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Streets Initiative - Police

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1. What is begging?

Begging means to ask for money or goods as a charity, whether by words, bodily gestures, signs, or other means. By itself, this is not criminal act.

2. What is aggressive begging?

Aggressive begging is illegal and Everett Municipal Code 9.52 states that a person commits this offense if he or she begs in a manner that intentionally hinders or obstructs the free passage of any person in a public place; or by words or actions, begs with intent to intimidate another person into giving money or goods.

To “hinder or obstruct” means to walk, stand, sit or lie in such a manner as to block or attempt to block or restrict passage by others or to require persons approaching to take evasive action to avoid physical contact whereas “intimidation” is engaging in conduct that would make a reasonable person fearful or feel compelled.

3. What is trespassing?

Everett Municipal Code 10.68 says a person is guilty of criminal trespass if they knowingly enter or remain unlawfully in a building or upon the premises of another. A person enters and remains unlawfully when they are not licensed, invited or otherwise allowed to do so. When someone enters an area that is generally open to the public but they are unwelcome by the person responsible for the property, officers general give them a warning and ask them to not return. Returning to the property would constitute trespassing.

4. What is loitering?

Everett Municipal Code (EMC) uses loitering in the context of drug and prostitution activities and makes it unlawful for any person to loiter in or near any thoroughfare, place open to the public, or near any public or private place in a manner and under circumstances manifesting the purpose of illegal activity. Loitering does NOT pertain to aggressive begging as it is covered under other EMC’s.

5. What is unlawful camping?

Everett Municipal Code 8.56.010 states it is unlawful for any person to camp in a park, on a street or in any publicly owned area or parking lot. “Camp” means to pitch, use, or occupy camp facilities for the purposes of habitation, as supported by camp paraphernalia which includes, but is not limited to, tarpaulins, cots, beds, sleeping bags, blankets, mattresses, hammocks or cooking facilities and equipment.

6. What conduct is allowed when begging?

Most beggars are passive, but some become aggressive when they are not given anything. Passive begging is not a crime when performed on public property. People may hold signs or ask for money while standing or sitting. When occurring on private property, the owner or responsible party has the right to ask them to leave. Refusing to leave is trespassing.

7. What conduct is NOT allowed when begging?

-Pressure to be given something
-Physical contact
-Blocking your path or entrance/exit from a location
-Following and continuing to ask after being told “no”
-Use of obscene, profane or abusive language
-If their actions are intimidating or put you in fear of bodily harm
-Threatening you with a criminal act

Be cautious if you are contacted after dark, in a secluded area, if someone appears to be under the influence of a substance or if a group of two or more approach you.

8. What do I do if confronted by an aggressive beggar?

Tell them “No”, walk away and call 911.

Be sure to tell 911 why you are calling, provide an accurate description of the person, and keep your distance while officers respond to your location. If you are not in imminent danger, your situation will be assessed along with other priority calls for service.

9. What are the penalties of aggressive begging?

Aggressive begging is a misdemeanor. However, police officers and prosecutors often consider alternatives to arrest, prosecution and/or jail that address any underlying causes that led to criminal behavior.

10. What do I do if I’m uncomfortable, but am not threatened?

Making someone else feel uncomfortable is not a crime unless some sort of overt action is taken. If you are uncomfortable being approached by someone on public property, avoid them and get to a location where you feel safer. This can be inside a business, remaining in your vehicle or crossing the street. Calling 911 in these instances is not appropriate as no crime has been committed.

11. Where is public property?

A “public place” is an area generally visible to public view and includes streets, sidewalks, bridges, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, parking lots and buildings open to the general public, including those that serve food or drink or provide entertainment, and the doorways and entrances to buildings or dwellings and the grounds enclosing them.

12. Can people block the sidewalk?

Everett Municipal Code 9.60.010 states that all persons who stand, remain or congregate upon any public street or sidewalk in the city in such manner as to obstruct, prevent or interfere with the free and unobstructed use of such street or sidewalk by other persons and who fails or refuses to move on or disperse upon being ordered to do so by any police officer, or other peace officer, are declared to be disorderly persons. Note: Officers must provide people blocking sidewalks with an order to move on or disperse, prior to taking enforcement action.

13. Can people sit or lay on the sidewalk?

Yes, people are allowed to sit and lay on the sidewalk as long as it is not blocking the area set aside for an actual right-of-way.

14. If I’m a business owner, what do I do if someone is behaving irrationally or intimidating my customers?

People acting irrationally have the potential to be dangerous to themselves and others. Do not interact when someone acts this way, get to safety and call 911. Officers will be dispatched to assess the situation.

