Seattle's homeless : the Belltown Cafe & Shelter

Abstract

This study represents an exploration of current homeless issues, the crisis across the nation. It addresses the contemporary social and architectural theories, case studies, and resultant precedents. This will culminate with a specific focus on Seattle, Washington's homeless issues and demographics. Finally, the accumulated data will find expression through the design of an emergency shelter/commercial "soup kitchen" in Seattle's Belltown area. For, "at one time or another, most homeless must rely on shelter providers and soup kitchen operators." This study represents a small part of a greater process to "propagate and deepen awareness, an awareness which, when carried to its inevitable conclusion, will result in the elimination of homelessness." I hope to further broaden the dialogue on housing the homeless. For, inevitably, "the epidemic of homelessness is growing far faster than the remedies." "Quality shelter must be provided. Who more than architects should be concerned and involved in the creation of shelter?" It has been documented that "Whenever decent, humane shelter has been made available, willing recipients have made ready use of it."