Pierce County Executive vetoes council decision on controversial homeless village zoning
August 9, 2023. Article from The New Tribune.
In another twist of controversy, Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier on Wednesday vetoed the County Council’s July decision to repeal several zoning ordinances that authorized a 285-unit micro-home village for people experiencing chronic homelessness to be built near Spanaway.
The council voted unanimously, with six members in favor, on July 25 to repeal the ordinances in light of the Growth Management Hearings Board scheduling to make a decision in December on two petitions that argue the county should not have approved those zoning ordinances due to density and environmental concerns.
Read the full article here: The News Tribune
A concept site plan of the proposed 285-unit micro-home village run by Tacoma Rescue Mission near Spanaway.
City’s homeless plan appears to be working
August 1, 2023. Article from Tacoma Weekly.
Over the past months, there has been a noticeable decline in the large homeless encampments that used to sprawl in numerous parts of Tacoma. One of the most obvious was the clearing of the longtime encampment up from the Tacoma Rescue Mission on South Tacoma Way that elicited constant calls to the city from residents wanting it gone.
Often attracting up to 50 or more people, these types of camps also posed a worrisome threat of danger to those who lived there – to their mental and physical health and to their very lives.
Read the full article here: Tacoma Weekly
Image from Tacoma Weekly.
Pierce County neighbors divided over planned homeless micro-village
July 14, 2023. Article by Nikki Torres, Fox 13 News.
No matter the outcome of the political back-and-forth, the 285-unit micro-village planned for the 80-plus acre site near Spanaway will still get built.
Opponents of the decision to build there say high-intensity builds, like a micro-village, shouldn’t be going into so-called residential resource zones, because they take a large toll on the environment.
The micro-village was green-lit by the county council this spring, but it wasn’t a unanimous decision. Councilor Denson voted against it along with Councilor Amy Cruver. Now, both councilors are trying to repeal that vote from March.
Denson clarified she is not against micro-villages or finding solutions to the homeless crisis. She said, correcting the past vote only to look out for future environmental needs of the community. However, staff at the Tacoma Rescue Mission, which is managing the micro-village – aren’t so sure.
Read the full article here: Fox 13 News
Image from Video by Nikki Torres, Fox 13 News
More controversy over big Pierce County homeless village as zoning decision challenged
July 14, 2023. Article by Becca Most, The News Tribune.
The Pierce County Council is considering repealing two zoning ordinances that paved the way for a 285-unit micro-home village for people experiencing chronic homelessness to be built on a 86-acre site near Spanaway.
Since the petitions were filed, Futurewise and Spanaway Concerned Citizens’ cases have been consolidated into one before the Growth Management Board.
The land in question was originally zoned as “residential resource,” a classification that allows for low-density, single-family homes in open or environmentally sensitive areas.
Duke Paulson, the executive director of Tacoma Rescue Mission, said he was surprised the council is considering repealing the ordinances when Tacoma Rescue Mission has already submitted its permits to build.
Read the full article here: The News Tribune
An artist’s rendition of the Shared Community Housing Village proposed west of Spanaway. Tacoma Rescue Mission
How did a cooling housing market prompt ‘doomsday’ fears for Pierce County’s homeless?
June 18, 2023. Article by Shea Johnson, The News Tribune.
The Homeless Housing Program’s recent downturn in funding can be traced to what is often its largest revenue source: Document recording fees (DRF). They’re charged by local and state agencies during real estate transactions such as purchasing or refinancing a home, according to county Human Services spokesperson Kari Moore, who called the fees “the backbone funding of the homeless crisis response system across the state.”
The implications had been dire: Such a steep financial reduction could have meant expulsions from shelters in the county, including its own, for 500 men, women and children by the end of June, according to the rescue mission, which had held conversations about potentially laying off 50 staff members. With the additional state funds, the rescue mission’s projections are less extreme, although still serious, while it grapples with an estimated budget shortfall of more than a half-million dollars . . .
