MEDIA STATEMENT: PALLETE [sic] VILLAGE IN BURIEN
While it has been extremely disappointing that our Kennedy Catholic High School Community has not been actively consulted despite the numerous outreach efforts, it is also important for us to work proactively and diligently towards the best possible outcomes surrounding this project. As a Catholic school, living our faith is central to our identity and obligates us to engage on public matters differently than other organizations. We recognize the significant challenges the city faces in meeting the needs of those experiencing homelessness, but we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that our concerns are addressed.
“I reached out multiple times to the Burien City Council to communicate the specific concerns of the Kennedy Catholic Community and our willingness to find a suitable solution,” says President/Principal Matthew Mohs. “I am tremendously disappointed to have received no response. Regardless of the use of the Seattle City Light property, our community, as well as our neighbors, should have been involved before the choice was finalized. That is one of the primary responsibilities of the City Council and I expected better from them. Assuming this pallet community moves forward, we will work diligently to ensure the project addresses the needs of the Lancer Community as well as that of the unhoused.”
It is too soon to determine how this will impact the Kennedy Catholic Community particular since the City of Burien has not provided adequate details or plans about what will likely open next to our school. As the discussions surrounding this development shift towards implementation, Kennedy Catholic will continue to work with elected officials at all levels to address concerns through:
- Ongoing engagement with the City of Burien staff as they implement the resolution passed by the City Council.
- Continued advocacy with members of the City Council, King County, the City of Seattle, and the King County Regional Homelessness Authority to ensure concerns from all members of our community are considered as they move forward.
- Hosting a public forum with members of the various governmental organizations and the selected operator of the village to inform and engage our community and our neighbors. Our facilities have already been offered to reduce attendance barriers. We are waiting for officials to accept the invitation.
- Consultation with the Pastoral Outreach ministry at the Archdiocese of Seattle to understand how our community could have a positive impact in our city.
As Catholics, we are called to lead with love and act in justice. We will remember we are facing a complex, multifaceted problem and avoid the temptation to succumb to fear-mongering and division. Any approach Kennedy Catholic pursues will respect the safety and dignity of all parties involved, especially those most vulnerable.
Contact: Alyson Soma
Director Director of Marketing & Communications
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November 28, 2023: Below are the Questions posed by Burien-News to Principal Matthew Mohs of Kennedy Catholic HS regarding his original response to the Burien City Council vote allowing a pallet shelter (tiny house) village on property adjacent to Kennedy Catholic HS:
Mr. Mohs,
I am in receipt of the letter you have sent to the Kennedy community. It raises several questions.
1. In each previous candidate location the community rallied to speak for the interests of their community. They were brought together by the leadership of the community. Why did this not happen at KCHS? Why was leadership so passive?
2. The Seattle City Light option came to Burien-News’ attention in May. We reported it at that time, breaking the news. We did that in part to help the KCHS community be proactive. We did not want the city or county to hide their intentions and surprise the KCHS community. However, when I reached out to the communications lead I was brushed off and told this was being managed by the dioceses. Is that correct? If so what was the diocese’s role in this and why did it fail?
3. During the last seven months this location has been on the table, then off the table, then on the table several times. Several parents were brightly aware and sounded the alarm. Why was leadership so passive in supporting them, not taking this real concern seriously?
4. What does this communicate to parents about the attitude KCHS leadership and the dioceses have toward the safety of the students, especially girls?
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your answers. At Burien-News we want KCHS to prosper. We believe KCHS is a vital and important part of our city. We wish you the best of success. But we are befuddled by the way this was handled and would like to understand leadership’s philosophy on shepherding the community.
Martin Barrett
Gem of the Sound
Burien-News
Burien-News Related Articles:
5/12/23: Dow Constantine Seeking Housing First Site Next to Kennedy
6/15/23: Mayor confirms property adjacent to Kennedy under discussion for homeless housing
6/23/23: Letter to Burien Council about homeless encampment next to Kennedy
11/9/23: A Homeless Encampment Must Not Be Built Next to Kennedy Catholic or Highline High School
11/28/23: Matta Flips, Votes with Progressive Left to Put Tiny House Village Next to Kennedy
