First and foremost, we would like to thank our friends who showed up on the Fourth of July and built a complete small, simple, sturdy sleeping structure in a day. It was wonderful to work alongside our supporters and enjoy a deep feeling of camaraderie. 

Outside volunteers not only worker, but brought coffee, a meal and all the materials for the structure!   This help came from many different places, including the leadership and communities of Elisabeth Gregory House, Operation Nightwatch, and Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness.

We took many pictures and videos of the event which you can view on our Facebook group “Nickelsville”; please join for regular updates if you have not yet done so.

Friday 7/1/11 we met in conjunction with our friends from SHARE/WHEEL’s Tent City 3 with Councilman Nick Licata and his legislative aide Lisa Herbold to discuss a proposed Encampment Ordinance for Seattle. (The week before we had a good meeting with Seattle Deputy Mayor Darryl Smith.)  This proposal has potential, but will need to be reviewed to ensure that it does not limit potential hosts to religious institutions, or place a number cap on how many can reside in a camp.

On Tuesday 7/5/11 we once again joined forces with our friends from SHARE/WHEEL’s two Tent Cities and spoke in front of the City Council about changes to Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan (that deals mostly with land use.)   We asked that Councilman Licata’s amendment – that would allow encampments in industrial areas when the site has no other present use – be approved so that Nickelsville could remain at its current permanent site.

Being officially recognized is of upmost importance to us.  It would help us with access to city utilities (such as water, sewage and electricity) that at present we must survive without.  Also, at this time local law enforcement agencies will not help us unless a crime has been committed on the property.

We urge our friends to contact the City Council members on the Committee on the Built Environment and ask them to support amendment number 6.  They are:

Sally J. Clark, Chair  sally.clark@seattle.gov

Tim Burgess, Vice Chair tim.burgess@seattle.gov

Sally Bagshaw, member sally.bagshaw@seattle.gov

Tom Rasmussen, alternate   tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov

Last but not least, were honored to host the 7/7/11 “Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee” at Nickelsville!!! Council Members Licata, Clark, Bagshaw, and Rasmussen came to our home for this very special meeting.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and friendship.

We are located at 7116 W Marginal Way SW
at 2nd Ave SW and W Marginal Way SW.
Take the #23 at 3rd and Union and get off at the W Marginal Way SW/Highland Pkwy stop. Nickelsville is south of there at the corner of the intersection of W Marginal Way/2nd Ave SW.
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR ALL WHO NEED A SAFE PLACE TO STAY. Families, couples, singles, pets!

Black Cat Caravan: The Motion!