After having its 20-day permit at the Lake Sammamish State Park extended to March 1, Tent City 4 hopes to make Faith United Methodist Church the next temporary home. However, at the Feb. 11 community meeting hosted by the church, approximately 200 residents showed up to voice their frustrations and concerns about safety and jobs.

The church, on Issaquah-Pine Lake Road in unincorporated King County, is surrounded by multiple schools, and community members said they feel as though the addition of Tent City 4 would bring the possibility of danger, harsh realities and economic issues. However, other community members spoke in support of the idea, referencing the positivity it brought to the Sammamish community.

Tent City 4 left Mary Queen of Peace Church in Sammamish on Jan. 11 after the city adopted a six-month moratorium on homeless encampments. Knowing they had to leave the city immediately, the encampment made a last minute deal with the Lake Sammamish State Park. And while the location is not ideal, with many muddy areas and an abundance of mice due to the neighboring river, Tent City residents said they are extremely grateful to the park, Park Ranger Rich Benson and the community. Tent City 4 members said that they are unsure where they will go next if Faith United Methodist Church falls through.

Faith United Methodist Church officials met on Feb. 12 to further discuss the matter, and decided to delay the decision until the entire church body could come together and vote on the possibility of hosting Tent City 4. The meeting will take place on Feb. 21 with a final decision no later than Feb. 25.

Kelly Montgomery: 425-391-0363; kmontgomery@issaquahreporter.com