Homelessness

The Tacoma City Council has expanded the city's camping ban, adding more areas where homeless encampments are prohibited. The proposal passed by a 5-4 vote.

The Tacoma City Council has changed an ordinance to prohibit public camping in most neighborhoods.

While challenger Katie Wilson and incumbent Bruce Harrell both want to use more tiny homes as temporary shelters, Wilson's plan calls for spending more money to get even more people inside.

The 15-point proposal aims to address homelessness, crime, and drug use in the Little Saigon area.

Pierce County’s Unified Regional Approach (URA) to homelessness officially kicked off, but it is still unclear how the coalition will be led, what goals it will attempt to achieve and how it will operate.

Homeless-service providers and advocates say Pierce County is not effectively coordinating to keep the unhoused safe during extreme weather.

Ryan Mello, a Democrat, was elected in November to succeed Republican Bruce Dammeier, who was frequently at odds with county council.

In a news release, the city said it faces the “difficult decision” of closing most of those shelters in June 2025 because of the shortfall.

The new data paint a picture that shows progress as well as ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness in Southwest Washington’s largest city.

About twice a week, John Simpson sets out to the tired parts of downtown Olympia with his camera. He hopes his images could put a face to the issue of homelessness.