amazon wants to have a location near Bellingham which would give the community job growth. Something I learned a while back from an Econ teacher that I had is that the economy is its own breathing organism and we cant screw with it. There are many charitable organizations and many good people who offer help to those less fortunate, but I you can’t afford to live in a city, maybe it isn’t the right city. Stuff costs what people are willing to pay.
Justvmy opinion on things. We bought a condo as a long term rental investment, because real estate seems to be the thing over here in Bellingham. Going to school for my home inspection license next week!
Dont take this as me as me not wanting to help people, because I am a huge advocate for that
Please drop the myth there's help available from numerous charitable organizations for the homeless/displaced people, While one or two may offer some limited help, their funding runs out a few months into each year. This myth also implies they're just too strung out, crazy or lazy to seek help. It's become a privileged way of covering up & dismissing the issues of homelessness.
Going by what I've learned in conversations with homeless advocates in B'ham; In order to be considered "homeless" a person must sleeping outside or in their car. They're given directions to a shelter(the horror stories are awful) which are typically full and where they can go get a free meal. Then those who meet certain criteria can have their name put on a list for locally subsidized housing...the wait to get into toa place is 18 months - 2 years. Dont get me started on how federal funding for emergency housing has been cut by the Greedy Old Perverts in Congress
Even if the silly rumor was true, if Amazon were to put a facility up here (which they won't) there's literally no room within Bellingham or Whatcom Co to build such a structure. Sit in on a city council or county council meeting sometime and look at some of the zoning maps...poof! there goes that rumor... lol
There's alot with the mindset that real estate has become "the thing" in Bellingham, and a by-product of "the thing" is that people have become NOTHING.
For 28 years, I worked, volunteered (until becoming disabled) and raised 2 kids as a single parent in Bellingham. I don't live there anymore. To find an apartment & landlord (with a conscious) who was willing to consider my character, good credit and rental history before price gouging me onto the street, I now live out in the county 17 miles away from all my friends and family. Other than rent, everything else is more expensive out here. Still I'm luckier than most that have been displaced.
It's great you had money in able to buy a condo in Bellingham. Did your condescending, NIMBY attitude come with it, or was that extra? Sorry I just don't understand where you expect long-time Bellingham residents to go when they get priced out of their homes?
17 miles??? That's nothing! I don't even have a gas station within 17 miles of my house! 17 miles is a single day's walk.
There was a 3 part television series here in Australia last year called 'filthy rich and homeless'. Was eye opening. Ordinary folk with enough money lived on the streets to see what it's like. I could never do it. Recently I thought about living on the streets to get away from my abusive mother but chickened out.
Adelaide 17/11/2009, Melbourne 20/11/2009, Sydney 22/11/2009, Melbourne (Big Day Out Festival) 24/01/2014
I have lived in Bellingham for the past two years now, and just bought a condo with my fiancé with an FHA loan, which is something that many HOAs in Bellingham have so that you can more easily afford to purchase a place. We also rent our master bedroom and bathroom toba couple that goes to the community college. They signed a contract to live in our place. We are pretty relaxed people, but as property owners we reserve the right to ask them to leave at any time. I know it’s shitty that you were asked to leave your place, but ultimately you don’t own it. Bellingham is growing rapidly. There is a demand for housing, so the prices are going to rise. We listed our room for rent and we got offered $200 more for it than we were asking. There are rumors that amazon wants to have a location near Bellingham which would give the community job growth. Something I learned a while back from an Econ teacher that I had is that the economy is its own breathing organism and we cant screw with it. There are many charitable organizations and many good people who offer help to those less fortunate, but I you can’t afford to live in a city, maybe it isn’t the right city. Stuff costs what people are willing to pay.
Justvmy opinion on things. We bought a condo as a long term rental investment, because real estate seems to be the thing over here in Bellingham. Going to school for my home inspection license next week!
Dont take this as me as me not wanting to help people, because I am a huge advocate for that
Please drop the myth there's help available from numerous charitable organizations for the homeless/displaced people, While one or two may offer some limited help, their funding runs out a few months into each year. This myth also implies they're just too strung out, crazy or lazy to seek help. It's become a privileged way of covering up & dismissing the issues of homelessness.