Read the full article here: The News Tribune
Photo by Cheyenne Boone, Tacoma News Tribune
Funding crisis averted for Pierce County homeless service providers
June 9, 2023. Article by Joel Moreno, The News Tribune.
Homeless service providers bracing for steep funding cuts got a last-minute rescue in Pierce County on Friday. However, although they say the immediate crisis has been averted, the problem that led up to the financial shortfalls still remains.
Earlier this week, homeless people who come for meals and services at the Tacoma Rescue Mission were nearly at risk of losing this vital resource after Pierce County notified the nonprofit of a steep reduction in grant funding . . .
Read the full article here: The News Tribune
Tacoma council passes $4 billion budget. How much is for police, homeless and more?
November 26, 2022. Article by Liz Moomey, The News Tribune.
In homeless services, the budget is $34 million to go toward adding two employees to the Homeless Engagement and Alternatives Liaison Team, maintaining and expanding emergency and temporary shelter capacity and expanding Tacoma Rescue Mission men’s shelter project and TRM’s shelter project operating costs. The city plans to stand up 150 shelter beds and add 120 affordable housing units in the next two years.
See full article here: The News Tribune
Getty Images
Homeless [mitigation site] will be a first for Tacoma. Where will it be and what makes it different?
November 13, 2022. Article by Liz Moomey, The News Tribune.
The City of Tacoma is planning on opening a mitigation site at 3561 Pacific Avenue for homeless adults. The site which holds 50 tents is a low-barrier shelter with day-to-day operations being managed by the Tacoma Rescue Mission.
See full article here: The News Tribune
Video by Pete Caster, The News Tribune
Tacoma Rescue Mission Looks to Help Anyone in Need – Mission Thrift Grand Opening
July 26, 2022. Article & Video by Michael Driver, Fox 13 News.
A thrift store in Tacoma had their grand opening last week, but this isn’t just any business—this local spot is all about helping their employees and customers with fulfilling their needs, all while finding some great deals.
See full article here: Fox 13 News
Video by Michael Driver, Fox 13 News
Tacoma Rescue Mission Hosting Grand Opening for New Thrift Shop
July 20, 2022. Article by Audrey Herrin, South Sound Mag.
Tacoma Rescue Mission is holding a grand opening for the new thrift shop Mission Thrift in the 6th Avenue Business District on July 22. The shop will sell Tacoma Rescue Mission’s excess donated items including toys, clothing, and furniture. The grand opening is open to everyone and will feature discounts, food and drink, and family-friendly activities.
The goal of Mission Thrift is to assist those experiencing homelessness and community members in need more broadly.
See full article here: South Sound Mag
Courtesy of @TacomaMission Facebook Feed
Here’s Pierce County’s $50M plan to house 200-300 of its chronically homeless residents
July 19, 2022. Article by Alexis Krell, The News Tribune.
Pierce County leaders are looking at a development outside Austin, Texas as a model for addressing chronic homelessness. The community has permanent-housing micro homes arranged into neighborhoods, with a health clinic, addiction, mental health services, and on-site job opportunities.
The Tacoma Rescue Mission has expressed interest in potentially operating it, recently submitting a feasibility study that the County Council discussed at a study session on July 11. A full proposal for the development, including a location for it, will go before the council in October.
See full news coverage at the following news outlets: The New Tribune.
Video by Loumay Alesali
The Tacoma Rescue Mission requests community support during kitchen closure and major renovations
April 15, 2022. Coverage by multiple news outlets.
The kitchen at the Mission’s Downtown Campus (425 S Tacoma Way) is closing amidst much-needed, major renovations and expansion from April 29th to June 30th. The Mission is requesting community support to continue providing crucial meals to our neighbors in need during this time.
