Addressing the Region’s Homelessness Crisis

Tacoma Mayor Announces Coalition to Advocate for Legislative Agenda to Address Homelessness in Pierce County

Tacoma, Wash. – Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland has convened a group of elected officials in Pierce County to advocate for policies to help alleviate the region’s homelessness crisis. The newly formed Pierce County Housing Stability Coalition includes Puyallup Mayor John Hopkins, Lakewood Mayor Don Anderson, Milton Mayor Deborah Perry, and Pierce County Council Members Doug Richardson, Connie Ladenburg and Rick Talbert. 

“I formed this coalition because homelessness is a complex issue that affects all of Pierce County – rural, suburban and urban communities, not just Tacoma. A unified approach to advocate for policies and resources will be more effective than a piecemeal one,” said Strickland. “Many factors can contribute to homelessness such as chemical dependency, domestic violence, mental health issues and access to living wage jobs. This coalition will advocate for policies and programs that help improve housing stability and provide needed help to those experiencing homelessness.”

“My colleagues from the Pierce County Council and I look forward to this opportunity to bring an integrated and comprehensive approach to addressing the many facets of homelessness,” said Pierce County Council Chair Doug Richardson.  “The coalition provides an important venue for meaningful progress.”

The coalition has developed a set of priorities for the upcoming legislative session in Olympia. These include expansion of successful programs such as Housing First and the McCarver Elementary School Housing Program, and renewing and increasing the document recording fees which are dedicated to helping the homeless. The coalition also supports policies to help local jurisdictions create more affordable housing, and will advocate for legislation that addresses predatory mobile home lending practices.