During a recent government meeting, community members and advocates passionately urged city council members to prioritize funding for student mental health services, emphasizing the critical need for support amidst rising challenges faced by youth. Tayshia Beasley, an intake referral specialist at the Southeast Network, highlighted the importance of programs that provide safe spaces and essential resources for students, particularly those dealing with difficult home and neighborhood situations. She called for continued funding to ensure these programs remain available.

Julia Buck, a homeowner in District 6, voiced her support for Councilmember Tammy Morales' amendment to restore $20 million for student mental health, while opposing the proposed expansion of the city's sweeps team, which she argued fails to address homelessness effectively. Buck criticized the allocation of funds towards sweeps, stating that it perpetuates a cycle of violence and neglect towards vulnerable populations.

BJ Last echoed these sentiments, questioning the council's decision to defund mental health services while allocating funds to initiatives that do not address the root causes of issues like homelessness. He pointed out that the proposed budget cuts would detrimentally impact students, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by violence and mental health crises.

Renee Ouellette, principal of Sugiyama High School, emphasized the vital role of community organizations like the Southeast Network in providing support that schools cannot offer, including mentorship and transportation assistance. She urged the council to recognize the importance of these services in fostering student success.

Sierra Parsons, a community educator, reiterated the call for full funding of youth mental health services, referencing past student-led initiatives that sought to redirect funds from police presence in schools to mental health support. She stressed the need for a comprehensive response to community demands for restorative practices and mental health resources.

The meeting also saw strong opposition to the proposed increase in funding for the city's sweeps team, with multiple speakers arguing that such measures only exacerbate the challenges faced by the unhoused population. Tanya Moore, a co-director at BC Seattle, and Katie Gendry, a community advocate, both condemned the strategy of sweeping individuals from their homes, calling for a shift towards compassionate care and support rather than punitive measures.

Alice Lockhart concluded the public comments by urging council members to choose funding that prevents violence through mental health support rather than perpetuating violence through sweeps. The discussions underscored a community-wide consensus on the urgent need for increased investment in mental health services for students, as well as a reevaluation of strategies addressing homelessness. The council's decisions in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of these critical services.