Women in Black
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black. Having just received an updated 2009 list, on Wednesday, March 3rd, we will stand vigil to honor and remember:
- JEFFERY HEBERT, 51, who was found dead at the Gilman Playground (in Ballard) on December 19th (the cause of his death is pending),
- JOHN CHENEY, 54, who died by suicide (from the Aurora Bridge) on December 21st, and
- MICHAEL DOUBLES, 56, who was found dead of natural causes at NE 68th and Weedin Place NE on December 31st.
At least 38 homeless people died outdoor/violent deaths in King County in 2009, and we are heart broken that 10 of these were deaths by suicide. At least two homeless people have died outdoor/violent deaths already this year. Where is the community outcry? Please join our vigil if you are able to!
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Women in Black
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black. On Wednesday, February 17th, we will stand vigil to honor and remember:
- Randy Leonard, 52, who died on February 1st in Lake City; he was found near the intersection of 120th St. NE and 10th Ave. NE. The cause of his death is not yet determined.
Randy was a beloved member of the Lake City community of homeless and housed people. According to his friends, Randy had a large extended family. He was known to love the outdoors – hunting, hiking, motorbike riding and camping with his children. He worked in the Carpenter’s Union and was an accomplished mechanic. He was a student of philosophy, an accomplished guitarist and harmonica player, and also a painter. He brought joy and gifts to many, and managed to love amidst his suffering.
A memorial service was held for Randy Leonard at the Seattle Mennonite Church on Friday, February 12th. Our hearts and prayers go out to Randy’s friends and family.
The number of known homeless deaths outside or by violence in 2009 was at least 36. The majority of these deaths were caused by violence. This is exactly why Nickelsville and more day/night shelters are so desperately needed. We are also keenly aware of the fact that the Lake City community has been particularly hard-hit recently, with five deaths in the past two years. PLEASE JOIN US IN SOLIDARITY!
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Women In Black Vigil
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black. On Wednesday, November 4th, we will stand for two new homeless deaths. The people we will honor and remember are:
- Rulon Smith, 55, who died by suicide (gunshot wound) in North Bend on 9/27;
- Lance Loder, 58, who died by suicide (from the Aurora Bridge) on 10/6.
Our hearts go out to their friends and family.
The nubmer of homeless deaths outside or by violence this year now stands at 34. Eight of these deaths have been suicide. Women in Black consider this to be a public health crisis! We are very concerned about all of these deaths, the horrible causes of death (suicide, being run over by cars and trains, murder) and the lack of available shelter. Without shelter and loving community, people die. This is exactly why Nickelsville and other day/night shelters are so desperately needed.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Women in Black Vigil
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
On Wednesday, October 7th, we will stand for three new homeless deaths. The people we will honor and remember are:
- Michael Farr, 39, who died of undetermined cause at Olive Way and 6th Ave on September 8th ,
- Daniel Blake Carson, 49, who was found dead of natural causes in a warehouse in Tukwila on September 13th.
We also want to dedicate this vigil to the memory of our friend, Al Farr, who died last month in this outdoor shelter community.
At least 32 people have died outdoor/violent deaths in Seattle already this year. Women in Black are very concerned about all of these deaths, the horrible causes of death (suicide, being run over by cars and trains, murder) and the lack of available shelter. Without shelter and loving community, people die. This is exactly why Nickelsville and other day/night shelters are so desperately needed.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Women in Black – a new record
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
Today, we stand in honor and memory of Timothy Koch, 50, who was run over by cars and killed on I-5 just north of I-90 as he attempted to cross the freeway on Saturday, August 15th. He was a homeless person, and his last known address was a shelter in Tacoma. He is the second person to have been run over by cars near I-5/I-90 this summer while trying to cross the freeway within “The Jungle” greenbelt area.
It’s the FIFTH week in a row we’ll have stood vigil.
We have never had to stand with such frequency before in the whole 10-year history of the Women in Black vigils, and we are very worried. In 2009 already at least 29 people have died outdoors or by violence in King County; many over this past summer in the State-owned greenbelt area known as “The Jungle.” Two were murdered in “The Jungle” in a one-month period recently, and both murders are unsolved.
