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00000181-fa79-da89-a38d-fb7f2b910000KUOW is joining forces with other Seattle media outlets to highlight the homeless crisis in the city and region on Wednesday, June 29, 2017.The effort was modeled after a collaboration by more than 70 San Francisco outlets to focus a day of news attention on the issue and possible solutions.Read more about the Seattle project and check out our coverage below. Follow the city's coverage by using #SeaHomeless.HighlightsThe Jungle: an ongoing coverage project going into the notorious homeless encampment under Interstate 5.Ask Seattle's Homeless Community: KUOW is launching a Facebook group where anyone may ask a question about homelessness, but only people who have experienced it may answer. This was inspired by a recent event KUOW co-presented with Seattle Public Library and Real Change, where residents of the Jungle answered audience questions. No End In Sight: an award-winning investigative project from KUOW about King County's 10-year plan to end homelessness.

Homeless advocates plow past mayor's plan with their own

The tent city where Jungle residents are being encouraged to move.
KUOW Photo/Joshua McNichols
The tent city where Jungle residents are being encouraged to move.

In mid-August, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announced a task force to review the city’s homeless sweeps practice, but homeless advocates are plowing forward with their own plan.

The advocates aren't pleased with Seattle's approach to helping people who live on the street. Specifically, they're concerned about the practice of sweeping homeless camps with little advance notice.

The advocates haveproposed a city ordinance and want the city to adopt it before winter hits. The groups behind the proposal include the ACLU, the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, the Public Defenders Association and others.

The plan would allow homeless sweeps, but only after crews have given 30 days’ notice and spent that time doing direct outreach to try to place people into housing or shelters. If the city violates the ordinance, it would be required to pay $250 to each homeless person affected.

The group of advocates says the city does not offer enough beds, which is one reason Seattle has seen a rise in unauthorized camp sites.

The mayor's office says it is reviewing the proposal. Council members weren't available for comment this week.