FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Unlawful Destruction of Unhoused Individuals’ Homes and Property in Shelton
Shelton, WA – [February 15, 2025] – A group of individuals has been unlawfully entering private property along Highway 3 in Shelton and destroying the homes of unhoused residents. These actions are not only illegal—constituting harassment, destruction of property, breaking and entering, and theft—but they are also deeply counterproductive to the goal of addressing homelessness in our community.
This unauthorized group is not acting on behalf of property owners or in coordination with experienced service providers. Instead, they have entered shelters without consent, taking and discarding personal belongings, including medically necessary supplies such as prescription medications, blankets, and survival gear essential for cold weather. These actions directly violate Washington State laws, including:
• RCW 9A.52.080 – Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree
• RCW 9A.48.090 – Malicious Mischief in the Third Degree (Destruction of Property)
• RCW 9A.36.080 – Harassment
• RCW 9A.56.020 – Theft (Unlawful Removal of Personal Property)
The Consequences of Reckless Sweeps
Destroying encampments without an appropriate plan is not only unlawful—it actively worsens the crisis. When people lose access to stability, necessary medications, and mental health resources, the likelihood of substance relapse, medical emergencies, and suicide increases. The forced removal of unhoused individuals disrupts their connections to case managers, healthcare providers, and social services, making it significantly harder to help them transition into stable housing.
We have already seen how these knee-jerk, unauthorized sweeps do not solve the problem—they simply push encampments from one location to another. The Highway 3 “clean-up” today will become the Highway 101 and Wallace Kneeland “clean-up” tomorrow, repeating indefinitely without real solutions. Instead of addressing homelessness, these actions spread people—and the trash that inevitably accumulates—throughout the county, wasting time, resources, and tax dollars.
A Financially Irresponsible Approach
From a taxpayer perspective, these reckless removals make no fiscal sense. Rushed encampment sweeps require local government to spend money on short-term solutions that do not lead to better housing outcomes. Private contractors and government agencies cycle through funds while the underlying issue remains unchanged, draining public resources that could be better used for long-term solutions.
We already have researched, data-driven strategies in place to address homelessness. These plans were developed with the input of experts, service providers, and local leaders—but they require time and consistency to be effective. When new, ad-hoc “strategies” interfere with an existing plan mid-implementation, it wastes years of effort, salaries, and tax dollars spent developing those solutions. If we fail to follow through on our established plans, we are throwing away money while worsening the situation.
Intimidation and Harassment Are Not Community Solutions
This is not a community clean-up effort—it is a coordinated act of intimidation that has left unhoused residents feeling threatened. Reports indicate that members of this group have entered camps while yelling at individuals, some with their hands on firearms. These actions escalate tensions, heighten mental health emergencies, and increase the likelihood of negative interactions throughout the broader community. Sudden and violent displacement has been repeatedly shown to lead to increased crime, substance use, and emergency room visits—problems that cost taxpayers far more in the long run than a well-executed, structured housing plan.
Why Now? The Timing is Especially Harmful
It is unclear why these unauthorized efforts are taking place in the middle of winter, during a severe weather advisory, at a time when communities across the state are working to prevent loss of life due to extreme cold. With nighttime temperatures dropping to 21°F, local organizations are putting every available resource toward reducing deaths and medical emergencies for those sleeping outdoors. Yet, instead of working alongside nonprofits and social services, this rogue group is dismantling survival shelters and discarding essential supplies—directly undermining ongoing efforts to protect lives.
A Call for Real Solutions
Mason County treatment and health professionals urge those involved in these unlawful activities to stop immediately and instead work with organizations that have the knowledge, resources, and legal authority to assist effectively. Community members and property owners with concerns are encouraged to engage with trusted service providers rather than taking actions that will only prolong and worsen the crisis.
Signed,
Mason County Health Professionals and concerned citizens