Jonathan Choe

Journalist and Senior Fellow, Center on Wealth and Poverty

Jonathan Choe is a journalist and Senior Fellow with Discovery Institute's Center on Wealth and Poverty, covering homelessness issues for its Fix Homelessness initiative. Prior to joining Discovery, Choe spent several years as one of the lead reporters at KOMO-TV, consistently the top rated television station in Seattle. His in depth stories on crime and deep dive investigations into the homeless crisis led to measurable results in the community, including changes in public policy.

Choe has more than two decades of experience in tv news behind the scenes and in front of the camera for ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and Tribune. He has also been been nominated and honored with multiple industry awards including an Emmy. Choe spent several years teaching classes on emerging media and entreprenuership to under privileged youth in inner city Chicago.

Choe is a New England native and Boston University journalism school graduate.

Archives

Massive Vehicle Cleanup on Green River Road

Jonathan Choe
June 22, 2022
Breaking Massive RV/vehicle clean up scheduled today for Green River Rd & 94th PL S. in unincorporated King County now delayed. Officials say @KCRHA needs more time for outreach. Frustrated neighbors say trash is everywhere and it’s being used as a “chop shop” for stolen cars. Unfairly Blamed People living here in vehicles say they have also seen cars without license plates dumped and stripped. Place has been an on going issue for neighbors and the owner of a nearby soccer field. They say area’s been cleared numerous times, but always comes back.

King County Executive Constantine Provides Update on ‘Homeless Hotels’

Jonathan Choe
June 22, 2022
Homeless Hotels Former Extended Stay in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood is coming on-line this month. More than 130 people moving in as part of Health Through Housing Initiative. Even with support services, some neighbors concerned of potential problems that could follow. More on the Way Seattle based non-profit DESC will be running the Northgate location. No security guards on site but they say trained staff will be there to address potential problems. County leaders trying to re-assure communities. Update The former Redmond Silver Cloud Inn was scheduled to be used as a homeless hotel but county had no staff to run it. So now it is still being used by Afghan refugees at least until early fall. Many neighbors and biz Read More ›

First Encampment Cleared Under Gov. Inslee’s ‘Rights-of-Way Initiative’ in Capitol Hill

Jonathan Choe
June 21, 2022
Exclusive Video This morning, @WSDOT says this homeless encampment in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood was the first one cleared under @GovInslee Rights-of-Way Initiative, a state wide effort to finally clear encampments along the highway. More details coming up. Huge Initiative WA Dept. of Commerce controlling purse strings. Each county must submit proposal for types of services and housing needed to serve homeless on highways. King Co. requested just under $47 million for next year. @KC_RHA one of the providers. Outreach @KC_RHA says it worked with JustCARE for this effort today on state owned property. 4 people voluntarily moved into enhanced shelters with support services. The team is trying to help a 5th camper find shelter. Enforcement Last month, this is Read More ›

RV Recriminations in Seattle

Jonathan Choe
June 20, 2022
Frustrated that RVs are “just getting shuffled around,” she wants city leaders to prioritize Georgetown for consistent enforcement. The city’s new homelessness dashboard currently shows 225 RVs in Seattle, with 33 in Georgetown.

RV Recriminations in Seattle

Jonathan Choe
June 20, 2022
Surveillance video released exclusively by Discovery Institute’s Fix Homelessness team shows a rust-colored car with black panels pull up to the corner of Orcas Street and 7th Avenue in Georgetown.

One of the Largest Cleanups of the Year Underway in West Seattle

Jonathan Choe
June 16, 2022
Still Happening Now Easily one of the largest RV/vehicle/tent encampment clean ups in city this year. All going down on SW Andover St. next to West Seattle Health Club. Authorities have responded to multiple shootings, fires, reports of crimes associated with this encampment. Another Vantage Point This encampment along SW Andover St. in West Seattle stretches around the corner. This is by far the longest encampment made up of tents/RV’s/vehicles I have ever seen in the city. It keeps going into the residential neighborhoods and nearby park. Statement from West Seattle Health Club Many staff and members say they have been dealing with the brunt of problems associated with the encampment. But also say they want to make sure these Read More ›

RVs and Other Vehicles Cleared in Magnuson Park

Jonathan Choe
June 15, 2022
More Enforcement Multiple RV’s and vehicles cleared today at Magnuson Park in Seattle. This lot was filling up with trash and abandoned vehicles. I have been trying to get campers perspectives in my stories. But today, only this neighbor with a take on personal responsibility. From the City “Initial reports are all vehicles and RVs (approximately 10) relocated from Magnuson Park on their own with the exception of one with fire damage.” The HOPE Team was onsite but won’t know about shelter referrals until tomorrow. Vehicle Outreach Good to see Jenn Adams with the Scofflaw Mitigation Team out here trying to get campers some gas. This group gets financial support from @KC_RHA for it’s vehicle outreach efforts. Everyone here with Read More ›

Struggling at Boston’s Methadone Mile

The NBA Finals Spotlight Homelessness Issues in Boston and San Francisco
Jonathan Choe
June 15, 2022
But the situation is far from perfect.  On the outskirts of Boston, some call this place “Methadone Mile.” Others give a more hopeful moniker: “Recovery Road.” Either way, city officials say it's a humanitarian and health crisis. 

Struggling at Boston’s Methadone Mile

Jonathan Choe
June 14, 2022
On the outskirts of Boston, some call this place “Methadone Mile.” Others give a more hopeful moniker: “Recovery Road.” Either way, city officials say it’s a humanitarian and health crisis.

Massive Encampment Cleared in Rainier Valley

Jonathan Choe
June 14, 2022
Happening Now Massive encampment being cleared in Rainier Valley neighborhood, next to several houses and businesses. Multiple tents, structures, RV’s, and vehicles. Outreach workers on site. Several campers say they are taking services and shelter options being offered.

King County Providing Funding for Seattle “Safe Lots”

Jonathan Choe
June 14, 2022
Breaking @KC_RHA is giving $1.9 mil to LIHI to run the Seattle RV Safe Lot RFP. The award is for their initial contract, from June 2022 – Dec 2022, serving approximately 50 vehicles. Sites have not yet been identified by LIHI. KCRHA “This project was requested by @SeattleCouncil , and will ensure that people living in recreational or oversized vehicles have safe, accessible places to park overnight, and ensure vehicle residents have access to services and connections to options for permanent housing.” Award Summary Original Request Proposal https://kcrha.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Recreational-Vehicle_Safelot-RFP.pdf

Broken Down at the First Ave Bridge in Seattle

Jonathan Choe
June 3, 2022
The view from high above the First Avenue Bridge is breathtaking, with downtown Seattle on the horizon. But as you get closer to the ground, it looks like a third world country below. Surrounded by fencing and barbed wire, this plot of land is arguably one of the most problematic homeless encampments in the city.