Women in Black are very concerned about all these deaths, the horrible causes of death (suicide, being run over by trains and cars, murder), and lack of available shelter. Without shelter and loving community, people die. This is exactly why Nickelsville and other day/night shelters are so desperately needed.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Women in Black
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
Today, we stand in honor and memory of Phil Carrasco, age 55, who died early Wednesday morning, August 5th, by suicide; he jumped from the 12th Avenue Bridge. Phil had been homeless off and on for more than 15 years, and was beloved in the Lake City homeless and service provider communities. He was a Real Change vendor and a veteran, and had spent time at the VA Hospital the week he died. His is the SIXTH suicide of a homeless person in King County already this year.
At least 28 people have died outdoor/violent deaths in Seattle already this year.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Women in Black
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
Today, we stand in honor and memory of:
• Felicia Johnson, 23, who was found dead on the BNSF railroad tracks in Tukwila on June 26th. The cause and manner of her death have not yet been determined.
• Edward Isaiah Cook III, 64, who was found dead of natural causes at SW 100th and 15th SW on July 4th.
At least 27 people have died outdoor/violent deaths in Seattle already this year.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Women in Black
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
Today, we stand in honor and memory of James J. Bohrer, 40, who was killed by a Sound Transit train near 4th and Holgate Street–the first Sound Transit train fatality. The Medical Examiners have ruled his death a suicide. This is the 5th known suicide committed by a homeless person this year.
At least 25 people have died outdoor/violent deaths in Seattle already this year.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Advocacy alert
Today, a Federal District Court Judge denied a motion to restrain the State from forcibly evicting homeless Nickelodeons from their current location on State land. Tonight, it is very likely that State Troopers will come evict Nickelodeons and arrest those who refuse to leave, despite the reality that Nickelsville has no permanent site to move to.
Tonight, Women in Black will be standing at 2nd SW and West Marginal Way SW at 5 PM. The dangers of sleeping outside, alone, are well known to Women in Black. Without shelter and loving community, homeless people die. They die young (at an average age of 48), and they die in horrible ways. These dangers make the need for Nickelsville’s safe, self-managed outdoor shelter/shantytown eminently clear.
Women in Black will be standing tonight in solidarity as silent witnesses at Nickelsville, and in the name of the homeless people who have died, outside and alone, on or near State land over the past nine years. We now know that at least 42 people have died on State land on or near I-5 or I-90, in the Jungle greenbelt, over the past nine years. Research was done to corroborate this for a Declaration to support Nickelsville’s Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order. These deaths, on State land, make the State’s action today to forcibly evict homeless people from their safe communal shelter shameful and wrong.
(Taken in part from the Women in Black press release)
Women in Black
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
Today, we stand in honor and memory of Bernardino Maceo-Toirac, 55, who was shot to death in the Beacon Hill greenbelt known as “The Jungle” on Friday, June 26th. No suspects have yet been aprehended.
At least 23 people have died outdoor/violent deaths in Seattle already this year.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Mourning
Its not that I don’t think they shouldn’t be mourned. By all means, please, mourn for Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Farrah fought a brave and devastating battle against cancer. She was public with her struggle, and gave hope to many, even in her last days. Michael Jackson was, for all the drama, a legend in the music and entertainment industry. So yes, let them be mourned. Host a memorial, leave flowers by their picture, create an hour special for Dateline. Because what life is not worth being mourned in death?
But we must be cautious, because that last statement can lead us down a dangerous path; one that equates the amount of mourning with the worth of one’s life. The people who are becoming professional mourners, standing vigil outside of Michael Jackson’s former estate, seem to paint the picture that the King of Pop was something more than just entertainment royalty. The insane barrage of coverage every day on every news cycle would seem to have the public believe that the death of Michael Jackson is more worthy than any other news story the world over.
Don’t get me wrong, I am glad that there were quick responders to MJ, and a doctor by his side nearly every minute of the day for the last few months. I’m glad that Farrah had intensive, holistic care and loved ones by her side when she passed. I just wish that everyone had those comforts.
So for those who didn’t have adequate medical care, for those who died alone, we stand. We stand saying we HONOR and REMEMBER all who have passed. We call out the names of those we know, saying each life is worthy to be mourned, with a moment of silence for the names we have not learned.
Today, we stand for:
- Wes Singletary III, age 39, who died by suicide at the Aurora Bridge on June 10th.
