Although I grew up only 25 miles north of Seattle, moving into the U-District my freshman year really opened my eyes to the heart of the city.

One of the first things I noticed as I began to explore my new urban surroundings was the large amount of poverty and homelessness. It was as though I could see through the city’s surface charm. The base of the Space Needle was littered with men in sleeping bags, while at the 50th Street exit off I-5 a woman curled up and stared blankly at the graying sky. And the Ave, despite its funky appeal, is home to even more.

I think it’s something all UW students have noticed. Some of us just avoid the problem, shaking our heads when asked for spare change; others turn to hate, ridiculing the danger of the “Ave Rats” that occupy the area. Some of the best of us volunteer at one of the many shelters or food banks dotting the neighborhood. But none of us, I think, can ignore the looming issue of homelessness in Seattle.

And few could deny the issue when more than 100 fuchsia tents popped up in West Seattle early last Monday on city-owned land. Calling themselves “homeless advocates,” the group created an encampment similar to the shantytown Hoovervilles of the 1930s. Like its Depression-era predecessor, the homeless village is named as a jab at a political leader.

“Nickelsville” began as coalition protesting Mayor Nickels’ and the city’s recent clearing of homeless settlements in greenbelts and neighborhoods all over Seattle. Through fundraisers and donations, the group managed to obtain 150 brightly colored tents and four portable toilets.

Before noon on Monday, the city of Seattle had posted a sign prohibiting the encampment. On Friday afternoon, local police began making arrests. Twenty-two people were taken into custody, while the remaining Nickelsville inhabitants migrated to the nearby Washington State Department of Transportation parking lot. Due to an agreement between the city and the state government, the inhabitants will be allowed a five-day stay.

The sudden establishment of the homeless settlement has gotten Seattle talking. City officials declare that we do, in fact, have enough shelter beds for everyone, while homeless advocates from various non-profits argue that hundreds of people are turned away every night.

In the wake of national concern for the failing economy, sympathy for Seattle’s homeless population is hard to come by. And it’s clear that no matter what side you’re on, the solution to Nickelsville-esque issues is difficult to find.

Even I’m not sure what should be done. The only thing that sticks with me is the sense that this is something not to be ignored.

According to the annual King County Operation Night Watch, a volunteer-run program that attempts to get a rough count of those sleeping on public property, 1,946 people were homeless, apparently unable to find a bed in one of the city’s shelters.

I don’t believe that a pink-tent city on public land is the answer, but as a college student, I urge you to do whatever is in your power to help find a solution. Donate to a local charity or food bank, and instead of giving out money, acknowledge those around you with conversation or, at the very least, a smile.

Reach columnist Erika Cederlind at opinion@dailyuw.com.