Video: Growing concern for homeless living along rivers

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SULTAN, Wash. - The Snohomish River is one of many rivers across western Washington where homeless people camp and live.

It's not a problem during the summer, but this time of year it's dangerous.

"If you don't leave before it floods, you're in water over your head," said Mike Spellacy, who recently had a brush with disaster.

He's been homeless since losing his job five years ago and getting behind on rent. He camps along the flood-prone Sultan River.

"I try to check the river before I go to bed, to make sure it's not gonna come in," he said.

Two nights ago a fellow river-dweller told him he needed to leave because high water was on its way.

"It flooded about two hours after I left," Spellacy said. "So when it comes in, it comes in, in a hurry."

Many homeless people like camping along rivers because of the seclusion and easy access to water. That isolation also means they often don't know when a flood's coming.

That's what happened last week week, when a homeless woman living in a tent near the Sultan got trapped by rising water. A rescue boat got to her just as hypothermia was setting in.

These are not isolated stories, and some say more can be done to protect the homeless during floods.

"Being able to make sure that everyone gets the right information at the right time is gonna be important," said Sheri Badger, spokesperson for Pierce County Emergency Management.

She says a simple warning could save lives.

"Either by having deputies go out, or law enforcement from those particular jurisdictions," Badger said.

People who work with the homeless say the best help will come from good Samaritans.