Dear [Representative's Name],

I am writing to express my deep concern about the current situation involving the Kent EconoLodge and the urgent need to provide emergency housing for hundreds of refugees currently left unsheltered in our community.

As you are aware, King County purchased the Kent EconoLodge in 2020 with the intent of using it as emergency housing. This facility, with its 85 functional rooms, has the capacity to house up to 300 people. However, it is deeply troubling that the EconoLodge is only being used for its parking lot, while over 240 migrants, including families and children, are forced to sleep outside in deplorable conditions.

As you may have read in the Seattle Times article this morning, over 50 migrants were forcibly removed from Riverton Church on the night of 5/31. An additional 140 were forced to leave the Kent Quality Inn after the City of Seattle reneged on promises to provide all asylum seekers at Powell Barnett camp long-term housing. These individuals are now sleeping in a field next to the Kent EconoLodge, exposed to the elements and in urgent need of shelter. With continued gusty winds and flooding in the forecast today and Tuesday, the urgency of this matter cannot be overstated.

We, the community, demand immediate action to rectify this situation:

1. King County must submit a permit to the City of Kent to operate the EconoLodge as emergency housing.

2. The City of Kent must approve this permit for a minimum of 90 days.

3. Kent must allow King County to operate the EconoLodge at no cost to the city to ensure that refugees are not left homeless on the streets. King County already owns the motel!

It is imperative that we prioritize the welfare and dignity of the refugees. They should not be left outside, especially when there is habitable housing available. Your immediate action on this matter will not only provide necessary relief to those in need but also reflect our community's commitment to humanitarian values.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue. I look forward to your prompt response and decisive action.