News Release
Chief Seattle Club
Chief Seattle Club broke ground on a 120-unit housing development on Lake City Way that will provide permanent supportive housing for adults. The development is one of several Chief Seattle Club housing and shelter developments in process for 2022.
“Sacred Medicine House is an important place to help our relatives heal,” said Derrick Belgarde, executive director of Chief Seattle Club. “Housing is the first step, and then you can bring people supportive services, community and ceremony.”
The development will include 120 studio units with ground-floor supportive services, recreation activities, community space and a longhouse.
“Our Native relatives are experiencing trauma and exclusion on their own lands,” said Belgarde. “Our goal is to not only provide a safe place to live, but the space to pray and gather, and be part of a community. Many relatives have been displaced from their tribal communities, either through forced federal relocation programs, or disconnection from family. Our housing and shelter developments focus on creating a sense of belonging and connection.”
Chief Seattle Club is also developing additional housing and shelter, including: Salmonberry Lofts in Pioneer Square; Goldfinch elders housing on Lake City Way; and a tiny house village in a location yet to be determined.
“We aren’t going to solve the problem of homelessness with a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Belgarde. “We need a number of options to meet the growing need. There is an urgency to the work we do, and developing a variety of housing and shelter options is critical to meeting the need. We are in a crisis and our work doesn’t end until every one of our Native relatives is in a safe, warm place.”
Additional Information:
More on Chief Seattle Club Supportive Housing
Rendering of Sacred Medicine House
