The SunBreak » shelter

Op-Ed: City Council Has Nickelsville’s Rat-Infested Floodwater on Its Hands

Michael van Baker — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:34:23 +0000

"I don't think we should accept the idea that people are doomed to be homeless and live in tents," Conlin had told Publicola in November 2010. In October 2011, the Council passed legislation making it easier for religious groups to host tent cities for longer periods of time.

Passport to Pleasure: A Terrific Time in Tofino

Jay Friedman — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:14:36 +0000

Being on the Pacific and bestowed with many fine beaches, Tofino is a town full of “surfer dudes” (the total population is about 2,000), so the lifestyle is rather laid-back. Still, if you don’t surf, there are many other sensual pleasures to enjoy, even (or should I say especially) during inclement weather. So join me as we go to the remote town of Tofino, where we stamp this week’s Passport to Pleasure—a hedonistic quest for great food and good times for two, from nibbles to naughtiness.

Home of REI, Seattle Wrestles With Urban Tent Cities

Michael van Baker — Mon, 16 May 2011 15:52:43 +0000

At issue is the homeless activism behind Nickelsville's existence--you get the sense that in their view, they are a community looking for a home, whereas government sees a social ill that needs to be ended. (It should be noted that while Nickelsville is a tent city, not all tent cities argue Nickelsville's brand of self-determination.) There's public resistance to "institutionalizing homelessness" if the city or county creates a permanent encampment (which has lead to linguistic contortions such as a "semi-permanent home")--or even rents housing.