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Six articles on Tacoma’s efforts to tackle homelessness

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories highlights Tacoma's approach to addressing the homelessness crisis in the region. Tacoma plans the expansion of its largest homeless shelter, the Tacoma Rescue Mission, aiming to accommodate more individuals amid a citywide shortage of shelter beds. Meanwhile, Harbor Hope Center's effort to provide housing for homeless youth with the support of local communities is meant to be a step toward long-term solutions for young people in crisis.

Kingfisher Village, a new 60-unit tiny home project, aims to provide temporary housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness. Discussions of the growing healthcare needs of the homeless and aging population also stress the urgency of medical support and resources. Read the stories below.

Bunk beds at Tacoma Rescue Mission’s women’s shelter will be the inspiration for the design of its expanded men’s shelter.

NO. 1: $20 MILLION EXPANSION OF TACOMA’S LARGEST HOMELESS SHELTER IN THE WORKS

Tacoma Rescue Mission is expanding its homeless shelter to 205 beds by summer 2026, addressing an urgent need for more housing and services. | Published June 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Cameron Sheppard

Wheelchairs are not uncommon at encampments near Tacoma’s Nativity House shelter. By Cameron Sheppard

NO. 2: HOMELESS, SICK AND AGING: PIERCE COUNTY FACES WORSENING CRISIS IN 2025

Service providers raise the alarm about a lack of healthcare that leads to “prolonged death.” | Published June 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Cameron Sheppard

Harbor Hope Center’s home that provides temporary housing for youths and young adults, on Friday, June 6, 2025, in Gig Harbor, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 3: NONPROFIT THAT OPERATES GROUP HOMES FOR HOMELESS YOUTH PLANS TACOMA EXPANSION

Gig Harbor’s Harbor Hope Center offers housing and support to unhoused youth. Learn about its fight to end chronic homelessness. | Published June 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Cameron Sheppard

Gary Gant has been hired as the director of Pierce County Human Services.

NO. 4: PIERCE COUNTY’S NEW HEAD OF HOMELESS AND HEALTH PROGRAMS HAS FEDERAL EXPERIENCE

He’ll make $213K annually to run the 300-employee Human Services department. | Published June 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Cameron Sheppard

Rosie’s Village is a tiny home village operated by LIHI in Seattle.

NO. 5: 60-UNIT TINY HOME VILLAGE FOR THE HOMELESS IS COMING TO TACOMA THIS JULY

Tacoma’s Kingfisher Village will feature homes for up to 75 people. Discover the impact of this LIHI and Pierce County partnership. | Published June 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Cameron Sheppard

Motorhome and travel trailers have set up an encampment in the Pierce Transit Center Street Park & Ride lot on bordering Highway 16 in Tacoma, Washington, on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. By Tony Overman

NO. 6: TACOMA TO CLOSE 200 HOMELESS SHELTER BEDS AT END OF MONTH. HERE’S WHY AND WHERE

The move comes after the city received only half the funding it requested from the state to keep beds open. | Published June 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Cameron Sheppard

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.