Nickelsville Update: It's Cold Out There!
Nickelsville, the homeless tent
city that is using hand-me-down pink tents from Komen, has moved to its FIFTH
location, according to an e-mail I received today.
The tent city actually moved on December 5, but I haven't been by to see its new digs, the parking lot at the University Congregational United Church of Christ on the corner of 45th Street and 15th Ave. NE, in Seattle's University District. I wish they could find a spot to pitch their tents that's a bit softer than concrete, but a parking lot it is.
I'm amazed at how welcoming these churches have been--because I'm sure they are taking flak from their neighbors and possibly even from church members. This church, even before the tent city moved to its parking lot, had offered showers to the homeless and paid for a month of Honey Buckets (I kept meaning to ask about that!).
The mayor for whom the tent city is named seems to be holding the line and refusing to grant a permit to the tent city--I'm not quite sure why, his position has got to be unpopular here in liberal Seattle--and a group calling itself the "Nickelsville 22" will be going to court March 10 in Seattle municipal court. I hope none of them freeze to death in the meantime--It's been cold in Seattle for the past few days.
Women in Black
Meanwhile, Women in Black will hold a Winter Solstice Candlelight Vigil on Sunday, December 21, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Westlake Park in downtown Seattle. I plan to go to that, candle in hand.
The vigil is to remember the homeless men and women who have died of exposure or through violence this year in King County. December 21 has been designated National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.
Back at Nickelsville
The tent city needs donations
of untreated firewood and charcoal for cooking and keeping warm, and also
meals. If you'd like to help with meals, e-mail Natalie of Real Change (the
homeless newspaper) at npinkerton33@yahoo.com.
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