The growing numbers of people experiencing homelessness has activists calling for stronger mechanisms to address the issue. Author: Lionel Donovan (KING) Updated: 8:17 PM PDT May 24, 2021
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. Advocates in Pierce County are warning city councils that if concrete steps aren’t taken to address homelessness it could become a problem too big to solve.
“We’ve seen over the past decade, a growth in the number of people connecting to the homeless system,” said Gerrit Nyland, director of operations for the Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness.
Numbers from Homeless Management Information Systems in Pierce County confirm the rising trend, with a key exception in 2020. But the reason why may not be so positive.
In this Oct. 12, 2017 photo, Dominic, who battles mental illness, sits on a sidewalk under the Smith Ave. Bridge in Everett, Wash., which is a constant gathering place for homeless people battling addiction and mental illness. Dominic has been identified as one of the top chronic and costliest users of emergency and other services in Everett, but despite the efforts of a specialized team of experts, he remains on the streets. Credit: AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
Seattle suburbs crack down on homeless camping with fines and jail time May 19, 2021
Homelessness has become more visible in Seattle suburbs during the pandemic, and these cities have rushed in recent weeks to pass public camping bans. Many of these new ordinances come with jail time.
Tacoma postpones decision to ban camping on public property
News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. 4 hrs ago Allison Needles, The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)
Apr. 21 Tacoma City Council has postponed consideration of a law to ban camping on public property.
At Tuesday s City Council meeting, Council member Robert Thoms made a motion to table the ordinance and bring it back within the next 30 days with updates.
Thoms said at the meeting he wants to continue to work with our Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness folks to ensure we provide the best possible tool to support ensuring those experiencing homelessness have accesses to services.
Tacoma to vote on law banning camping on public property (again) Advocates push back msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Josephine Peterson: Service provider calls local COVID-19 hotel useless because some people can t get in
News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. 2/15/2021 Josephine Peterson, The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)
Feb. 15 More people are using a Pierce County hotel set aside for those with COVID-19 than ever before, but homeless service providers have said those with mental or behavioral health illnesses have faced difficulty getting in the door.
Pierce County s Temporary Care Center opened in April last year at the Holiday Inn on South 84th and Hosmer streets in Tacoma. As of Jan. 26, 436 people had been admitted. January 2021 alone saw more than 158 people stay there.