Met with NW Hospitality Director Anton Preisinger to 'round' on the Port Orchard Veteran's Park encampment. Anton and I were able to visit 14 people (7 of whom were women) in two hours. There were more that I was unable to visit due to time constraints. The encampment residents were forewarned of the upcoming encampment "sweep" scheduled on April 22 (https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/news/homeless-encampments-to-be-removed-by-end-of-april/) and some were provided some supplies/goods such as cellphones, batteries, garbage bags and light medical care: cleansing and dressing of wounds & assessment of a contusion. There was an additional outreach worker collecting sharps containers and exchanging sharps. 'Damage control' of infectious waste (needles) and potential for STDs (condoms) were also provided. There's a need for garbage clean up as there were some camps left abandoned throughout the park.
It is overwhelming to see the tremendous need as well as the humility of our unsheltered neighbors accepting the little being offered (or not accepting anything at all), and the gratitude expressed when they are not forgotten. NW hospitality director, Anton Preisinger's efforts has built sincere trust in the forgotten few in our community which is commendable. I encourage anyone interested in joining his efforts to connect through NW hospitality or via the Arise of Pierce County 2017 email.
(Check out NW hospitality blog: https://www.nwhospitality.org/justonemeal/magnet-theory-response or email arisepc2017@gmail.com).
Additional resources if interested in what's going on in Kitsap county related to homeless ordinances:
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/KitsapCounty/html/Kitsap17/Kitsap17505.html
https://www.kitsapgov.com/BOC_p/Homes%20for%20All%20Documents/FAQ%20%2008%2028%2018.pdf
https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/news/city-council-passes-temporary-homeless-encampment-ordinance/
https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/news/upset-by-inaction-putaansuu-threatens-to-take-kitsap-county-to-court/
https://www.kitsapgov.com/dcd/PEP%20Documents/All%20Public%20Comments%20Received%201.24.22-2.21.222.pdf
No answer in sight: As one can see if they review these resources, there exists conflict between allowing for homeless encampments sites in the midst of lack of unaffordable housing in the area (per Kitsap county). There is the desire to ensure safety for the residents of Port Orchard, but the city's Mayor has little influence except through the court system, according to the article. The Veteran's Park, run by the county, sits within Port Orchard city limits. The Mayor of Port Orchard cannot enforce eviction since the county makes the rules for the park and the county has allowed concessions for the encampment residents until a proposed shelter is built. A shelter run by Kitsap County Rescue Mission has been in the planning phases, but has not been built yet which would provide a place for encampment residents to go v. remaining outside. Meanwhile, encampment residents remain amongst reports of pest infestations (rats, squirrels and rabbits) in need of basic needs. I cannot confirm that drug use is occurring, but sharps containers are being used. I cannot confirm that "100" residents live in the park, as the article suggested, above. Typically (per Anton, and my observance), the number is under 20 residents, a few of whom are moving onto to other places as we surveyed the park yesterday. These individuals are fearful, angry, ashamed, want to remain hidden and undisturbed. City residents also are upset, unable to safely use a park that was established for all in the community.
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