Tent City 4 returns to Mary, Queen of Peace in Sammamish

The mobile homeless encampment — which regularly moves to Eastside locations donated on a temporary basis — set up camp in the backyard of the Roman Catholic parish on Feb. 5.

Tent City 4 has returned to Mary, Queen of Peace in Sammamish and its second stay has started less eventfully than its first.

The mobile homeless encampment which regularly moves to Eastside locations donated on a temporary basis set up camp in the backyard of the Roman Catholic Church on Feb. 5.

When the camp moved to the parish almost two years ago, the parish received numerous calls from neighbors who either supported or opposed it, Rev. Kevin Duggan said.

“This time there really hasn’t been much response,” Duggan said.

The camp moved to Sammamish from Interstate 90 Exit 20 outside Issaquah, where residents occupied a trailhead illegally for more than a month after being kicked out of Lake Sammamish State Park’s Hans Jensen Campsite in December. The Washington State Parks Commission cited upcoming renovations and park events in its notice to Tent City 4 to vacate.

Tent City 4 leadership had hoped to stay at Hans Jensen until its arranged move-in date to Mary, Queen of Peace, camp adviser Sam Roberson said in December.

Tent City 4 previously stayed on Mary, Queen of Peace’s property from October 2013 to January 2014. During that time, Sammamish police arrested one resident for possession of methamphetamine. Tent City 4 kicked out several residents in connection to that drug investigation, one of whom was also later arrested by police.

In a town hall meeting prior to the parish applying for a city permit to host Tent City 4, Duggan said the drug arrest hurt both the camp and the church’s trust.

Duggan said Tuesday that he felt the camp was in a better place after he filled the previously empty role of camp adviser to better enforce the community bylaws. Tent City 4 also has volunteers bringing meals and helping residents.

“We really appreciate everyone’s support,” Duggan said.

Tent City 4 has been permitted by the city of Sammamish to stay at Mary, Queen of Peace for 120 days.