Tacoma Relocates Homeless Residents to City-Owned Encampment

Tacoma, Washington is attempting to approach homeless encampments from a public health perspective.

1 minute read

July 8, 2017, 9:00 AM PDT

By Elana Eden


Homeless

Ethan Hickerson / Flickr

In May, Tacoma declared homeless encampments a "public health emergency," which it sought to alleviate by supplying the camps with clean water and portable toilets. Now, city leaders hope that existing homeless communities will consolidate in a new encampment under the auspices of the city.

In addition to a perimeter fence and security guards, the new site is outfitted with a 100-by-70-foot tent to "shade, protect, and conceal" the camp, reports William James for KNKX.

Residents of existing encampments were required to clear out by June 30 regardless of whether they joined the new camp. In interviews with James, some said they were relieved to have a place where their property might be safer from theft. But there was also concern about what rules might govern the city-sanctioned site, and how they will be enforced.

Monday, June 26, 2017 in knkx

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