FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2016
MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152
Megan Snow, Media and Communications, msnow@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5051
MEDIA CONTACT - PIERCE COUNTY
Libby Catalinich, Director of Communications, lcatali@co.pierce.wa.us
MEDIA CONTACT – COMMUNITY YOUTH SERVICES
Barbara Wakefield, bwakefield@communityyouthservices.org, 360-918-7844
Young Adult Shelter has been Extended to December 31, 2016
The City has extended funding and occupancy to Community Youth Services Pierce County (CYS) to continue to provide a shelter for young adults at the Beacon Center through December.
“Providing space for young adults who are experiencing homelessness to go and feel safe is important,” said Pam Duncan, City’s human services division manager. “We know this is a population that won’t choose to use adult shelter services, and we want to make sure that there is a shelter option available to this population.”
The young adult shelter, which was established last December through a partnership between the City and CYS, was the first young adult shelter in Tacoma in more than 30 years. Since it was established, it has seen an increase in the number of individuals using the shelter.
“The continuing partnership is significant for young adults experiencing homelessness,” said Derek Harris, Deputy Director of CYS. “Maintaining shelter operations are vital to the young adults’ stability and opportunities for empowerment. We have seen many instances where the shelter service was a catalyst toward success.”
With the extension of occupancy, CYS was also able to secure $93,000 of funding from Pierce County that was allocated for young adult shelter operations 2016.
“The young adult shelter is a critical part of the County’s response to homelessness” said Tess Colby, Manager of Housing, Homeless and Community Development Programs at Pierce County. “Young adults at the shelter get help finding permanent housing and are connected to support services such as job training that help them create stability.”
The City, County and CYS are looking for a permanent location for a youth and young day center and an emergency young adult overnight shelter as well as for a site for a youth home.
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