- James Ware, age 48, who died by suicide in Kent on June 10th.
- Michael Lovelady, age 51, who was found dead on June 16th. The cause of his death is still pending.
- Aric Mayhew, age 31, who was found dead on June 16th. The cause of his death is still pending.
- Shawn Clark, age 25, who was hit by a train and killed on June 20th. Shawn was a longstanding and beloved activist and friend to the street youth community.
- Wade Doyle, age 48, who was found dead outside on June 22nd. The cause of his death is still pending. Wes was a longstanding and beloved member of the SHARE community.
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
At least 22 homeless people have died outdoor/violent deaths this year!
(Information on the deaths taken from the Women in Black press release)
Women in Black
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
Today, we stand in honor and memory of Patrick “Pat” Vanstelle, 49, who was found dead at Gasworks Park on June 16th. The cause of his death is not yet known. At the request of his friend, who was there when Pat’s body was discovered in Gasworks Park, has requested that we hold a “cleansing ritual,” which will also be held today.
At least 16 people have died outdoor/violent deaths in Seattle already this year.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Women in Black
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
Today, we stand in honor and memory of Rebekah Woods, 43, who also went by the name Valerie Lorriane Clarke. On May 28th she was found dead on I5, near Holgate St. Rebekah was a loved member of both the Mary’s Place community, as well as the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC).
At least 16 people have died outdoor/violent deaths in Seattle already this year.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Nickelsville
A big story in the Seattle news recently has been the most recent move of Nickelsville, a tent city for homeless men and women. Sponsored and managed by Share/WHEEL (co-sponsors also of Women in Black), Nickelsville is named after Mayor Nickels, who claims to do great things for the homeless people of Seattle, but has in all actuality, failed them time and time again.
Mayor Nickels may say that there are enough beds to cover every homeless person, but how do you explain the nearly 3,000 men, women and children who still sleep out on the streets every night? Do you really think that is their choice? I sat with a mother today, and her five year old daughter, and we called every single shelter in King County, and two in other counties. Not a single opening. No one had room for this mother and child. Does this outrage anyone else? *end rant*
The fact of the matter is that no, there are not enough beds to even begin to cover the thousands of homeless in King County alone. Out of this desperation, Tent City 3 was started in 2002. Modeled after Portland’s “Dignity Village,” and named after the manner of naming shanty towns Hooverville during the Great Depression, Nickelsville has faithfully provided anywhere from 50-100 homeless men and women a night safe shelter for 7 years. Nickelsville, and its sister camp, Tent City 4, are housed mostly in church parking lots, occasionally taking residence on university campus. The entire camp has to move every 90 days, to follow city ordinance, leaving Nickelsville to find a new willing host.
Nickelsville is more than just a tent city, it is home for hundreds. It is a place where men and women can safely rest their head each night. With shelters, if you don’t get in line in time, you lose your bed. There is no guarantee with shelters. In Nickelsville, the tent you sleep in is yours, every single night. It is a place where they can leave their belongings during the day while they are out working, looking for work, attending doctor appointments, visiting with family, etc. It is a place where husband and wives can stay together, something no other shelter in Seattle offers!
Nickelsville has turned into a community full of people who equally encourage and hold one another accountable. There is round-the-clock security, community meetings and strict rules, all set by the community. Drugs and alcohol are strictly forbidden. Quite simply, these are men and women who desperately need a safe place to sleep each night, and a community to gather around them. These are women and men who are empowered by simply having a tent to call “home.”
And yet, the City of Seattle has continuously tried to evict Nickelsville from nearly every location it has landed over the last 7 years. They are give 90 day permits, after which they must pack up and leave, trying to find new safe ground. Churches have put themselves in the line of fire, trying offer Nickelsville a place to stay. These church have, in turn, been sued by the city.
Finally, Nickelsville grew weary of fighting the city, and has sought refuge from the State. They are now residing on State owned property, in hopes that Governor Gregorie will have a more open heart and mind than Mayor Nickels. The land Nickelsville currently sits on has been abandoned for quite some time, and it seems a waste to let perfectly good land to unused, particularly when there are people in need of a place to go.
