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Concern was raised this month by the City Auditor, as the auditor's office found a disconnect to the amount of recourses dedicated to homelessness and their overall impact.
The unprecedented levels of snow this month provided Seattle shelters with the opportunity to connect a larger portion of its homeless patrons to long-term services. Services also highlighted in this month's news cycle were Mercy Watch, a volunteer medical service for the homeless, as well as a recourse fair hosted by Seattle Center's Exhibition Hall.
Seattle continues to battle with housing affordability and availability this month. Citizens voted earlier this month on Seattle's up zoning measure, which could "provide at least 6,000 new rent and income-restricted homes for low-income residents," while mayor Durkan signed an executive order which looked to increase housing affordability and address residential displacement.
This month a report was circulated throughout Seattle news outlets discussing the "revolving door" between Seattle's homeless population and jail. Commissioned by several Seattle neighborhood districts, the report highlighted the heightened recidivism rate for King County's homeless.
In January, availability of temporary living spaces for Seattle's homeless continued to be a priority, as several new shelters and housing alternatives opened. This rise however, still has not matched the need for Seattle's homeless patrons, as concern continues around unsanctioned encampments and the community impact of homeless facilities.
This month, King County continued its development of spaces and facilities for its homeless population. However, public and political concern still remain concerning the overall approach and leadership in the response to combating homelessness.