SEATTLE (KOMO) — A new report shows the number of homeless people accepting offers for shelter in Seattle is critically low. Still, activists are calling on city leaders to put a stop to removing homeless encampments in certain situations.

The “Services Not Sweeps Coalitions” in a news release argued removing encampments is ineffective because it only moves people out of sight, not always out of homelessness. They’re calling on the city to pass legislation banning encampment removals in winter, other severe weather, and improve its winter outreach services.

It would be modeled on the winter eviction ban passed before the pandemic. Activists argue they’re trying to limit people’s exposure to extreme heat, cold and heavy smoke to reduce their risk for heat stroke, hypothermia, overdose and death, the release stated.

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