Addressing Homelessness in Tacoma
The City of Tacoma's strategic plan to address homelessness recognizes that ending homelessness in Tacoma will require short-term and long-range efforts built on public-private partnerships to address immediate needs like shelter, while also addressing housing affordability in our community.
We recognize that homelessness is a complex situation. The plan represents the work that is ongoing by both the City and our community partners who are providing direct services daily. It includes traditional approaches to addressing homelessness and creates space for innovative options to implemented as they are developed.
Read the City's Homeless Strategy
Tacoma's 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.
Services that we fund include:
HEAL Team and Outreach to People Experiencing Homelessness
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Homeless outreach and site reclamation--Homeless Engagement Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) Team
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Complementary services, such as food and furniture banks
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>>Explore the HEAL Team Online Performance Dashboard (link coming soon)
Shelter Services
Affordable Housing and Housing Stability
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Housing programs, such as permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housing
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Homelessness prevention and diversion programs, such as COVID related rental assistance
Tacoma's Coordinated Effort with Other Jurisdictions and Partners
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.
2017 Declaration of State of Public Health Emergency
The Tacoma City Council passed Ordinance 28430, on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, declaring a state of public health emergency, and has subsequently extended the ordinance several times with the current metric for completion changing from a fixed date until 95% of individuals unsheltered individuals identified during the annual Pierce County Point-in-Time count have access to shelter for three consecutive years.
The Emergency Declaration provides the City the ability to more rapidly adapt policy and allocate funding to provide shelter and resources to people living in encampments in Tacoma. Encampments pose safety and health concerns for people living in them and around them as they create concerns about human waste, garbage, exposure to communicable diseases, exposure to violence and other human health concerns.