Washingtoner - A Statement From Tacoma City Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh on the Vital Importance of a Regional Approach to Addressing Homelessness

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~ Tacoma, WA - The city of Tacoma has always been known for its compassion and care towards all its residents, including those experiencing homelessness. Behind every encampment in the city lies a person struggling with overwhelming challenges. In response to this pressing issue, community members are calling for compassionate solutions that not only honor the dignity of individuals but also address the urgent need for safe and accessible shelter.

As a journalist, it is important to understand what it truly takes to tackle homelessness in a way that respects the dignity of individuals while also ensuring public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone. According to city officials, this requires a balance of compassionate enforcement and expanded services such as low-barrier shelters, mental health support, and outreach programs that meet people where they are.

The city of Tacoma has been investing in services that have proven to be effective in addressing homelessness. Therapeutic courts have been successful in connecting individuals with treatment instead of sending them to jail. Outreach teams are also working tirelessly every day to engage with individuals experiencing homelessness and provide them with necessary resources.

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However, one major gap that needs to be addressed is the lack of available shelter options. While encampments may provide some form of shelter, they are often not safe or sustainable solutions. This is why the city council has taken decisive action by expanding camping buffer zones to keep public spaces like schools, parks, and libraries safe and welcoming for everyone.

At the same time, Tacoma is also taking a regional approach towards creating more shelter options - especially low-barrier shelters that cater to the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. This effort is crucial as Pierce County's 2025 Point-in-Time Count identified nearly 3,000 people experiencing homelessness. While half of these individuals reported being from a Tacoma zip code, 76 percent of available shelter beds were located within Tacoma city limits.

Mayor Victoria Woodards applauds Pierce County's Unified Regional Approach to Homelessness which brings together multiple cities, agencies, and organizations to coordinate resources and develop solutions that serve the entire community more effectively. She emphasizes the need for a regional response to this crisis, stating that it is not just ideal but necessary.

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Woodards also urges leaders from jurisdictions around Pierce County to look for ways to support this effort, whether it be through hosting shelters or supporting food banks and outreach services. She believes that in order to see real change, everyone must work together towards creating healthier and safer communities for all.

In conclusion, the city of Tacoma is committed to addressing homelessness with compassion and a collaborative approach. With regional coordination, shared investment, and continued compassion, they hope to provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the chance to live with dignity and stability. It is a challenging issue that requires the support of the entire community in order to bring about real change.

Filed Under: Government, City

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