15. If I’m a business owner, what do I do if someone is sleeping in a doorway?

If you feel comfortable, wake them and ask them to leave. If they refuse, or you are not comfortable contacting them, call 911 from a safe location. Be sure to tell 911 why you are calling, provide an accurate description of the person, and keep your distance while officers respond to your location. If you are not in imminent danger, your situation will be assessed along with other priority calls for service.

16. If I’m a business owner, what do I do if there are unauthorized people on my property?

As a business owner, you are often required to address tough decisions. If unauthorized or disruptive persons are on your property, you have the authority to ask them to leave. This requires you to address them, if it is safe to do so, and advise them they are not allowed on the property. A confrontation is not necessary or advised, but talking to them is. If they refuse, call 911 from a safe location. Be sure to tell 911 why you are calling, provide an accurate description of the person, and keep your distance while officers respond to your location. If you are not in imminent danger, your situation will be assessed along with other priority calls for service.

If property owners file a “Notice Of Intent To Prosecute” with the Everett Police Department and conspicuously post ample warning signs on the property with specified terminology, officers have the authority to enter private property and make trespass arrests or issue citations. Businesses, property managers and the Everett Police Department will send the message that criminal activity is not tolerated by enforcing the Trespass Ordinance. This type of enforcement may prevent other crimes from taking place. Notice of Intent to Prosecute

17. What is the police department doing to address these issues?

There are many different concurrent actions being taken by different organizations to address the issue of aggressive begging.

The Everett Police Department (EPD) works to educate business owners interested in regulating conduct in their parking lots for the safety of their customers by making more effective use of their authority to enforce laws by partnering with the police department.

Additionally, the EPD and the Snohomish County Department of Human Services have partnered to hire a mental health community support specialist to serve as an embedded social worker, implementing one of the Community Streets Initiative task force recommendations. The community support specialist works with officers, including in the field, to better respond to a variety of street-level social issues, including chronically homeless individuals and individuals with mental illness who come into contact with the criminal justice system. There is also a large range of other responsibilities, including coordinating social service outreach and serving as liaison to the social service community.

In conjunction with the Streets Initiative, the Mayor’s Safe Streets proposal creates a specialized unit within the police department to work on street level social issues and criminal activity. This unit will be composed of four officers, a sergeant, an additional community support specialist and prosecutor resources.

Finally, EPD and the City of Everett are developing a public education and outreach campaign emphasizing alternatives to making direct giving to beggars. The City created a dedicated webpage to educate citizens on making charitable donations in lieu of direct giving to beggars. Also, signage is being developed to assist business owners in discouraging direct giving on their property and to provide information on how to donate.

18. How can I help?

Not all beggars are homeless and many want money for alcohol or drugs. While opening your wallet or purse to get money, you are more likely to be victimized. There are many ways to help those in need without giving someone cash and the Everett Police Department recommends researching and giving to any of the numerous service organizations who specialize in assisting those in need. The City of Everett website has a list of charities.

Additionally, volunteering time with a charity that focuses on community service helps you better understand the needs of your community and how your efforts support others.

Finally, it is important to understand the involved issues to help make change. In July 2014, Mayor Stephanson convened the Community Streets Initiative Task Force which consisted of community members, business owners and service providers to study and create a comprehensive plan to help those in need. Safe Streets: Get Involved

19. Is there additional information on panhandling?

The following link is for a Panhandling Brochure

20. Is there additional information on trespassing?

The following link is for a Trespass Brochure

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Streets Initiative - Service Providers

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1. Bridgeways

Bridgeways provides services that promote improved quality-of-life for individuals who live with mental illness, in a manner that facilitates growth, independence, and a sense of community. For information visit https://bridgeways.org/ or email info@bridgeways.org Donate

2. Catholic Community Services

Catholic Community Services exists to serve and support poor and vulnerable people through the provision of quality, integrated services and housing. They focus on those individuals, children, families and communities struggling with poverty and the effects of intolerance and racism Donate

3. Cocoon House

Cocoon House provides outreach, housing and prevention services to at-risk and homeless youth and their families. In Everett, Cocoon House runs an Outreach Center where youth (12-20) can access a warm meal, showers, clothes, drug and alcohol support, referrals to other critical resources and case management for youth (12-24). They also operate an emergency shelter and transitional living program for youth (12-17) that provides a stable, safe, supportive environment. Cocoon House also has a prevention program designed to support parents who are struggling with their relationship with their teen. Donate

