We Heart Seattle cleans Kinnear Park with help from former homeless volunteers

On Memorial Day, about 100 volunteers, including individuals who once experienced homelessness, participated in a cleanup at Kinnear Park in Seattle. The community-driven initiative, led by We Heart Seattle, focused on removing hazardous debris left at abandoned homeless encampments. Executive Director Andrea Suarez emphasized that the project aims to foster community and support recovery efforts. Former camper Jason Sudderth shared his journey from homelessness to volunteering, expressing the importance of giving back to his former community. Mayoral candidate Joe Mallahan commended the group's approach to helping individuals transition from homelessness to treatment.

The cleanup uncovered dangerous items, including propane tanks and stripped e-bike batteries, highlighting the need for such efforts. We Heart Seattle reported that volunteers bagged around 10,000 pounds of trash, prompting them to request city assistance for disposal. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to restoring green spaces and addressing homelessness in Seattle.