Re: “Seattle is in desperate need of a blueprint for safe, affordable housing” [July 14, Opinion]:
Alex Fryer’s column points out the problems a private development company has had trying to manage a low-income housing project. It highlights that the housing project did not have “behavioral health supports to manage addiction and other crises” (mental health conditions). It also notes “inadequate support” for those with higher needs. The call to action states “this dynamic must change.”
The column reads like a homelessness déjà vu continuing this often-heard Seattle complaint. The blueprint needed is already available. There are very capable nonprofit housing and behavioral health organizations in this county operating housing programs under the same struggles that maintain them with care, respect and dignity.
It is time for local government and development companies to partner with nonprofits with years of experience dealing with these issues properly.
Peter Moote, Seattle