Seattle to clear out longstanding homeless camp 'The Jungle'

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle and state officials have announced plans to move people out of the homeless encampment along Interstate 5 known as the Jungle.

Mayor Ed Murray and Gov. Jay Inslee said in a written statement Tuesday they are working together to address the needs of people who live in unsanctioned camps in a greenbelt that runs along I-5 in South Seattle.



Officials say teams with the Union Gospel Mission will work with people to offer them shelter and connect them with food, counseling and other social services.

Then the plan is to clear out the garbage, overgrown vegetation from the hillside.



The city will also hire a consultant to help the city and others figure out what to do with the area.



The plan comes months after a shooting at the camp left two people dead and three wounded.