Inside Seattle’s Hidden Homeless Camp: A Journey into the Woods

KENT, WASHINGTON – In a shocking exploration of the ongoing homelessness crisis in Seattle, video journalists Nick Shirley and Jonathan Choe have released a video titled “Deep Inside a Hidden Homeless Camp in the Woods” on YouTube, providing a never before seen look into the lives of those living in a secluded encampment in Kent, just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle.

Uploaded on December 30, 2024, the video delves into the harsh realities faced by individuals who have sought refuge in the forest after being displaced from urban areas.

The video begins with Shirley and Choe navigating through a landscape marked by concrete and plastic barriers, remnants of where homeless encampments once stood openly. This area, previously notorious for being a hub of not just homelessness but also criminal activities like vehicle theft and drug trafficking, has now pushed its residents deeper into the woods.

Upon entering the forest, they encounter individuals who refer to themselves as “survivors,” living in tents and makeshift shelters, some of which have been there for years. The journalists document the lives of several residents, including a man named Kenny, who explains his choice to live in the woods primarily due to the attachment he has to his pet, which most shelters do not accommodate. Another resident, Marcus, highlights the lack of outreach from the city in his opinion, stating it’s been over a year since any official has checked on their well-being or offered assistance.

The encampment, described by residents as a “revolving door” for the homeless, is not just a place of survival but also of significant challenges including drug addiction, with fentanyl being the drug of choice. One of the community’s informal leaders, referred to humorously as “Chief Reno,” discusses the daily struggles of living without basic amenities, the dangers of drug use, and the community’s efforts to look after each other amidst these conditions.

Reno’s account of reviving individuals from fentanyl overdoses using Narcan highlights the severity of the drug crisis within even these remote settings.
The video also touches on the environmental impact of such encampments, with piles of trash and illegally dumped goods creating health hazards and breeding grounds for crime.

The narrative questions the effectiveness of current municipal policies, especially given the vast sums of money allocated to combat homelessness, yet the visible lack of sustainable solutions or regular support for these hidden communities.

Andrea, from the We Heart Seattle organization, appears in the video attempting to extend help, illustrating the complex nature of homelessness where not all seek or accept assistance. Her interaction with one resident, convincing him to accept at least a cleanup of the area, shows the personal and grassroots efforts trying to bridge the gap left by official responses.

The video concludes with an interview with a young woman whose life has been altered by drug addiction, living in the woods with her husband and away from her children.

Her candid discussion about her daily life, dominated by the pursuit of fentanyl, paints a grim picture of addiction’s toll, even as she expresses hope and regret in messages to her children.

This documentary-style video by Shirley and Choe not only brings to light the human stories behind the statistics but also criticizes the current approach to homelessness in Seattle, advocating for more nuanced and effective interventions.

It’s a call to action for better policy-making, community engagement, and a deeper understanding of the lives of those living on the fringes of society.