Tent City IV

Basic Information

Tent City is an encampment for homeless adults in King County. It is run by an executive committee of democratically elected residents. The encampment aims to provide a safe place for homeless people to spend the night and keep their belongings, give homeless people the privacy and dignity of their own residence, develop a sense of community for homeless people, and to empower homeless people by being responsible for said community.

Tight security and a strictly-enforced code of conduct keep the area drug-, alcohol-, and weapon-free. TC4 is equipped with portable shower and toilet facilities. Hot dinners are provided by churches and other groups, and there is a Kitchen Tent, which holds food available for other meals.

Currently TC4 has 57 residents, and can hold a maximum of 100 people. The typical length of stay at the encampment is about six weeks. About 95% of residents have or are searching for employment.

On May 19, TC4 moved from Kirkland Congregational Church to Lake Washington United Methodist Church. The encampment is open to visitors at all times, and complete tours are available in the afternoon and early evening.