Everett's "No Sit, No Lie" Laws Spark Influx Concerns in Seattle, Advocacy Group Urges Stricter Policies

Seattle, WA – A local advocacy organization, We Heart Seattle, has raised alarms about a perceived increase in Seattle's unhoused population, attributing the trend to stringent anti-loitering and public conduct ordinances enforced in neighboring cities like Everett. The group is pressing Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell to adopt more restrictive measures, including widespread camping bans and policies mirroring San Francisco's Proposition F, which ties welfare benefits to drug treatment.

The concerns were amplified by an individual identified as Blake, who, according to We Heart Seattle, reported that "50-75 people just moved to the area from Everett" following that city's "enforcing prohibitions on loitering." Everett has implemented "no sit, no lie" laws, which criminalize sitting or lying in designated downtown areas, and "Stay Out of Drug Area (SODA)" ordinances, prohibiting individuals accused or convicted of drug crimes from entering specific zones. These policies, set for potential extension, have faced criticism for displacing vulnerable populations.

We Heart Seattle, known for its direct intervention approach to homelessness, advocates for a "Treatment and Personal Accountability First" model, often in contrast to "Housing First" strategies. The organization urged Mayor Harrell to "Ban camping in parks, school zones, libraries, day cares, and sidewalks" across Seattle. Additionally, they called for broadening nuisance property legislation to address non-profits like the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), citing "extensive 911 calls" related to such facilities.

The group also recommended introducing legislation to manage "chronically service-resistant individuals that refuse shelter even when offered and available." This aligns with their stance that individuals should be compelled into treatment. San Francisco's Proposition F, passed in March 2024, mandates drug screening for single adults receiving cash assistance and requires participation in treatment for those who test positive to continue receiving benefits.

Seattle's approach to homelessness has historically balanced outreach and enforcement, with ongoing efforts to clear encampments and expand shelter capacity. The Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC) is a significant provider of housing and services for individuals with complex needs, operating several facilities, including the Canaday House, which has been subject to scrutiny regarding its impact on surrounding neighborhoods. The city's current policies do not include universal drug testing for benefits or comprehensive camping bans as proposed by We Heart Seattle.