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Public commenters press council on homelessness services, veterans' needs and day-center operations
Summary
During public comment, speakers urged more services for people experiencing homelessness, criticized the city-funded day center’s effectiveness and called for increased shelter capacity and veteran-specific programs; a veteran advocate said she is preparing petitions and proposals for higher levels of government.
Several public commenters addressed homelessness and support services in Federal Way, focusing on the city-funded day center, shelter capacity and veteran-specific resources.
Dr. Janice Clark, who identified herself as a homeless veteran, described personal struggles and urged expanded HUD-VASH vouchers and coordinated services for 100% service-connected disabled veterans. "My homelessness was not a choice, but a consequence of a system that not only failed me, but so many other veterans," Dr. Clark said, and said she would submit a petition to federal officials and stakeholders.
Resident Ken Blevins criticized the day center’s effect on public safety and nearby businesses, saying it "does service some people... but the dysfunctionality of inviting people here mostly, homelessly addicted to drugs, and not having any services for them is just honestly, it's kinda stupid." He said the city should consider shelter options that operate overnight and address service gaps.
Council members acknowledged the concerns and encouraged continued communication with city staff; staff responses to specific operational or zoning questions were not resolved on the record that night.
Speakers called for an emphasis on prevention, wraparound services and collaboration among nonprofits and government agencies. Dr. Clark also referenced long-term advocacy work and said she represents a nonprofit she founded, which focuses on services for veterans.
