Homeless housing proposal moves forward

After a public hearing that included substantial community input, the Community Development and Environment Committee (CDEC) advanced Proposal No. O2024-540s, aimed at addressing the immediate need for emergency shelter for unsheltered residents of Pierce County. The committee recommended the amended proposal with a “do-pass” recommendation, and it is now scheduled for final consideration by the Pierce County Council at its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

If approved, Proposal No. O2024-540s would establish interim regulation to permit religious, non-profit, and governmental organizations to provide temporary housing for up to 60 individuals experiencing homelessness for up to six months. An approved community would be eligible for an extension. The Council will consider permanent temporary housing regulations as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update, which is due by Dec. 31, 2024. The ordinance includes requirements for temporary housing communities to be professionally managed, with 24/7 staffing and adherence to public health and safety standards.

As part of their deliberation, the council held a special study session on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at the Low Income Housing Institute’s (LIHI) tiny home village at First Christian Church of Tacoma to learn more about the operation of temporary shelter communities and their residents. Following the session, councilmembers toured the tiny home village and the services LIHI provides to residents to help stabilize individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Those living in the village are paired with a case manager and work toward transitioning to permanent housing.

Councilmembers also toured a homeless stability site in Tacoma’s Dome District and a shelter at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Tacoma’s Eastside. The stability site is low-barrier and only allows adult residents, while the LIHI and Bethlehem Baptist Church location have a higher barrier that includes a background check and allows families with children.