Image of asylum seekers at a rally as they called upon King County for housing at a vacant hotel amid their ongoing shelter crisis. EconoLodge Hotel in Kent
KOMO News has reported on the battle the group of asylum seekers have had with local governments over inhumane conditions and shelter,The refugees who initially began staying at a large camp on church grounds in Tukwila have bounced from hotel to hotel. Or, from a hotel to an outside camp, and back to a hotel again as stays have either been extended, or expired.
“I understand. I’m one of those taxpayers and pay a lot in taxes as well” Chief Operations Officer Stephen Gray said, “but part of the cost of being a member of society is helping your fellow man. If it costs me a few extra cents on my latte. If it costs me nine dollars, I’d be willing to pay a little extra on my latte.”
Asylum seekers now want the city of Kent to issue a permit to King County to open the EconoLodge for asylum seekers.