The Viability of McNeil Island as a Solution for Homelessness in Washington State

Aerial photograph of McNeil IslandPhoto byBy WorldIslandInfo.com - originally posted to Flickr as McNeil Island and neighbors, Washington, CC

As Washington State grapples with the subject of ‘Housing the Homeless’ many suggestions are coming to light. Recently, in a Pierce County Council meeting, the suggestion was given to house the homeless on McNeil Island.

There are several pros and cons to this suggestion and as Washington State is searching for answers, many have weighed in on the idea.

Housing the homeless on McNeil Island presents several significant challenges that might make it an impractical option for Washington State.

One of perhaps the most glaring issues is that of accessibility and logistics. McNeil Island is just that, an island. Access to the Island is limited to that of ferry or boat. This would greatly complicate the logistics issues of offering regular transportation for staff and residents not to mention supplies and helping get the homeless back into the workforce. Essential services would also be limited on the island with no medical, mental health, or emergency services readily available.

Let’s also consider the fact that the existing facilities were once a prison and Special Commitment Center. There would be extensive renovations required before the facility would be ready to house the homeless. As a former penitentiary, the renovations would be extensive.

Currently, McNeil Island houses chronic and often violent s*xual predators. Where would the state house these persons? How would that work to house the homeless in such a location? What about the homeless children? Is that putting them at risk?

We can’t forget that the utilities and other such services like water, sewer, garbage, and electricity are limited on the island a well. This too would require substantial renovations before the island would be fit for that many people.

How would isolating the homeless help integrate these people back into society? Wouldn’t the feelings of isolation be even more damaging? Homeless persons frequently rely on local support networks. By removing them from these communities where they’ve already developed a rapport and support network we could be hindering their recovery. This could have a huge impact upon their outlook.

Legally, is it even feasible to force them or encourage the homeless into relocating to an isolated island? Is this ethical? Do the homeless have rights?

What would it take to change the legalities of the land use, zoning laws and residential rights to the island?

Other suggestions have included Tiny House communities, Housing First Models, and other support services all located within a radius of current homeless centers. Integrating such housing solutions within existing communities would allow for improved access to jobs, education, healthcare, counseling services, and social support services.

At first glance, McNeil Island housing the homeless may seem like an ideal solution, but when you break it down, it’s neither practical nor ethical to expect homeless persons to be relocated to a facility with no access to any of their previous support services. What do you think? Is McNeil Island the answer?

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