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Expansion of Warming Center Operations

Tacoma Expands Warming Center Operations to Meet Increased Need for Sheltering Due to Pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 20, 2021

 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tanisha Jumper, Media and Communications, tjumper@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152
Megan Snow, Media and Communications, msnow@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5051

 

Tacoma Expands Warming Center Operations to Meet Increased Need for Sheltering Due to Pandemic

 

The City of Tacoma is expanding the Warming Center Program to include two new locations. The Salvation Army (1110 S. Puget Sound Ave.) will accommodate up to 35 individuals and Metro Parks Tacoma’s Center at Norpoint (4818 Nassau Ave. NE) will accommodate up to 25 individuals.

 

The decision to expand the warming center program is a direct response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and need for additional winter sheltering, which has been limited due to physical distancing safety requirements.  

Both warming centers are expected to open by the end of January. 

A virtual town hall will be held on Wednesday, January 27 at 6 PM on Zoom to discuss The Salvation Army warming center site, full meeting details are available at cityoftacoma.org/inclementresources. 

A recording from the virtual community event on Thursday, January 14 about the use of the Center at Norpoint is available at cityoftacoma.org/inclementresources. 

These two additional sites join the Eastside Community Center (1721 E. 56th St.), which has been operating as a warming center since late October. The Eastside Community Center and Center at Norpoint will operate through Sunday, February 28 and The Salvation Army Warming Center will operate through Wednesday, March 31. 

Each warming center provides:

  • 24-hour shelter 
  • Sleeping mats, showers, face coverings and meals for all guests
  • Referrals and connection to additional supportive services

Visitors must wear masks, maintain physical distancing and follow all other required safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Donations of non-perishable pre-packaged snacks can be made at the center. Information on volunteer opportunities is available through the following service providers:

Eastside Community Center
Valeo Vocation
alanna@valeovocation.org

Center at Norpoint
Valeo Vocation
alanna@valeovocation.org

The Salvation Army
(253) 719-2219

More information about the operations of the sites and the City’s responses to community questions are available at cityoftacoma.org/inclementresources.

More information about the City’s homelessness response is available at cityoftacoma.org/homelessness.

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