Seattle Drops $137K To Hire Director of Homelessness

Mayor Ed Murray this week announced the city will spend $137,000 plus on a new director's position to deal with homelessness in Seattle.

Seattle, like it's neighbor to the south, has been plagued with homeless issues for years, over the last few years, the problems have multiplied.

In 2014, there were presumed to be 64 deaths of homeless people, last year that number jumped to 91. Unlike many urban areas, where homeless numbers have dropped somewhat or even significantly, Seattle (and Portland) have seen theirs rise.

Included are the criminal issues, especially from the area known as The Jungle, a homeless 'campground' right by the city that's known for drugs, crime and violence.

George Scarola, who Murray says is an expert on such matters, will start this week. He has 25 years of public relations and community relations experience, including leading a number of large housing projects-some for the homeless.

He will be responsible for analyzing the homeless data, where they're coming from, and charting solutions for the city to deal with the situation.

Some critics say Seattle's relaxed attitude towards homeless, and it's relative temperate climate, have attracted many homeless people from even out of state, making the problem more difficult. They also claim Seattle's attempts to become a sanctuary city have invited more of them as well.