More details will follow but thanks to the 15 or so who spoke last night at the Tacoma City Council meeting, we have an opportunity to give the Mayor and Council Member some immediate and concrete steps they could take to increase both day and night shelter options.  The Mayor was so disturbed by the testimony, especially of the homeless and formerly homeless folks who spoke,, that she called a recess in the Council meeting.  My take is that the Council knows there are good shelters and services but doesn't realize the extent of the need.

I will send out links later - but for now, please put forward your best ideas on how we can increase both day and night shelter options regardless of the City Council's final action Oct. 1 on the proposed code changes.

Here are three of mine with my "back of the envelope" assumptions: :

1.  adopt the Mt. Vernon code re vehicles in church/faith-based parking lots.  Five churches, 10 vehicles each, 3 people per vehicle = 150 safe "beds" 24/7.

2.  add 50 "beds" in a low barrier shelter designed for those who simply cannot come in to an existing shelter.  24/7

3.  create a "Mary's Place" for 25 families with children.  4 per family = 100 "beds."  24/7

4.  From Council member Ryan Mello - review the city's temporary shelter code

You get the idea - 

Watch for another email later today with links, etc.

Thank you for your work and save Oct 1 for the next city council meeting,

Maureen