Seattle’s homeless tent city could make way for a barge

Associated Press

SEATTLE — The best alternative to the roving tent city that has put down stakes in several neighborhoods would be a two-story barge-like structure with sleeping quarters for 512 people, according to a report commissioned by the city.

The structure, which has been used by workers on the Alaska pipeline and Navy personnel in Bremerton, could be placed along the Duwamish River in south Seattle, said the consultant’s report for the city Office of Housing.

The barge would cost about $4 million, and it would need another $200,000 in repairs, the report said.

The tent city, which houses about 100 homeless people, first appeared in south Seattle in March 2000. Since then, churches and community groups in various communities have played host to the group.

Officials say the tent city, currently at St. Therese Church in Madrona, does not meet with accepted housing standards. Homeless advocates say it offers safe housing for those who can’t get into overcrowded shelters.

The barge structure is owned by the Lynden family of companies, which last year offered to sell it to the city for housing. Officials toured the barge but did not pursue the offer.

The Office of Housing has made no decision on the latest recommendation.

"We will read the report and go back to the criteria that work financially, work for neighbors and work for homeless people," said Bill Rumpf, deputy director of the housing office. The review could take months.

The structure has 128 rooms that each can accommodate up to four people, shared bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities. The kitchen and dining area has space for 200 people.