We are currently advocating to the State and to Governor Gregorie to give Nickelsville a permanent place to call home. It is rumored that she has been to visit Nickelsville this week. We are only hoping that she can see how much good this tent city does for these men and women. Until we can eradicate homelessness, there will be a real need for Nickelsville!
If you are interested in joining the campaign, please send an email or a letter to the following. They are listening! Now is the time to speak up!
Mr. McKenna, Attorny General: rob.mckenna@atg.wa.gov
Ms. Hammond, State Transportation Secretary: hammonp@wsdot.wa.gov
Mr. Judd, Governor’s Office: ron.judd@gov.wa.gov
Governor Christine Gregorie (via her website): www.governor.wa.gov
Women in Black
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
Today, we stand in honor and memory of Teresa Fernen, 46. On May 5th, someone brought her body to a local Safeway Store. Her cause of death is undetermined. Teresa is the first known female death this year.
At least 14 people have died outdoor/violent deaths in Seattle already this year.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Vigil
Every time a homeless person is found dead outside or dies by violence in King County, WHEEL (a homeless women’s organizing effort) and the Church of Mary Magdalene (an ecumenical day ministry) mobilize for our silent witnessing vigil called Women in Black.
Today, we stand in honor and memory of Miguel U. Garcia, 77, who died outside in Seattle of natural causes on Feb. 19th.
At least 12 people have died outdoor/violent deaths in Seattle already this year.
(Taken from the Women in Black press release)
Women in Black
Part of my job includes spending 5 hours a week with another organization who has close ties to Mary’s Place. WHEEL (Women’s Housing, Equality and Enhancement League) is an empowerment and action group that works solely on homeless women’s issues. My director connected me with this organization because she knew that I was interested in advocacy work as well, and this is a great organization to link with for that purpose. One of the projects that WHEEL and Church of Mary Magdalene work together on is called Women in Black. Every time a homeless person – man or woman – dies in the Seattle area outside, alone, or due to violence, the Women in Black group stands together in a silent vigil for one hour outside of City Hall. Papers are handed out with the names of the deceased listed, as well as their cause of death. It is an effort to make the public aware of these often preventable deaths, and to stand in front of the city saying that these people may have been forgotten and abandoned in life, but in death they will be remembered. In 2008 over 50 homeless people died outside or by violence.
Yesterday was the first vigil I have attended, and it was the 2nd vigil so far this year. We were standing for 6 men. That brings the total up to ten people whose deaths Women in Black have stood for this year so far. Women in Black had a first yesterday, as the mother of one of the deceased joined us in our vigil. It was an emotional moment for her as well as the others who stood alongside her. The mood was somber, as we all stood in remembrance of these six men.
Then last night, I was watching an episode of West Wing (yes, Stephanie finally won me over, and I’ve started watching from Season 1 – courtesy Netflix) and it was the Christmas episode from Season 1. In this episode Toby learns of the death of a homeless man who died outside in the cold, alone. As Toby began to research this man, he learned that he was a war vet, and so Toby works diligently in finding this man’s family in order to inform them of his passing. Once the brother was found, Toby arranged for a funeral with honors. Toby was so moved by this man’s death. Others around him kept asking, “Did you know him?” When Toby said no, they all responded basically the same way, “Then why do you care?” But Toby knew what these vigil standers of Women in Black know: It matters not if we knew them, what matters is that they are someones son, someones sister, someones friend, and they deserve the dignity in death that they may not have received in life. At the end of the episode, when the president confronts Toby with the manner in which the funeral was arranged, the president says, “We can’t do that, otherwise every homeless war vet will come out of the woodworks, expecting the same royal treatment.” Toby replies, “I hope they do sir.” And it is moment where you realize that every person, war vet or not, deserves the chance at our one true right – the right to life. By the time the episode was finished, I was so emotional I couldn’t do anything but just sit a few moments in silence.
Today we honor these and others whose names we may not know:
- Joseph Hradec, 37, who was shot to death by police officers in a motel on January 14th.
- Gerald Scott, 67, who was found dead on January 17th and whose death is still undetermined.
- Michael Robinson, 49, who was found dead on Janaury 25th, cause still pending.
- Brian Reitan, 37, found dead of natural causes on Janaury 30th.
- Ronald Barbour, 54, found dead on February 2nd of undetermined causes.
- Dan Olson, 48, found dead on February 20th, cause of death still pending.
