“The heroes are not the ones advocating for the poor and helping the homeless. We are not the heroes. We are just doing what should be done. We are just taking care of what needs to be taken care of. The real heroes are those who by all reason, should have given up long ago, and yet, they have not. They continue to go on, refusing to give up. When they keep getting kicked in the teeth, keep getting knocked down, and they somehow get back up and keep on. These are the real heroes!” –Tim Harris, Real Change (paraphrase)
thoughts from amidst the tension. visions from amidst the chaos. clarity from amidst the mystery.
the story of nickelsville (prologue)
i have been wanting to blog about the story of Nickelsville, a homeless community in Seattle that has decided to take matters into their own hands to correct their situations. I have been involved a little during the process and my good friend Dustin has become one of their biggest, non-homeless advocates, spending most of his days with them, even to the point of being arrested with a group of them. so, i will write soon about the story… the events that have taken place over the last week or so and some of my thoughts on the situation and how we are involved in helping them out! stay tuned for that blog coming soon! In the meantime, here is a synopsis of what Nickelsville is all about!
WHAT IS NICKELSVILLE?
Nickelsville is a permanent homeless shantytown in Seattle WA which will accommodate up to 1,000 people. Nickolodeons (Nickelsville’s residents) will live in permanent structures (not tents) and will not have to move every few months. Emphasis will be on safe and sanitary conditions.
WHY NICKELSVILLE?
This year’s one night count showed an increase of 15% in the number of homeless people sleeping outside. Sleeping outside is dangerous; unfortunately there are not enough indoor shelters. There is safety in numbers, there is power in being organized.
WHY THE NAME NICKELSVILLE?
Mayor Nickels’s edict to systematically drive people out of their encampments and to destroy their property was the trigger for the present crisis. It is only befitting that our shantytown be named in honor of Mayor Nickels and his “humane” treatment of the homeless.
WHO?
Anyone who is homeless, willing to take charge of their living conditions, participate in a community and follow some basic rules is welcome to Nickelsville,
WHAT STANDARDS?
Houseless people are neither better nor worst than housed people. Resident of Nickelsville will be held to the same standards as those of any civilized neighborhood. Nothing more, nothing less
other than... 