Why is the City of Burien working to establish a temporary emergency housing village?
The Burien City Council voted on November 27, 2023 to site a temporary emergency housing village (referred to in the Revised Code of Washington as “transitional housing”) to address the issue of homelessness in Burien. They also voted to adopt a code of conduct that prohibits illegal drug, alcohol use, and possession of firearms on site or in the surrounding neighborhood. Registered sex offenders will not be permitted in the site.
Where will the temporary emergency housing village be located?
The village will be located on a property owned by Seattle City Light at S. 136th St. and 4th Ave S.
How will this project be funded?
King County has offered the City of Burien $1 million and 35 Pallet shelters in support of this project. The City Council has not authorized the use of City funds for this project.
How will the village be operated?
The village will be in operation for up to one year with 90% of the residents being identified as “homeless in Burien”. The City Council directed staff to follow a similar process that the DESC Burien site will follow to identify people for housing. This includes a coordinated approach between several service providers who conduct regular outreach and service provision in Burien.
Staffing of the village will include security and a community liaison. The community liaison will be a City staff person who could act as a primary point of contact for ongoing community engagement with the community, help coordinate listening sessions, coordinate a potential community advisory committee, and help act as a liaison with other relevant City departments, among other duties.
What are the next steps?
The Planning Commission will consider changes to zoning codes that may be required to allow the village to operate. Following Planning Commission deliberation and recommendations to the City Council, the City Council will have the opportunity to consider the recommendations and take final action. The public is welcome to attend and give comment at these meetings.
Additionally, City staff will be working with King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) on a request for proposals to find an organization to operate the village.
Updated February 8, 2024