Colleagues,
Linda Stewart is the Director of Neighborhood and Community Services for the City of Tacoma.  She was quoted in Friday's article in the News Tribune.  I reached out to her this morning for clarification on the following section of the story: 

The city doesn’t have the time to create a task force between now and the final reading of the ordinance, which would require applications and extensive review, said Linda Stewart, director of the city’s Neighborhood and Community Services department. Staff wants to help as soon as possible, she said. :

Instead, the city is helping to facilitate a meeting between residents, service providers and those experiencing homelessness. The convening will identify potential temporary shelter locations, resources needed to operate those locations and how the city can address any challenges for churches. 

City staff also are developing contracts with local agencies for shelter sites as part of the temporary shelter ordinance. 

“We anticipate a contract will be brought forward to council consideration in the next couple of weeks,” Stewart said. 

So far, Bethlehem Baptist Church set up two temporary shelters through the ordinance, Stewart said. Another is in the works.

Linda quickly responded and continued to respond to my questions.  Here's my take on her responses - I'm hoping I got it right!  

1.  The City is developing a contract with MDC (Metropolitan Development Council) and Associated Ministries.  The exact scope of this contract is currently under development.  Work can begin as soon as the contract is executed.  The contract will go through the City Council.  I think the current scope of this contract is intended to include both the convening of residents, service providers and those experiencing homelessness and the long-term technical assistance to the faith community and nonprofits to help them respond to homelessness.  This is consistent with the Mayor's comments during the Sept. 24 City Council meeting and Mike Yoder's presentation to the Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness last Friday.

2.  The City is working with Bethlehem Baptist to establish a shelter at the location of the Family Shelter they operated last year.  This shelter will open as soon as the permitting and final agreement with Bethlehem Baptist and the operator are completed.  

Take care all,
Maureen
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