Seattle Nonprofit Leader Banned from Tiny Home Village After Exposing Fentanyl 'Smoke Shack'

Andrea Suarez claims she documented widespread drug use in taxpayer-funded homeless housing, leading to her being barred from the site.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:14pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a used fentanyl pipe or other drug paraphernalia, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the drug crisis in Seattle's homeless housing facilities.A nonprofit leader's exposé of illicit drug use in taxpayer-funded homeless housing sparks debate over 'harm reduction' policies.Seattle Today

Andrea Suarez, the founder and CEO of the nonprofit We Heart Seattle, says she was banned from a Seattle tiny home village after exposing what she describes as a designated area for fentanyl use. Suarez claims she observed a 'smoking shack' during a visit and later shared video on social media, prompting backlash from the village's staff. She argues that 'harm reduction' policies in these low-barrier housing sites are enabling open drug use and other illegal activities.

Why it matters

Suarez's allegations raise concerns about the safety and oversight of taxpayer-funded homeless housing in Seattle, where 'harm reduction' approaches have been implemented to provide low-barrier access. Her claims challenge the efficacy of these policies and highlight the potential for these facilities to become hubs for drug use and other criminal activity.

The details

According to Suarez, she was visiting a client at the Interbay Tiny House Village when she observed a structure being used for fentanyl consumption. She later shared video of the site on social media, which prompted backlash from the village's staff and ultimately led to her being barred from returning. Suarez claims the village is a 'low-barrier' facility where residents are allowed to bring in drugs and are not required to pursue sobriety as a condition of housing. She also alleges that staff members were more concerned about her presence than the drug use she documented, telling her she was 'blacklisted' and needed to leave.

  • Suarez visited the Interbay Tiny House Village and observed the 'smoking shack' in March 2026.
  • Suarez shared the video of the 'smoking shack' on social media on March 24, 2026.
  • Suarez was banned from returning to the Interbay Tiny House Village after sharing the video.

The players

Andrea Suarez

The founder and CEO of the nonprofit We Heart Seattle, who is sounding the alarm over what she describes as widespread drug use in taxpayer-funded homeless housing.

Interbay Tiny House Village

A Seattle tiny home village that Suarez claims has a designated area for fentanyl use, which she was banned from after exposing.

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What they’re saying

“There are fentanyl smoking rooms in tiny house villages…This is a low-barrier encampment where you can bring in whatever you want—including illegal drugs.”

— Andrea Suarez, Founder and CEO, We Heart Seattle

“They told me I was blacklisted and needed to leave. This is supposed to be low-barrier—yet they barred me for exposing what's happening.”

— Andrea Suarez, Founder and CEO, We Heart Seattle

What’s next

Suarez has called for stricter enforcement of drug laws in public spaces, including areas near parks, transit stops, and event venues. She argues that stronger penalties and coordinated action among law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts are necessary to curb open drug use.

The takeaway

Suarez's allegations highlight the ongoing debate around 'harm reduction' policies in homeless housing, with concerns that these approaches may be enabling drug use and other illegal activities rather than addressing the root issues of addiction and homelessness. Her claims underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of taxpayer-funded housing programs.