Each night, 50 men who are homeless sleep on mats in the basement of King County's Administration Building -- the very building where our King County Council meets and votes on the budget. Since October 1st this simple winter shelter has afforded 50 of our neighbors, including veterans, elders, and people with serious health conditions, a safe spot indoors from 7.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m.  Men begin to line up more than two hours before the shelter opens to secure a mat on the floor. 

But as of January 1, 2015 these 50 people will be forced to wait until 8.30 at night before they find out whether they can rest safe and warm inside the King County Administration building, or have to take their chances on the streets. 

We urge King County’s elected officials to adjust the budget: MAINTAIN the current shelter hours, and keep the shelter open October 1 through April.  
It is penny-wise and pound foolish, to cut this essential service. The men served will still be homeless, but they will be more exposed to the elements, and at worse risk for illness, injury, and death. 

One man explained why this shelter matters so much to him:  
"I am recovering from a severe head injury. I'm doing physical therapy for my knee at harborview so I can return to work. I need a safe place to sleep." 

In recent years, our community has opened this shelter earlier, and kept it open for the full winter season. King County's 2015-16 budget cuts funding this winter: It also delays next winter's shelter opening until November, a loss of 1,550 bednights. This is unacceptable.

Don't take a step backwards, King County! We urge our elected officials to embrace the new year with a commitment to finding more safe, indoor shelter and housing for people who are homeless. 

Thank you for speaking up!
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