The city of Renton is looking to Auburn as a model for a better way of dealing with homelessness.

At a “Talks on the Block” event on Sept. 2, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone said officials are looking to change the way they handle homelessness in the city by implementing a program similar to the approach in Auburn.

“They’ve kind of fixed it in Auburn. It’s a completely different model,” Pavone said.

Auburn Director of Human Services Kent Hay led the charge in revamping the homelessness outreach in the city of Auburn. Hay said they have a different approach to homelessness in Auburn with a focus on compassion, but also accountability.

“We have rules over there. People participate in cleaning up during the break times,” Hay said. “This is a low-barrier shelter, but we don’t allow people to u

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