City of Tacoma’s Neighborhood and Community Services Department Provides Update on Ongoing Efforts to Address Homelessness
Washingtoner/10232517

~ Today, the City of Tacoma's Neighborhood and Community Services Department provided an update on its ongoing efforts to address homelessness during a joint Study Session with the Tacoma City Council and the Pierce County Council.

The City has allocated $35.7 million for homelessness services and programs this biennium, and has established a Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness which looks to strengthen access to rental assistance, establish a Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment program, and increase resources available to people facing a housing crisis. This plan aligns with Pierce County's Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness, which aims to create a unified regional approach to achieve "functional zero" homelessness.

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The Homeless Engagement Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) Team has been working hard over the last year to secure more contracted shelter providers while establishing better coordination and reporting of shelter utilization and availability. With nearly 2,500 outreach contacts made this year, the HEAL Team has connected over 200 individuals who were experiencing homelessness to housing.

The City is committed to ending homelessness in Tacoma through short-term solutions such as shelter as well as long-range efforts built on public-private partnerships. This model is in use in nearly 100 communities across the United States, including six of the largest 20 cities as well as a mix of suburban, urban, and rural communities. It has resulted in 14 communities ending homelessness for target populations, and 44 communities with measurable reductions.

More information about the City's Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness is available at cityoftacoma.org/homelessness while a recording of today's update will be posted within 24 hours at cityoftacoma.legistar.com.

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