Going by what I've learned in conversations with homeless advocates in B'ham; In order to be considered "homeless" a person must sleeping outside or in their car. They're given directions to a shelter(the horror stories are awful) which are typically full and where they can go get a free meal. Then those who meet certain criteria can have their name put on a list for locally subsidized housing...the wait to get into toa place is 18 months - 2 years. Dont get me started on how federal funding for emergency housing has been cut by the Greedy Old Perverts in Congress
Even if the silly rumor was true, if Amazon were to put a facility up here (which they won't) there's literally no room within Bellingham or Whatcom Co to build such a structure. Sit in on a city council or county council meeting sometime and look at some of the zoning maps...poof! there goes that rumor... lol
There's alot with the mindset that real estate has become "the thing" in Bellingham, and a by-product of "the thing" is that people have become NOTHING.
For 28 years, I worked, volunteered (until becoming disabled) and raised 2 kids as a single parent in Bellingham. I don't live there anymore. To find an apartment & landlord (with a conscious) who was willing to consider my character, good credit and rental history before price gouging me onto the street, I now live out in the county 17 miles away from all my friends and family. Other than rent, everything else is more expensive out here. Still I'm luckier than most that have been displaced.
It's great you had money in able to buy a condo in Bellingham. Did your condescending, NIMBY attitude come with it, or was that extra? Sorry I just don't understand where you expect long-time Bellingham residents to go when they get priced out of their homes?
17 miles??? That's nothing! I don't even have a gas station within 17 miles of my house! 17 miles is a single day's walk.
There was a 3 part television series here in Australia last year called 'filthy rich and homeless'. Was eye opening. Ordinary folk with enough money lived on the streets to see what it's like. I could never do it. Recently I thought about living on the streets to get away from my abusive mother but chickened out.
I went through that crap when I was a kid. I have no desire to do it ever again unless you pay me big bucks to do it.
I have lived in Bellingham for the past two years now, and just bought a condo with my fiancé with an FHA loan, which is something that many HOAs in Bellingham have so that you can more easily afford to purchase a place. We also rent our master bedroom and bathroom toba couple that goes to the community college. They signed a contract to live in our place. We are pretty relaxed people, but as property owners we reserve the right to ask them to leave at any time. I know it’s shitty that you were asked to leave your place, but ultimately you don’t own it. Bellingham is growing rapidly. There is a demand for housing, so the prices are going to rise. We listed our room for rent and we got offered $200 more for it than we were asking. There are rumors that amazon wants to have a location near Bellingham which would give the community job growth. Something I learned a while back from an Econ teacher that I had is that the economy is its own breathing organism and we cant screw with it. There are many charitable organizations and many good people who offer help to those less fortunate, but I you can’t afford to live in a city, maybe it isn’t the right city. Stuff costs what people are willing to pay.
Justvmy opinion on things. We bought a condo as a long term rental investment, because real estate seems to be the thing over here in Bellingham. Going to school for my home inspection license next week!
Dont take this as me as me not wanting to help people, because I am a huge advocate for that
Please drop the myth there's help available from numerous charitable organizations for the homeless/displaced people, While one or two may offer some limited help, their funding runs out a few months into each year. This myth also implies they're just too strung out, crazy or lazy to seek help. It's become a privileged way of covering up & dismissing the issues of homelessness.
Going by what I've learned in conversations with homeless advocates in B'ham; In order to be considered "homeless" a person must sleeping outside or in their car. They're given directions to a shelter(the horror stories are awful) which are typically full and where they can go get a free meal. Then those who meet certain criteria can have their name put on a list for locally subsidized housing...the wait to get into toa place is 18 months - 2 years. Dont get me started on how federal funding for emergency housing has been cut by the Greedy Old Perverts in Congress
Even if the silly rumor was true, if Amazon were to put a facility up here (which they won't) there's literally no room within Bellingham or Whatcom Co to build such a structure. Sit in on a city council or county council meeting sometime and look at some of the zoning maps...poof! there goes that rumor... lol
There's alot with the mindset that real estate has become "the thing" in Bellingham, and a by-product of "the thing" is that people have become NOTHING.
