Seattle may ease rules for church homeless camps

SEATTLE — The Seattle City Council will vote Monday on an ordinance that would allow churches to host homeless camps without a permit or time limit.

Private groups or individuals would still need a temporary use permit, which can cost up to $2,000 and take several months. An agreement that allows private tent cities expires in March.

Since the beginning of the 10-year Plan to End Homelessness in 2005, the city has provided funding to build or remodel 1,800 housing units for the homeless. But the annual homeless count in January found 2,400 people on the streets of Seattle and suburbs in King County.