Mapping an end to homelessness…

City of Tacoma

Homeless Services

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

According to the Pierce County Homeless Count in 2011 there are 2,068 homeless individuals (men, women, and children) in Pierce County.

Around 250 of these individuals are chronically homeless

Homelessness increased by 14.4% (+262) overall. (handout)

Homelessness in Tacoma

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Started in 2006City of Tacoma wanted to address the

increasing problems associated with homeless encampments, which are unsafe, unsanitary open spaces found throughout the City.

Housing First was identified as a solution to eliminating homeless encampments in a safe, efficient and humane manner.

Housing First Initiative

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Housing First is a nationally recognized “best practice” model that focuses on providing housing quickly and then offering other services when the client is ready.

2 agencies are funded to provide Housing First for the City of Tacoma (MDC, Greater Lakes MH)

Since 2006 these agencies have served more than 100 of Tacoma’s most chronic homeless individuals.

What is Housing First?

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

1. Camps are identified and reported to the Homeless Services Manager or Encampment Hotline.

2. PATH Team is sent out to encampment area to make contact with the individuals and provide them resources/referrals.

3. Approximately 48 hours after PATH contacts Tacoma Police; they will visit the encampment and make sure individuals are moving along.

4. Community Service Work Crew comes in and cleans up the remains of the encampment.

5. Area is monitored for future activity.

Encampment Elimination

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Encampment EliminationSet up Encampment meetings in areas of

concernEncampment Hotline –(handout)We rely on Community Collaboration Some of our partners include: Tacoma Police, Crime Free Housing, Tacoma

Rail, Streets and Grounds, Community Service Work Crew, Planning, Environmental Services, PATH Team, Community Based Services (CBS), local businesses and neighborhoods.Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of

Tacoma

Encampments

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Encampments

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Encampments

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Encampments

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Encampment Clean-up

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Encampment Clean-up

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Partnering with Pierce County on the Implementation of the Strategic Plan to End Homelessness

The Five PillarsThe Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/Building Changes, identified five “pillars” they believe will have the greatest impact on homeless families:PreventionCoordinated entryRapid re-housingTailored servicesEconomic opportunities

Strategic Plan to End Homelessness

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Tacoma-Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness/Continuum of Care (COC).

Monthly meetings to discuss what is currently going on in Tacoma-Pierce County around homelessness

Provides opportunities for learning, advocacy, funding, partnerships and resource sharing.

COC will play a key role in future Funding of Homeless Services

Project Homeless Connect (handout)

Homeless Services - Partnerships

Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma

Partnering with Pierce County and other agencies to align City Policies and Planning to support the Strategic Plan to End Homelessness

Everyone needs a place to live; the question is where?

Strategic Plan to End Homelessness

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

How to use the environment to attract the intended users

Courtesy of Kelly Crouch, City of Tacoma

What is CPTED?Crime Prevention Through Environmental

Design is composed of four basic elementsNatural SurveillanceAccess ControlTerritorialityActivity Support

Courtesy of Kelly Crouch, City of Tacoma

Natural SurveillanceThe ability to look across a piece of property and

see the greatest distance. Crime is less likely to happen if criminals feel

they will be observed. Examples: Keep shrubs trimmed, so they don’t block the view of hikers, joggers, etc. for at least 10 feet from the trail. Prune tree branches that hang below six feet and keep bushes pruned to below three feet. Install solar or low-energy-usage outdoor lighting along paths to provide greater opportunities for intended users to enjoy the paths.

Courtesy of Kelly Crouch, City of Tacoma

Access ControlControlling entry and exit. Crime is less likely

to happen if the criminal feels it will be hard to get in or that escape routes are blocked or observed by someone. When looking at pathways or trails is there a place you can place the trailhead where natural surveillance can take place? Can you place the trailhead near a building or street that is heavily traveled?

Courtesy of Kelly Crouch, City of Tacoma

TerritorialityMaking a psychological impression that

someone cares about the property and will engage in its defense.

Conveying territoriality is accomplished by posting signs, general cleanliness, high maintenance standards and the ability for intended users to feel comfortable using the space.

Courtesy of Kelly Crouch, City of Tacoma

Activity SupportIncreasing the presence of law-abiding citizens

can decrease the opportunities for criminals. Making sure that the intended users are comfortable and have the perception of safety will greatly increase the likelihood of them coming and using the paths and trails often. Once that occurs the homeless camps and illegal activity will naturally decrease.

Courtesy of Kelly Crouch, City of Tacoma

Everyone deserves to be housed…

Do you have any questions???

Courtesy of Kelly Crouch, City of Tacoma