FAQ’s
What is the new “Community Service” program?
We strive to give back. While in your neighborhood, our way to say how appreciative we are will be to assist others in the community whenever possible. For example, for persons who are unable to get sidewalks or driveways shoveled in the winter, leaves raked in the fall, or anyone who needs assistance moving items. We have several individuals who have a great collection of skills. Our Community Service program is still in development. We ask community members to come forth and help us in this venture.
What additional programs is Camp Unity seeking to add?
To tilt the odds in someone’s favor of moving up and out of homelessness we strive to give them access to the following services:
- Computer Training
- Work Resume Assistance
- Mock Interviews
- Trade Skills
- Housing Assistance
Sustainable Environment: We would love to lessen the amount of garbage and waste we produce by using biodegradable and compostable materials. We are seeking communications with eco-freely green companies, with the goal to include implementations like solar, composting toilets, and several other green technologies.
Safety and Security Q&A
Q: What security measures does Camp Unity provide?
A: Camp Unity residents are 18+ and required to have valid state or federal photo ID. All potential residents are checked for warrants and sex offender status by the King County Sheriff’s Department. People with active warrants are not allowed to stay at the camp. Police will be notified immediately of anyone rejected due to warrant status or that has a registered sex offender status.
The Police Department works with Camp Unity Eastside as it does for all other tent cities.
Q: What happens if an individual is turned down or required to leave?
A: Our application pledges to take all reasonable and legal steps to obtain verifiable IDs from potential residents and use their ID to obtain sex offender and warrant checks. If a resident is required to leave the camp, they are given a bus pass and escorted to bus transportation. If bus transportation is not readily available, we will arrange for other transportation which could be a private vehicle or taxi service. If, in the opinion of our Camp Supervisors, any rejected/ejected individual poses a potential threat to the community, the police are contacted immediately.
Q: What other measures are proposed to ensure protection of public health and safety of local neighbors as well as temporary residents of any proposed Tent City?
A: Public Health Seattle-King County provides environmental health-related services to camp residents to promote a safe and healthy living environment. They conduct on-site visits regarding the maintenance and operations of toilet facilities, garbage control, obtaining potable water, hand washing and safe food handling practices. They visit each Tent City as it is established and monitor all issues. Public Health nurses with the Health Care for the Homeless Network provide on-site visits, first aid kits, resource information and assist residents in gaining access to community health care services.
The city may assign a code enforcement liaison to monitor the camp site. The Code Enforcement Officer would inspect the camp daily, including weekends, and ensure that there are no Municipal Code violations.
Q: What presence will the local police have?
A: The goal is to ensure public safety. Local police pledge city resources to properly monitor and respond to camp issues. Local police officers make regular, routine walk-throughs of the camp and gain familiarity with the residents and their routines. When necessary, police officers will conduct investigations and make arrests of those found to be in violation of criminal laws. Local police have attended community forums and often visit our other locations to be prepared for any potential issues.
Q: What measures are proposed to handle garbage and human waste on proposed sites?
A: A dumpster is provided for the handling of refuse and is regularly collected. Residents are forbidden to litter the camp or the surrounding neighborhood. We conduct regular patrols to monitor streets and sidewalks to ensure they are kept clean. We provide well maintained, portable toilets sufficient to the needs of up to 100 people. Hand washing stations are available adjacent to these toilets. Public Health staff members monitor these conditions.
Q: Are open fires allowed? Is fire prevention equipment available on site?
A: No open fires are allowed. We have fire extinguishers posted according to the directives of the local fire department. Local fire departments are welcome to visit the camp at any time.