I think you’re really highlighting a central question here. Focusing on “chronic homelessness” as an exclusive option increases the risk that criminalizing homelessness will displace the true emergency and transitional housing options.
It speaks well of how humane the Ballard community is. Creating a safe place for people where they can be offered help drives down risks of violence.
It’s maybe counterintuitive, since violence against unsheltered people is too often unreported.
