Government
Homelessness is no longer a red or blue issue for voters. It is a life issue.
Editorial by Martin Barrett, Highline Journal Editorial Board
Over the past two weeks, The Highline Journal has published a series of stories drawing on the research and firsthand experience of Burien resident John White and his encounters with the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), a failed “housing-first” drug house.
With the City Council election on Nov. 4, 2025, coming to a close, it is vital to understand the differences between the candidates' approaches to homelessness.
It can be summed up in a simple phrase: those who believe we should lead with treatment and healing, and those who believe compassion means providing flop houses for unlimited drug use and abuse (with no requirement for treatment).
Those who promote the latter are part of what is known as the Homeless Industrial Complex (see article at the bottom for more details).
In this complex system, government officials gain power and perks, nonprofit networks get an ever-growing number of well-paid jobs, housing-first landlords obtain a guaranteed and lucrative cash flow—and the addicted die. This means taxpayers may be forced to cut basic needs in their own lives to foot the bill, which ultimately leads to the death of the very people they are trying to help.
Burien’s housing-first advocates include candidates Sarah Moore, Hugo Garcia, Sam Mendez, and Rocco Devito.
But this is not unique to Burien. The cruel homeless-money machine is active across the nation, and the results are the same. Even mainstream media can no longer ignore it. This is not a red or blue issue; this is a life issue. All people of good will would be offended if they understood how cruel the housing-first model has become.
To get a picture of the national housing-first and homeless industrial complex—and how it is destroying lives—please see here.
A new study just exposed the corruption behind America’s homelessness crisis
New investigation reveals how billions in taxpayer funds meant to address homelessness have been diverted to radical activism and political agendas instead of helping the homeless.
Michele Steeb
Members Discussion