Seattle sanctioned tiny-house village to close next year

SEATTLE (AP) – A city-sanctioned cluster of tiny homes that houses homeless people without requiring sobriety will close when its permit expires next spring.

The Seattle Times reports that it will be the first time Seattle has formally closed one of its so-called tiny-house villages. A ninth village is set to open next month.

The villages are aimed at getting homeless people into shelter while they wait for more permanent housing.

City spokesman Will Lemke says 39 of the 53 people currently living at the Licton Springs village in north Seattle have been there more than a year. He said many have significant challenges and disabilities such chronic mental-health issues.

The village operated on a low-barrier model, allowing people to use alcohol and drugs.

But many residents complained that the village drew illegal activity to the area.