For 28 years, I worked, volunteered (until becoming disabled) and raised 2 kids as a single parent in Bellingham. I don't live there anymore. To find an apartment & landlord (with a conscious) who was willing to consider my character, good credit and rental history before price gouging me onto the street, I now live out in the county 17 miles away from all my friends and family. Other than rent, everything else is more expensive out here. Still I'm luckier than most that have been displaced.
It's great you had money in able to buy a condo in Bellingham. Did your condescending, NIMBY attitude come with it, or was that extra? Sorry I just don't understand where you expect long-time Bellingham residents to go when they get priced out of their homes?
17 miles??? That's nothing! I don't even have a gas station within 17 miles of my house! 17 miles is a single day's walk.
Walk? Maybe you missed the "disabled part"?
Yeah I did miss that, I've been skimming this thread because I don't know much about the local issues out there. I also didn't mean that someone should be expected to walk 17 miles to see friends and family, just that it's not much distance at all.
I have lived in Bellingham for the past two years now, and just bought a condo with my fiancé with an FHA loan, which is something that many HOAs in Bellingham have so that you can more easily afford to purchase a place. We also rent our master bedroom and bathroom toba couple that goes to the community college. They signed a contract to live in our place. We are pretty relaxed people, but as property owners we reserve the right to ask them to leave at any time. I know it’s shitty that you were asked to leave your place, but ultimately you don’t own it. Bellingham is growing rapidly. There is a demand for housing, so the prices are going to rise. We listed our room for rent and we got offered $200 more for it than we were asking. There are rumors that amazon wants to have a location near Bellingham which would give the community job growth. Something I learned a while back from an Econ teacher that I had is that the economy is its own breathing organism and we cant screw with it. There are many charitable organizations and many good people who offer help to those less fortunate, but I you can’t afford to live in a city, maybe it isn’t the right city. Stuff costs what people are willing to pay.
Justvmy opinion on things. We bought a condo as a long term rental investment, because real estate seems to be the thing over here in Bellingham. Going to school for my home inspection license next week!
Dont take this as me as me not wanting to help people, because I am a huge advocate for that
Please drop the myth there's help available from numerous charitable organizations for the homeless/displaced people, While one or two may offer some limited help, their funding runs out a few months into each year. This myth also implies they're just too strung out, crazy or lazy to seek help. It's become a privileged way of covering up & dismissing the issues of homelessness.
Going by what I've learned in conversations with homeless advocates in B'ham; In order to be considered "homeless" a person must sleeping outside or in their car. They're given directions to a shelter(the horror stories are awful) which are typically full and where they can go get a free meal. Then those who meet certain criteria can have their name put on a list for locally subsidized housing...the wait to get into toa place is 18 months - 2 years. Dont get me started on how federal funding for emergency housing has been cut by the Greedy Old Perverts in Congress
Even if the silly rumor was true, if Amazon were to put a facility up here (which they won't) there's literally no room within Bellingham or Whatcom Co to build such a structure. Sit in on a city council or county council meeting sometime and look at some of the zoning maps...poof! there goes that rumor... lol
There's alot with the mindset that real estate has become "the thing" in Bellingham, and a by-product of "the thing" is that people have become NOTHING.
For 28 years, I worked, volunteered (until becoming disabled) and raised 2 kids as a single parent in Bellingham. I don't live there anymore. To find an apartment & landlord (with a conscious) who was willing to consider my character, good credit and rental history before price gouging me onto the street, I now live out in the county 17 miles away from all my friends and family. Other than rent, everything else is more expensive out here. Still I'm luckier than most that have been displaced.
It's great you had money in able to buy a condo in Bellingham. Did your condescending, NIMBY attitude come with it, or was that extra? Sorry I just don't understand where you expect long-time Bellingham residents to go when they get priced out of their homes?
17 miles??? That's nothing! I don't even have a gas station within 17 miles of my house! 17 miles is a single day's walk.
Walk? Maybe you missed the "disabled part"?
Yeah I did miss that, I've been skimming this thread because I don't know much about the local issues out there. I also didn't mean that someone should be expected to walk 17 miles to see friends and family, just that it's not much distance at all.
