The Port held a press event on June 2 at Interbay Safe Harbor Tiny House Village to announce the expansion of the village by working with LIHI to add 30 new tiny houses to the existing 46 houses. This would make Interbay the largest tiny house village in the state with 76 tiny houses. The location is 1601 15th Ave. West. Port Commissioner Stephanie Bowman stated that the Port of Seattle is the only port in the country to host a tiny house village. The Port is expected to sign a new two year lease with the City of Seattle and will welcome the new neighbors. LIHI will add additional hygiene facilities, a new kitchen and increase staffing including case managers. Seattle Councilmember Andrew Lewis spoke about the desire to serve more homeless people in District 7 and throughout the city with his “It Takes a Village” campaign to create 20 tiny house villages in Seattle. Sharon Lee, LIHI Executive Director, thanked Commissioner Bowman and Councilmember Lewis for their leadership. 50 people currently live in the village including three children. Because of Mayor Dukan’s leadership in helping LIHI purchase the 76-unit Clay Apartments on Capitol Hill, six people from Interbay moved in recently. Ms. Lee introduced Bob Williamson who lived at Interbay Village since it opened and has now moved into permanent housing. Mr Williamson said he formerly lived in a tent at the Dravus tent city site before moving to Interbay Village. He is now very happy to be living in his own studio apartment at the Clay Apartments (see photo). He said the village saved his life. Magnolia, Queen Anne and Interbay community leaders, Janis Traven, Sue Olson, Jan Monti and Ellen Monrad and spoke about their support for the villagers and the expansion.
Left to right: Port of Seattle Commissioner Stephanie Bowman; City Councilmember Andrew Lewis; Bob Williamson; Interbay Village
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