We ask for your advocacy regarding an upcoming vote on a permanent men’s shelter in Bellevue.
The Bellevue City Council has been deliberating whether or not to implement the shelter for over two years. Situated right next to a King County Public Health Clinic and the Eastgate Park and Ride, the shelter would provide 24-hour, low barrier access for 100 homeless men. The city’s discussion over the shelter has caused a great deal of concern among surrounding residents. They have expressed concerns about crime and public safety issues, despite the Bellevue Police Department’s statistics that show no correlation between shelters and violent or property crimes in the surrounding areas.
It is expected that the Bellevue City Council will vote to move forward with the shelter OR vote to postpone a decision at their meeting this coming Monday, April 17 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. (more information below). To put forth a strong faith community presence, we ask that you consider:
- attending this meeting wearing red (symbolizing human services); and/or
- calling and/or emailing the Bellevue City Council members and urging them to support human dignity and welcome for our homeless neighbors by voting in favor of building the shelter. View or download a template that you can use to contact the council. View or download contact information, also listed below.
Bellevue City Council Meeting: Proposed Men’s Permanent Shelter
Date: Monday April 17, 2017
Time:
- 5:30-7:00 PM: Study session and discussion
- 7:00-9:00 PM: Full council meeting
*It would be great to have a faith presence during the entire meeting, but if you can only make part of it, the full council meeting from 7-9 PM takes priority.
Where: Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
If you have any questions, please call Michael at (206) 204-3852 or email him. Thank you for your support during this Holy Week!
P.S. – For more information and to sign a petition in favor of the shelter, please visit Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness’ petition site.
Bellevue City Council Contact Information:
General phone number: 425-452-7810
Mayor John Stokes
jstokes@bellevuewa.gov
Deputy Mayor John Chelminiak
jchelminiak@bellevuewa.gov
Councilmember Conrad Lee
clee@bellevuewa.gov
Councilmember Jennifer Robertson
j.robertson@bellevuewa.gov
Councilmember Lynne Robinson
lrobinson@bellevuewa.gov
Councilmember Ernie Simas
esimas@bellevuewa.gov
Councilmember Kevin Wallace
krwallace@bellevuewa.gov