Everett City Council votes to move forward with 'Supportive Housing' project for homeless



EVERETT, Wash. -- A new plan to help the homeless in Everett is moving forward. The City Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to adopt the proposed ordinance authorizing “Supportive Housing” and provide services in an area where people live and shop.

People who live near this proposed spots say they’re all about helping the homeless, but they just don’t want it happening in their backyards.

Mike Koltowski says he would have reconsidered where he bought his home in Everett, as he learns where the city of Everett wants to build its new supportive housing facility for the homeless.

“I wish I would have known this before I bought the house,” said Koltowski. “Recently buying this house here, I don't like hearing that. I don't know about the riff-raff associated with any of the homeless.”

It's why he made sure to attend Wednesday night’s Everett City Council meeting for the third and final reading on the issue. City leaders said the project is part of the safe streets plan, to clean up the streets of homelessness and drug use and provide a secure apartment and support services for those in need. Catholic Housing Services would operate the 69-unit project as it does a similar one in Seattle.

“I've seen what kind of people can be around those parts, but I can also see what good it can do,” said Lucas Shepherd, who lives near the proposed site near Pecks Drive and Evergreen Way. However, as someone who got back on his feet after receiving similar support, he said he doesn’t mind sharing the neighborhood.

“As someone who has been through and helped by so many people, so many drug and alcohol counselors and stuff, it's hard for me to say, ‘I don't want it around my children,’” said Shepherd.

But for those like Koltowski, he fears what might be intended for good could still cause harm to those who live nearby.

“If this is going to be a safe haven for them, then what happens when it's full?” asked Koltowski. “You're still going to get the overflow in the area. That's why I don't like it. I'm against it.”