Seattle's Hotel Shelter Program Hits Roadblock Amid Ongoing Housing Crisis

Seattle's Hotel Shelter Program Falters Amid Ongoing Housing Crisis In a move that has left advocates for the homeless community stunned, Seattle officials stopped filling hotel rooms designated as shelter space despite committing to pay millions in lease extensions. The city had signed a 2.7 million deal with a private landlord to continue using the Civic Hotel and other buildings as temporary housing. According to Ashley Hiruko's investigation published by KUOW on October 6, 2025, the nonprofit organization responsible for placing homeless individuals in these hotel rooms was instructed to let them empty out even as the city finalized its lease extension. This decision has left many wondering why the city would continue to pay for a service it no longer intends to use. "We were told to stop sending people to the Civic Hotel," said Sarah, a representative from the nonprofit organization. "It was confusing because we had just received word that the city had signed the lease extension and would be continuing to fund our efforts." The hotel shelter program was initially implemented as part of Seattle's efforts to address its growing homelessness crisis. With an estimated 5,000 shelter beds available within the city limits and on nearby Vashon Island, the city aimed to provide temporary housing for those in need. However, statistics show that only an average of three beds were available each night last year. The decision to stop filling hotel rooms has sparked concerns among advocates who argue that it will exacerbate the existing crisis. "This move is a step backward," said Mark Putnam, executive director of the Seattle Homeless Union. "We need more shelter space, not less." Background research reveals that Seattle's homelessness crisis has been ongoing for years, with many attributing it to rising housing costs and lack of affordable options. The city has implemented various initiatives aimed at addressing this issue, including the hotel shelter program. As the situation unfolds, officials are facing increasing pressure to explain their decision-making process. "We need transparency on why they're not using these rooms," said Sarah. "It's frustrating because we had been working together to find solutions." The city has yet to provide a clear explanation for its actions, leaving many to speculate about the motivations behind this move. As Seattle continues to grapple with its homelessness crisis, one thing is certain: the need for shelter space remains acute. In response to these developments, Mayor Jenny Durkan's office released a statement saying that they are "reviewing the situation" and will provide an update in the coming days. The city has also announced plans to increase funding for affordable housing initiatives. As Seattle navigates this complex issue, one thing is clear: the fate of its hotel shelter program hangs in the balance. *Reporting by Propublica.*