Nickelsville homeless encampment will switch to new University District site

Nickelsville has a new home in the University District.

The members of University Congregational United Church of Christ voted Sunday to allow the homeless encampment to take up residence in the church's parking lot at 15th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 45th Street.

The group of 107 homeless people has lived in a parking lot owned by nearby University Christian Church since mid-October. That church needs its lot back.

A child-care center and a food bank based at the church need the parking, said University Christian member Judith Lightfoot. The church also has been forgoing public-parking revenue by hosting the encampment.

"Our congregation is a lot smaller than theirs," she said, and "the revenue from the parking lot is a huge part of our budget."

University Congregational members discussed the move on Sunday.

"There were some concerns, but we feel our Christian faith has called us to risk and to take action," said University Congregational member Carol Fleagle.

"We're not using this as a political statement," said John Lewis, a moderator for the churchwide talk, adding that the church wants to help alleviate homelessness, not promote a political cause.

The encampment sprang up in September in an industrial area in South Seattle. It has moved three times since.

The founders dubbed it Nickelsville to protest what they believe is a failure by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels to ease the homeless problem.

University Congregational officials have scheduled a meeting with the city Tuesday to discuss applying for a land-use permit. The camp could remain in the church's parking lot for up to three months.

Catherine Foote, one of the ministers, acknowledged questions remain and that the business community is worried about Nickelsville's presence. "We want to be good neighbors," she said.

Brian Ives, president of the University District Business Improvement Association, said he advised church members to set a time limit on Nickelsville's stay, and to not seek another site within the neighborhood for the encampment.

University of Washington spokesman Norm Arkans declined to comment on the move. "Everything in the district concerns us, but this is something that's between the city and the church," he said.

At Nickelsville, relief prevailed. "Everyone was a little nervous," said resident Aaron Colyer, as there was no plan B. "We're glad to hear the decision."

They hope to be in place by the end of the week, he said.

Will Mari: 206-464-2745 or wmari@seattletimes.com