4. Compass Health

Compass Health is a private, non-profit, state licensed organization providing mental health and chemical dependency services. Clients served may be chronically mentally ill; experiencing an episodic crisis; dual diagnosed or seeking assistance for an emotional or behavioral problem. In addition to serving individuals and families, the agency provides consultation, training and educational services to other providers, law enforcement and correctional facilities as well as the community at large. Donate

5. Dawson Place

Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center is a not-for-profit multidisciplinary team serving child victims of sexual or physical abuse in Snohomish County, Washington. Law enforcement, child protective services, medial, victim advocacy, prosecution and mental health agencies all work together at Dawson Place to deliver the vey best services to children and their families victimized by sexual or physical abuse.

Donate.

6. Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County

Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County provides a wide range of services to victims of domestic violence including a 24 hour crisis line, emergency shelter for individuals and families who are in imminent danger, legal advocacy, supportive housing, a thrift store, community outreach, domestic violence prevention work and healthy dating and relationship classes.

7. Everett Gospel Mission

Everett Gospel Mission is the largest homeless services center in Snohomish, Skagit and Island Counties and provides comprehensive life recovery programs, meals and shelter for 174 men, and 100 women and children.

8. Evergreen Recovery Centers

Evergreen Recovery Centers works to provide comprehensive, effective treatment and recovery support for those affected by alcohol, drugs and other related problems. Donate

9. Familias Unidas and South Everett Neighborhood Center, programs of Lutheran Community Services Northwest

Familias Unidas and the South Everett Neighborhood Center provide bilingual and bicultural services to homeless individuals and families in the Everett area. through our drop in program, Family Support Specialists help people receive access to resources and programs that will meet their needs of housing, hunger and safety. By assisting people on how to navigate the system, the family centers are ensuring that clients gain the skills needed to become healthy and ensure their future stability and success. For more information about Familias Unidas and the South Everett Neighborhood Center contact Crisann Brooks, Director of Family Support for Lutheran Community Services Northwest at cbrooks@lcsnw.org. Donate

10. The Family Shelter, a program of Interfaith Association of NW WA

The Family Shelter's main program is an emergency shelter for one- and two-parent families that are pregnant and/or have children up to 17 and are experiencing homelessness. Families stay until stable housing is found. Donate

11. Housing Hope

Providing a full range of housing with housing-related support services is a hallmark of the Housing Hope mission. Housing Hope combines affordable housing with tailored services such as life-skills training, childcare, case management and employment services. Housing Hope also offers homeownership opportunities for low-income individuals of Snohomish County and Camano Island. Donate

12. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Of Snohomish County

NAMI provides local education, resources and support to individuals living with mental illness and their caregivers, NAMI advocates and works directly to foster the recovery of individuals living with these biologically-based brain disorders. They also focus on the preservation of their families and establishing a sense of community. Donate

13. Recovery Cafe Everett

Recovery Café welcomes all people into the Café for hot lunch and conversation. Members often face homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges. Everybody can be a guest for a day or two; membership is free and requires being drug and alcohol free for 24 hours, pitching in to help with chores and cooking, and attending a weekly peer support group facilitated by staff. Recovery Cafe's mission is to support people on their paths forward. Peer support is research-based and is the most effective way to support people in making changes in their lives. Donate

14. The Salvation Army Everett Corps

The Everett Corps operates a food bank for adult-only households and provides hot meals Monday and Tuesday evenings at 5 p.m. that all are welcome to attend. The corps also has a case manager available to help with referrals and who oversees a housing program for families. Salvation Army offers assistance for prescriptions, hygiene kits, back to school supplies, Thanksgiving food boxes, Christmas food boxes and toys for children 0-12, and an emergency cold weather shelter.

Donate.

15. Snohomish County Legal Services

Snohomish County Legal Services is a free legal aid program serving Snohomish County Residents experiencing poverty. Staff, pro-bono attorneys and volunteers provide information, advice and legal representation to ensure meaningful access to justice regardless of individual barriers and needs:

Donate.

16. Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW)

VOAWW provides system navigation and rent subsidies to those who are about to lose their homes, rapidly rehouses those who have recently become homeless, and helps the homeless navigate systems. VOAWW also serves as the county’s point of contact for coordinated entry and access to government funded housing assistance through the North Sound 211 Information and Referral Call Center. This 24x7 call center also provides information on all social services and can be reached by dialing 211. Furthermore, VOAWW operates food banks in North and South Everett. Donate

17. YWCA of Seattle-King-Snohomish

The Everett-specific services the YWCA provides are: permanent affordable housing to individuals and families who are low-income and/or homeless; permanent supportive housing to disabled, homeless and chronically homeless individuals and families; employment readiness services to job seeking adults; mental and behavioral health counseling to individuals and families; children's domestic violence services to children ages 3-18 and their non-abusive caregiver; mentoring services to families who are in dependency with Child Welfare; Landlord Engagement Services; and Women's Working Wardrobe for women in need of interview and job appropriate clothing. Donate

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Streets Initiative - Social Worker

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1. Andrew*

Andrew* is a young man Lauren helped get into detox. He left treatment after 30 days, and made his way back to Everett, where he has been staying with his cousin and working in landscaping. Andrew calls Lauren every day to check in, and has come by her office numerous times to update her on his progress. He is attending at least one Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting per day and has been going to church on Sundays, which he reports is very helpful to him. Andrew has remained sober since leaving treatment. He and Lauren have made plans for him to help him update his resume and start applying for Everett-area jobs requiring a Commercial Driver License.

Andrew recently asked Lauren to accompany him on a tour of a sober living house, to get her input on whether or not she thought it would be a positive environment for him. Lauren also arranged for Andrew to get a chemical dependency (CD) assessment, and escorted him to the facility for the assessment. He started intensive outpatient treatment soon after his CD assessment. Andrew is doing great, and Lauren plans to continue to support him. (November 2015)

2. Angela

Angela is Andrew’s fiancée and is currently in Snohomish County Jail until early December. Lauren has met with her almost weekly while she has been incarcerated to form a solid discharge plan. Upon release, Angela plans to go to FareStart, a job training and placement program for homeless and disadvantaged individuals in Seattle, a plan which Lauren fully supports. Lauren has committed to escort her down there for the orientation so that Lauren can meet the staff and introduce Everett’s program. “I will help her with the entry process however I am able to,” Lauren said.

During the 4-month FareStart program, Angela will be housed and receive culinary training. She has also received a 12-step meeting list for the downtown Seattle area, which will allow her to start planning her support schedule. Both Andrew and Angela are supportive of each other in recovery, and both acknowledge that they each need to work on themselves before they can join again in sobriety. Lauren is looking forward to the next step of Angela’s progress when she is released and can begin her journey through FareStart and beyond. (November 2015)

3. Beth

Beth is a young woman Lauren encountered near the Everett Gospel Mission (EGM) who stuck out like a sore thumb – she “clearly had no business being down there,” Lauren remembers. Lauren approached her to see what her story was. She informed Lauren that she was previously homeless and had a few months of sobriety under her belt. Lauren also found out that Beth was enrolled in Everett Community College and had been staying with her sister. She reported that she was near the Mission “looking for some friends.” After talking for a while, they both agreed that Smith Street was not a healthy choice of places for Beth to hang out early in recovery. Lauren met with Beth in her office and helped her adjust her FASFA student loan amounts so that she could afford an apartment while attending school; she did not know that she could take out loans to cover living expenses. Beth continues to touch base with Lauren. Beth is doing well in her classes and attends NA meetings regularly. (November 2015)

4. Clint

Clint was about to run out of his 90-day stay at the Everett Gospel Mission. Lauren was able to arrange an extension of his stay until they could figure out a good housing option. Clint has just moved into an apartment and has been updating Lauren daily to keep her informed of his progress. He has requested for Lauren to go see his new living arrangement to see if she thinks it is a positive environment, and Lauren and one of her police partners have plans to visit soon. (November 2015)

5. Devin

Devin is a veteran Officer Jessup and Lauren encountered while at Clark Park. Devin was sleeping in a bush and is well known to the Police Department’s bicycle crew. Lauren secured Devin a bed for 90 days at the Everett Gospel Mission, and contacted the Veterans Administration to inquire about VA benefits, but unfortunately, there were none available to him. She is now working with a veterans housing program in Seattle and is hopeful that she’ll be able to locate a longer-term housing option for him shortly. (November 2015)

6. Eric

Eric is a 52-year-old man who is currently staying at the EGM, while his 14-year-old dog is staying in his car (parked outside of the Mission). Eric was fired from his roofing job and then lost his housing. He wants to go back to work, but says his knees can’t handle roofing anymore. Lauren met with him and offered support as he is realizing that he needs to relinquish his dog to the shelter. He is understandably heartbroken about this. Lauren has been working on finding a long-term housing option for him, but has encountered difficulties. She had Eric call 211 to get into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and will continue to work with him. (November 2015)