United States Encouraged to Experience Homelessness Problem in America Intimately

In the heart of one of America's most progressive cities, Seattle, the issue of homelessness has been a persistent challenge for over a decade. The city, which ranks fourth in the nation for the number of people without stable housing, is the focus of a new book titled "Way Home: Journeys Through Homelessness."

Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, the book, authored by Josephine Ensign, aims to fill the void of information about homelessness, particularly in Seattle. Ensign, an academic and writer, spent years documenting the lives of people on Seattle's streets and the attempts by policymakers to alter their circumstances.

The book features the stories of Lisa Vach and Travis Berge, two individuals whose lives ended in violence. Vach, who was unemployed and staying in a downtown shelter by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and Berge, a former street musician with a history of methamphetamine use, shocking behavior, and frequent arrests, are among the many lives Ensign chronicles.

Another individual whose life is detailed in the book is John T. Williams, a First Nations Ditidaht woodcarver who spent decades living on Seattle's streets and experienced health issues due to living outdoors and heavy drinking. Tragically, Williams was shot dead by a police officer in an intersection in 2011, an event that sparked widespread protests.

Ensign's book hints at an alternative explanation for the intractability of homelessness in Seattle, suggesting an American reflex to punish, avoid, and exclude. She suggests that well-intentioned efforts to address homelessness in Seattle are often undermined by something beyond our perception.

The book also sheds light on the countywide estimate showing a worsening trend in homelessness in Seattle. In 2023, the city recorded its highest ever number of homeless people (16,000) living on the streets and in shelters. This alarming statistic echoes the national trend, as homelessness in the United States set a new record in 2024.

Seattle's struggle with homelessness is not unique. A 1996 law in Washington state made it the nation's leading jailer of children. The city also has more ordinances criminalizing living in vehicles than any other place in Washington state, further exacerbating the issue.

However, Ensign's book suggests that the Seattle area's innovative local solutions could be scaled up nationally. By sharing the stories of individuals like Vach, Berge, and Williams, Ensign hopes to spark a national conversation about homelessness and the need for compassionate, effective solutions.

In a city known for its progressive politics, the persistent issue of homelessness serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. Ensign's book, "Way Home: Journeys Through Homelessness," offers a comprehensive look at the issue and provides a call to action for policymakers, community leaders, and citizens alike.