I knew it wasn't meant in jest, I was making sure you did know that he was disabled. Thanks for clarifying.
Thanks for the reminder why I've been avoiding this board ...lol
While taking a flippant or privileged attitude may make some folks think they're clever, the widespread failure to empathize with anyone less fortunate IS a big part of the problem. Whether they're unware or just don't care, such input stigmatizes & dehumanizes homeless/displaced people, making it HARDER for those wanting help and people that are working hard and/or volunteering on their behalf to find ways to get people into permanent housing.
Much appreciation to those in this thread and anybody else (yo, PJ & associates) willing to empathize, honestly look at & address homeless issues, and are interested in seeking practical solutions.
New survey of Seattle’s homeless ‘dispels some commonly held myths’: 35% had some college or college degree
POSTED 5:09 PM, MARCH 3, 2017, BY Q13 FOX NEWS STAFF, UPDATED AT 05:16PM, MARCH 3, 2017
SEATTLE — A survey of Seattle’s homeless population surprisingly has found that 41% of the people surveyed are currently working in some capacity and 35% had some college or a college degree, the Seattle Human Services Department said Friday.
In addition, about 20% of respondents listed housing affordability issues as the primary event/condition that led to their homelessness.
The department contracted with Applied Survey Research (ASR) to talk with 1,050 homeless individuals and held multiple focus groups with 80 attendees in 2016. The survey was released Friday.
“Seattle had not completed an assessment of this kind in nearly a decade, and responses from people experiencing homelessness confirmed other information that City has received: that affordable housing availability, substance abuse and mental health issues are key contributors to addressing homelessness. Additionally, the survey shows that homelessness affects Black/African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, Native Americans and the LGBTQ community disproportionately,” a department news release said.
According to the department, the research served to dispel several commonly-held myths about the City’s homelessness crisis.:
— “Seattle’s homeless population is local, with nearly 70% living in Seattle/King County when they became homeless. Over 50% of people experiencing homelessness have lived in Seattle five years or more. Those not originally from Seattle frequently came for the support of family and friends or for a job opportunity. When people were asked about the primary event that led to their homelessness, 25% said losing their job.
— “The primary cause of an individual’s homelessness is not always clear and often the result of multiple and compounding causes. One quarter (25%) of respondents self-reported job loss as the primary cause of their homelessness. Thirteen percent (13%) reported alcohol or drug use, 11% reported an inability to afford rent increase, and 9% reported a divorce, separation, or breakup as the primary cause of their homelessness.
— “Additionally, when asked if they would move into safe and affordable housing if it were offered, 93% of the respondents said “yes.” This dispels another myth that people who are homeless don’t want to come inside. However, rental assistance (68%) and housing affordability (65%) were the top two answers given by respondents when asked what they needed to obtain housing. It should also be noted that 41% of those living outdoors owned their own home or rented housing immediately preceding their experience of homelessness.
— “Perhaps surprising, 41% of the people surveyed are currently working in some capacity (full-time, part-time, temporarily, or seasonally), and 35% had some college or a college degree.
— “35% reported using hard drugs (meth, heroin, crack); 13% percent of respondents reported drug or alcohol abuse was the primary cause of their homelessness; 45% of survey respondents self-reported they did not use drugs; 29% reported using alcohol.
— “Assistance with mental health issues and accessing healthcare overall were identified as great needs by homeless individuals. Depression (42.2%), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (30.9%), and Bi-polar Disorder (23.6%) were cited as the top three health conditions affecting those who are homeless.”
Here's an article about one of the tiny house villages: http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2016/01/chs-pics-take-a-tour-of-e-unions-tiny-house-village/ It is a great place for displaced people who are trying to get into something more permanent. Gets them out of the weather, and out of a tent. Gives them a little security, and peace of mind. But it is strictly transitional, and I'm not sure it scales. These houses and villages are typically built by volunteers, using donated materials, and placed on lots owned by churches or other public spaces. I think the effort is appreciated, and these little villages are certainly kept nicer than the shithole tent cities are.
