Video: Seattle tries kinder, gentler approach clearing homeless camps

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SEATTLE - Dozens of cluttered homeless camps litter Seattle's greenbelts and the occupants are not easy to engage.

"It's a transient population so it's really hard to stay on top of where they are," said Sergeant Paul Gracy.

Now the city has approved a kinder, gentler approach to clearing out the homeless camps.

Just last week a police sergeant accompanied social workers with the Evergreen Treatment Program into Kinnear Park to offer homeless campers some services. They made contact with a day laborer who declined services and told them about his drinking problem.

"We're offering them a shelter bed, which is a permanent shelter bed, we are also offering services," said Mari Beth Wilson, of Evergreen Treatment Services.

Last summer, homeless advocates criticized the city after a state brush-clearing crew accidentally killed a homeless man who was sleeping along I-5 and a city crew tore down a camp, destroying sleeping bags and tents.

Last week the city posted warnings at Kinnear Park, giving the homeless 72 hours to clear out.

But, now the city has eased those threats.

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Last week the city posted notices at Kinnear Park, giving the homeless 72 hours to clear out.

New postings will go up giving them until May 28 to leave.

Critics say the city's new approach continues to criminalize poverty.

"The problem is there still isn't enough shelter or housing for people in these campsites because the shelters are full," said Timothy Harris, homeless advocate.

The city has earmarked other parks for a homeless camp clean-up.