Politics & Government
Tacoma Council Considers Emergency Homeless Shelter Tuesday
Citing concerns over a growing homeless encampment, Tacoma councilmembers will consider an emergency shelter during a hearing Tuesday night.
TACOMA, WA — Councilmembers in Tacoma will discuss a plan to establish a temporary emergency homeless shelter during a City Council meeting Tuesday evening. City officials said a proposed $388,000 agreement would fund a "micro-shelter" facility at 802 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, just south of Tacoma General Hospital.
The temporary shelter would house up to 35 people, with portable bathrooms, sanitary stations, and 24-hour security. The money to pay for it would come out of the city's general fund budget. In a news release, city officials said the plan is in response to mounting safety concerns related to an encampment at People's Park. Tuesday's meeting will include time for public testimony.
Another ordinance would amend city zoning to update location and square footage requirements for temporary shelters. A third ordinance would extend a declaration of emergency over homelessness until there is enough shelter space for 95 percent of those living unsheltered, as determined by an annual Point in Time count.
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Meeting details
City Council Chambers (747 Market Street, 1st Floor)
November 19th, 5 p.m.
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