IHS warns of poor conditions at trailer park on Yakama Nation

Tuesday, August 30, 2011  

The Indian Health Service says homes at a trailer park on the Yakama Nation in Washington are unsanitary but residents say no one is taking action to correct the deficiencies.

Tim Jewett, who is not a tribal member, owns the park. The land is within reservation boundaries but is not under the authority of the tribe.

Yakima County taxes the land but hasn't taken any action against Jewett. That leaves residents subject to mold, sewer problems and other unsanitary conditions.

"I think that particular trailer was beyond repair," Shawn Blackshear of the IHS told The Yakima Herald-Republic of one couple's home.. "The ceiling was falling in. The kitchen sink -- there were efforts to repair it -- but it wasn't up to code. Basically, that trailer needs to be replaced."

The tribal council contacted the county to ask about inspections at the park.

Get the Story:
White Swan trailer park tenants say conditions are unhealthy (The Yakima Herald-Republic 8/30)