Something Positive atleast...no one should be Homeless...it disgusts me how the Government spend Billions of Dollars on War and yet you have to rely on Donations from the General Public to house People who are Homeless...
That's a great program they got going. I don't see why more communicates don't get creative like this...
They did all over the US in the 60's and 70's. We call them "the projects" It was a failed social experiment that the government tried.
"The projects" weren't really creative or innovative though.... I'm not even sure we can really called them a completely failed social experiment. I am aware of how it all turned out.... but they did also serve to house people. It was more like a project that had potential but was badly managed and only one-quarter completed than a failed social "experiment". It was certainly a case study in a poorly conceived and executed plan. If they had actually been a creative or innovative social plan, they probably would have worked!
Post edited by PJ_Soul on
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Comments
I think I read that 80-90% of the homeless problem stems from opiods/mental health. They need to focus on those issues and treatment.
I have a friend who's brother is bi-polar and on the street. Every few months he gets hauled in after an episode. They diagnose him and get him on the meds he needs......then they put him back on the street. Because of his history, then they don't allow him to possess the meds, and then the cycle starts over again. Broken model. I feel like there needs to be infrastructure changes in the way Seattle is addressing the issues. The old way isn't working.
It is a great place for displaced people who are trying to get into something more permanent. Gets them out of the weather, and out of a tent. Gives them a little security, and peace of mind. But it is strictly transitional, and I'm not sure it scales. These houses and villages are typically built by volunteers, using donated materials, and placed on lots owned by churches or other public spaces. I think the effort is appreciated, and these little villages are certainly kept nicer than the shithole tent cities are.
angels share laughter
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While one or two may offer some limited help, their funding runs out a few months into each year. This myth also implies they're just too strung out, crazy or lazy to seek help. It's become a privileged way of covering up & dismissing the issues of homelessness.
Going by what I've learned in conversations with homeless advocates in B'ham; In order to be considered "homeless" a person must sleeping outside or in their car. They're given directions to a shelter(the horror stories are awful) which are typically full and where they can go get a free meal. Then those who meet certain criteria can have their name put on a list for locally subsidized housing...the wait to get into toa place is 18 months - 2 years.
Dont get me started on how federal funding for emergency housing has been cut by the Greedy Old Perverts in Congress
Even if the silly rumor was true, if Amazon were to put a facility up here (which they won't) there's literally no room within Bellingham or Whatcom Co to build such a structure. Sit in on a city council or county council meeting sometime and look at some of the zoning maps...poof! there goes that rumor... lol
There's alot with the mindset that real estate has become "the thing" in Bellingham, and a by-product of "the thing" is that people have become NOTHING.
For 28 years, I worked, volunteered (until becoming disabled) and raised 2 kids as a single parent in Bellingham. I don't live there anymore. To find an apartment & landlord (with a conscious) who was willing to consider my character, good credit and rental history before price gouging me onto the street, I now live out in the county 17 miles away from all my friends and family. Other than rent, everything else is more expensive out here. Still I'm luckier than most that have been displaced.
angels share laughter
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I grew up in anchorage where homelessness is awful. Everyone I talked to at the local shelters and in down town were great people. Every person I spoke to also was on the streets due to either drugs or alcohol. I hate drugs, and hate alcohol because they have ruined many lives and deeply affected mine.
I think affordable housing for homeless people will happen if somebody somebody decides to do it. But I think decreasing drug and alcohol abuse are more worth while.
There was a popular rumor last fall that they purchased a lot of property on state street, but I cannot confirm if there is any merrit to the rumor.
And as a a person, my fiancé and I are super excited that we just purchased our first place recently. Sorry, but I am just excited. I’m getting married next summer, we are seeing Pearl Jam the week after our honeymoon, so I’m just over the moon at the moment!
Im not sure what your disability is, but I honestly wish you the best and hope that you have good in your life. You seem like a person who deeply cares and I hope your future is positive.
Even though we have different ideas ideas on what will fix the problem, I’m happy to have this conversation so different ideas can be seen :-)
best,
riley
That's nothing! I don't even have a gas station within 17 miles of my house!
17 miles is a single day's walk.
Was eye opening. Ordinary folk with enough money lived on the streets to see what it's like.
