This is the letter of support we sent in response to neighborhood resistance to an Urban Rest Stop in Ballard. Neighborhood opposition to this service is unconscionable and if you have moment please register your support for the Urban Rest Stop. Email Bruce Rips at Bruce.Rips@seattle.gov.

January 5, 2014

Bruce Rips via e-mail

Re: Permit # 3016841 Urban Rest Stop Project in Ballard.

Dear Mr. Rips,

I am writing in support of the Ballard Urban Rest Stop. This project should go forward as soon as possible to serve people in the Ballard Neighborhood who are struggling with lack of housing.

It’s pretty simple. Here is what the Urban Rest Stop does:

The Urban Rest Stop provides a clean, safe and welcoming facility where individuals and families can come and use restrooms, shower and laundry facilities. All services are provided at no cost to patrons.

Entitled, frightened, and angry neighbors have opposed microhousing and other projects welcoming new people into our neighborhoods for the same reason they are opposing the Urban Rest Stop: because they are worried about their own financial interests and about new people who are different from them.

Here’s what Jon Scholes head of the Downtown Seattle Association and a neighbor of the Downtown Urban Rest Stop:

Scholes says Ballard can take comfort from downtown’s experience with its Urban Rest Stop. “I live a few blocks from it myself,” he says of the hygiene facility. “Our general perception is they’ve been good neighbors.”

Whatever potential issues with the Urban Rest Stop proposal can be addressed with the right resources and there are many in our community that would be glad to collaborate to resolve any legitimate issues.

We look forward to a speedy resolution to this appeal so that families in Ballard who need a place to get basic services and support can get what they need as soon as possible. We need to welcome everyone who wants to live in this city regardless of income or status. The Ballard rest stop helps do that.

Sincerely,

Roger Valdez
Director