Perceptions of Homelessness in Seattle's Green Lake/Lower Woodland Park

Abstract

This thesis explores how housed users of Seattle’s Green Lake/Lower Woodland Park view and interpret the presence of homelessness in the park, as well as how they have been impacted by it. Interviews with park users revealed a spectrum of responses to the presence of homelessness in the park, from no change to their usual use of the park to no longer going to the park, with some in between who have modified their use of the park. Five major themes also emerged: government frustration, safety concerns, homelessness in the park being one part of a larger problem, feelings towards coexistence of unhoused and housed individuals in the park, and feelings of inner turmoil in response to the presence of homelessness in the park. Based on these findings, this thesis identifies areas for future exploration to develop policy recommendations to address homelessness.