Have opinions about homelessness in Pierce County? Here’s a chance to air them
Pierce County Human Services invites residents to provide input on housing and homelessness priorities that will guide services provided in the county for the next five years.
The feedback session is April 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at Sprinker Recreation Center, 521 Military Road S.
According to the county, space is limited, so attendees are asked to register online.
The purpose of the session, according to the county, is to gather feedback from the community on the prioritization and timeline of strategies to address homelessness and housing.
Pierce County will be updating the Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness (CPEH) to meet the following objectives required by the state:
- Promote an equitable, accountable and transparent homeless crisis response system
- Strengthen the homeless service provider workforce
- Prevent episodes of homelessness wherever possible
- Prioritize those with the most significant barriers to housing instability and the greatest risk of harm
- Seek to house everyone in a stable setting that meets their needs
The Pierce County Council adopted the CPEH in March 2022 to serve as the official Homeless Housing Plan, as required by the Washington State Department of Commerce every five years.
The current CPEH consists of six goals and is designed to achieve “functional zero” – a state where any person starting a new episode of homelessness has immediate access to shelter and a permanent housing intervention.
The updated CPEH must be adopted by the Pierce County Council before the end of the year.
“Whether you’re an experienced homeless service provider or a resident interested in how Pierce County is addressing homelessness, your input is vital,” Devon Isakson, social services supervisor for Pierce County’s homeless team, said in a statement. “The insights and recommendations for priorities within the updated plan will be significantly influenced by the input provided at the community feedback sessions, ensuring the homeless crisis response system meets the needs of our growing community.”
This event is free and open to the public. The county says interested parties who are unable to attend can participate in another feedback session later this summer.
People can also provide feedback online between April 24 - May 16 at www.piercecountywa.gov/homelessplan.
