A Comprehensive Approach for a Complex Issue
We recognize that barriers to housing are a unique combination for everyone, which means services and amenities must be flexible and fluid.
For the 2021-2022 biennium, we are investing $16.8 million in homelessness response services. Our funding sources include the City General Fund, COVID relief funding, WA State Commerce Department funding and the Mental Health Substance Use Disorder Sales Tax.
Services that we fund include:
- Homeless outreach and site reclamation
- Complementary services, such as food and furniture banks
- Housing programs, such as permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing
- Homelessness prevention and diversion programs, such as COVID related rental assistance
- Permanent sheltering for individuals, families, youth and young adults
- Emergency sheltering, including the Stability Site and Tacoma Emergency Micro-Shelters (TEMS)
- Temporary Sheltering hosted by non-profits and faith based organization
Search for sheltering in Tacoma and Pierce County.
A Coordinated Effort
We recognize that homelessness is a regional issue and requires a regional, coordinated approach. We work with our neighboring jurisdictions and engage with local, state and federal leaders to help generate innovative solutions. Read more about our regional efforts through the Continuum of Care.
In addition, we coordinate a multi-departmental approach to our homelessness solutions, which includes several initiatives, projects and programs with internal and external partners.
Homeless Engagement Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) Team
The Homeless Engagement Alternatives Liaison Team includes four Tacoma Police Department Officers, a Code Compliance officer, four outreach staff and one Designated Crisis Responder.
Tacoma's Affordable Housing Action Strategy (AHAS) calls for a range of actions to address housing challenges. Read more.
Frequently Asked Questions and Glossary of Terms
Want more information? View the Frequently Asked Questions web page or the City of Tacoma's Glossary of Terms for the Emergency Aid and Shelter Plan.