Did you know that Seattle’s homelessness crisis is the third worst in the nation? In light of that sobering reality, I’m pleased to share the release of a new report offering data and policy recommendations for elected officials. Authored by myself and national expert Dr. Robert Marbut, A New Approach to Homelessness in Seattle advocates tangible steps to put treatment and recovery first and rebalance funding priorities.
The new policy plan was highlighted at a recent private screening of Marbut’s upcoming documentary, Fentanyl Death Incorporated, hosted by Discovery Institute. Thank you to those who joined us at the event. As we look forward to expanding our impact next year, please take a moment to review more of the latest highlights.
If anyone needed more proof of the power of independent media, this election season delivered it. Our team at Fix Homelessness is ahead of the curve in leveraging the power of social media, video storytelling, and independent journalism to change minds and policies on addiction, homelessness, and housing. Below are some recent highlights.
Jonathan Choe
Robert Marbut Exposes the Underbelly of the Fentanyl Crisis in New Documentary
Produced by Robert Marbut with Warner Bros., Fentanyl: Death Incorporated is the most comprehensive film on the fentanyl crisis featuring a wide range of experts including our own Jonathan Choe. The documentary will release in January, but you can rent or purchase pre-release at SalemNow.
New Report Provides New Data and Policy Proposals for Seattle Leaders
Discovery’s new policy report on Seattle’s homelessness crisis proposes allocating all available funding towards treatment and recovery services, redistributing 20% of funding towards an emergency treatment response, and creating two clinical tracks to put people in the best environment for recovery. Watch a short explainer video or a 30-minute podcast conversation with Robert Marbut and Caitlyn McKenney.
Helping a Massachusetts Mom Search for Her Son on the Streets of Seattle
Jonathan Choe searched the streets of Seattle with the mom of 26-year-old Danny Finnegan. Finnegan, an engineering student at the Naval Academy, went missing after checking himself into a Seattle emergency room for a cannabis-induced psychotic episode. The poignant video with 101,000 views on X shows heartache and hope for family members who are missing children due to drug use and mental health crises. The good news is that Danny was found and is one of many examples of loved ones being found and reunited with family thanks to Jonathan’s coverage.
Housing Providers Face Millions in Unpaid Rent
A public records request for emergency funding applications from Seattle’s affordable housing providers reveals the dire state of affordable housing in the region. Together, 24 housing providers recount facing millions in unpaid rent, skyrocketing costs to operate, and challenging behavioral crises. Caitlyn McKenney addresses this reality and the policies that shaped it in a recent article garnering 55,000 views on X.
Marvin Olasky Reflects on the Foster Care to Youth Homelessness Pipeline
“What can bring hope to homeless people who experience life as a pinball game?” asks Senior Fellow Marvin Olasky in a recent article on the life of children in foster care. Many go on to experience homelessness upon exiting the foster care system and are forced to make decisions from a place of survival.
Caitlyn McKenney
Program Coordinator
Center on Wealth & Poverty
(206)-826-5550