I could never do it.
Recently I thought about living on the streets to get away from my abusive mother but chickened out.
I also didn't mean that someone should be expected to walk 17 miles to see friends and family, just that it's not much distance at all.
While taking a flippant or privileged attitude may make some folks think they're clever, the widespread failure to empathize with anyone less fortunate IS a big part of the problem. Whether they're unware or just don't care, such input stigmatizes & dehumanizes homeless/displaced people, making it HARDER for those wanting help and people that are working hard and/or volunteering on their behalf to find ways to get people into permanent housing.
Much appreciation to those in this thread and anybody else (yo, PJ & associates) willing to empathize, honestly look at & address homeless issues, and are interested in seeking practical solutions.
angels share laughter
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
New survey of Seattle’s homeless ‘dispels some commonly held myths’: 35% had some college or college degree
POSTED 5:09 PM, MARCH 3, 2017, BY Q13 FOX NEWS STAFF, UPDATED AT 05:16PM, MARCH 3, 2017SEATTLE — A survey of Seattle’s homeless population surprisingly has found that 41% of the people surveyed are currently working in some capacity and 35% had some college or a college degree, the Seattle Human Services Department said Friday.
In addition, about 20% of respondents listed housing affordability issues as the primary event/condition that led to their homelessness.
The department contracted with Applied Survey Research (ASR) to talk with 1,050 homeless individuals and held multiple focus groups with 80 attendees in 2016. The survey was released Friday.
“Seattle had not completed an assessment of this kind in nearly a decade, and responses from people experiencing homelessness confirmed other information that City has received: that affordable housing availability, substance abuse and mental health issues are key contributors to addressing homelessness. Additionally, the survey shows that homelessness affects Black/African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, Native Americans and the LGBTQ community disproportionately,” a department news release said.
According to the department, the research served to dispel several commonly-held myths about the City’s homelessness crisis.:
— “Seattle’s homeless population is local, with nearly 70% living in Seattle/King County when they became homeless. Over 50% of people experiencing homelessness have lived in Seattle five years or more. Those not originally from Seattle frequently came for the support of family and friends or for a job opportunity. When people were asked about the primary event that led to their homelessness, 25% said losing their job.
— “The primary cause of an individual’s homelessness is not always clear and often the result of multiple and compounding causes. One quarter (25%) of respondents self-reported job loss as the primary cause of their homelessness. Thirteen percent (13%) reported alcohol or drug use, 11% reported an inability to afford rent increase, and 9% reported a divorce, separation, or breakup as the primary cause of their homelessness.
— “Additionally, when asked if they would move into safe and affordable housing if it were offered, 93% of the respondents said “yes.” This dispels another myth that people who are homeless don’t want to come inside. However, rental assistance (68%) and housing affordability (65%) were the top two answers given by respondents when asked what they needed to obtain housing. It should also be noted that 41% of those living outdoors owned their own home or rented housing immediately preceding their experience of homelessness.
— “Perhaps surprising, 41% of the people surveyed are currently working in some capacity (full-time, part-time, temporarily, or seasonally), and 35% had some college or a college degree.
— “35% reported using hard drugs (meth, heroin, crack); 13% percent of respondents reported drug or alcohol abuse was the primary cause of their homelessness; 45% of survey respondents self-reported they did not use drugs; 29% reported using alcohol.
— “Assistance with mental health issues and accessing healthcare overall were identified as great needs by homeless individuals. Depression (42.2%), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (30.9%), and Bi-polar Disorder (23.6%) were cited as the top three health conditions affecting those who are homeless.”
Read the full 2016 Homeless Needs Assessment.
http://q13fox.com/2017/03/03/new-survey-of-seattles-homeless-population-dispels-some-commonly-held-myths/
angels share laughter
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Something Positive atleast...no one should be Homeless...it disgusts me how the Government spend Billions of Dollars on War and yet you have to rely on Donations from the General Public to house People who are Homeless...
STREET HELP SEEKS HELP FOR 88-YEAR-OLD HOMELESS MAN
http://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/news/street-help-seeks-help-for-88-year-old-homeless-man-1.3691652
Pretty sad when this is happening...