King County Homelessness Surges 23% Amid Intensifying Debate Over "Housing First" Policy

A recent YouTube content titled "Behind Closed Doors | The Harm of Housing First | Seattle WA," shared by user @imacynic, has reignited discussions surrounding the effectiveness of the "Housing First" approach to homelessness in Seattle and King County. This comes as King County reported a significant 23% increase in its homeless population in 2024, with volunteers counting a record 16,000 individuals living in shelters and on the streets. The video appears to highlight criticisms of the policy, which prioritizes moving individuals experiencing homelessness directly into housing without preconditions like sobriety or treatment.

Critics, including local nonprofit We Heart Seattle, argue that Housing First policies, while well-intentioned, are failing to address underlying issues such as mental health and substance abuse. Andrea Suarez, founder of We Heart Seattle, stated, "It's practical, boots on the ground evidence that has told me that by housing somebody without treatment or psychiatric care first is a recipe for disaster." Anecdotal accounts from tenants in Housing First facilities describe unsafe conditions, including a "wave of overdose deaths" in one building, leading some to advocate for a "Treatment First" model.

The Housing First model, pioneered in the 1990s and later adopted as a federal strategy, aims to stabilize individuals by providing immediate housing, followed by voluntary supportive services. Proponents, such as the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) in Seattle, maintain that it is an evidence-based solution proven to effectively end homelessness for individuals. They contend that the rising homelessness numbers are primarily driven by a severe housing affordability crisis, not the failure of Housing First itself, with Seattle housing costs 50% above the national average.

Despite decades of research supporting Housing First's effectiveness at the individual level, a growing political backlash questions its broader impact. Conservative groups and initiatives like Project 2025 are pushing for a return to "Treatment First" practices, which would require individuals to address mental health or substance use issues before receiving housing. This national debate reflects a broader re-evaluation of strategies to combat homelessness, particularly in high-cost urban areas like Seattle.

The ongoing discussion underscores the complex challenges of addressing homelessness, where rising housing costs, mental health crises, and substance use disorders intersect. While Housing First remains a cornerstone of many local and federal efforts, the surge in homelessness in King County and the vocal criticisms highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that effectively integrate housing with robust, accessible supportive services.