See full news coverage at the following news outlets: The New Tribune, Komo 4, and Q13 Fox
Video by Steve Kiggins, Q13 Fox
COMMUNITY CLINIC BRINGS NEW VISION
March 17, 2022. Article by Dustin Sterns, LifeBridge Church Pastor
Life Bridge Church and the Tacoma Rescue Mission partner to offer a free eye care clinic to neighbors in need. Individuals and families experiencing homelessness were able to get free eye exams, prescription lenses, and frames.
Read the full story at Northwest Adventists.
PIERCE COUNTY, TACOMA SHELTERS EXPAND INTAKE DURING COLD, SNOWY HOLIDAY
December 25, 2021. Article by Josephine Peterson, The News Tribune
Pierce County, the City of Tacoma, and homeless service providers have banded together to provide more shelter than ever before. The Tacoma Rescue Mission has added 50 beds to their 140 bed total (90 at the men’s shelter and 50 at the women’s), said Executive Director Duke Paulson. He doesn’t want to turn anyone away in cold weather, promising to convert the cafeteria, hallways, and day space to sleeping areas if needed.
Read the full story on The News Tribune website.
THANKSGIVING DONATIONS FEED TACOMA HOMELESS MONTHS AFTER HOLIDAYS
November 25, 2021. Article by Angeli Kakade, King 5 News
Community members rally to donate urgently-needed food donations to the Tacoma Rescue Mission to help provide meals for their vulnerable neighbors. In just a week, a couple turkeys in the freezer turned into 1,100 turkeys. Thanks to the communities generosity, these turkeys will not only provide Thanksgiving dinners but will also help to feed individuals and families experiencing homelessness after the holidays are over.
Read the full story on the King 5 News website.
TACOMA RESCUE MISSION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PLU ALUMNUS DUKE PAULSON ON ADAPTING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
July 13, 2021. Article by Lora Shinn, Pacific Lutheran University
Duke Paulson ‘93 graduated from PLU in 1993 with a major in biology and a minor in psychology. While at PLU, he was on the swim and rowing teams, played soccer for a bit, and was heavily involved in Young Life. Today, he’s executive director of Tacoma Rescue Mission where COVID-19 has added to the already urgent work of sheltering and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Tacoma.
Read the full story on the Pacific Lutheran University website.
TACOMA HOMELESS SHELTER HAS NEW ROLE IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC: HELPING TO EDUCATE KIDS
September 17, 2020. Article by Josephine Peterson, The News Tribune
Returning to school is tricky for every family this year. For families living in a shelter with limited Wi-Fi, the challenges can feel insurmountable. Executive Director, Duke Paulson, didn’t realize until a few weeks prior to school starting that the Adams Street Family Campus would become an ad hoc school. Traditionally, the emergency shelter has focused on providing immediate needs like food, and shelter and reducing the barriers that cause homelessness.
Read the full story on The News Tribune website.
City to spend $1.6 million to help expand homeless shelter at Tacoma Rescue Mission
June 5, 2019. Article by Allison Needles, The News Tribune
The Tacoma Rescue Mission will expand this year to serve more people experiencing homelessness. Tacoma City Council unanimously approved a $1.6 million agreement on Tuesday to help add 50 beds to the Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter. The project will convert an existing storage facility on-site to a 24-hour emergency shelter.
Read the full story on The News Tribune website.
Women’s shelter coming to Tacoma Rescue Mission thanks to City of Tacoma contribution.
May 8, 2019. Article by Matt Driscoll & Video by Tony Overman, The News Tribune
Tacoma City Council approves $1.6 million commitment to help the Mission add a 50-bed women’s shelter at South Tacoma Way site.
Read more on The News Tribune website.
With a new leader, will Tacoma Rescue Mission adapt with the times? Let’s hope.
March 22, 2018 Article by Matt Driscoll, The News Tribune
It’s not hard to make the argument that the Tacoma Rescue Mission is one of the most important players in town when it comes to providing shelter, resources, and hope to the individuals and families experiencing homelessness. This week, the Mission named a new executive director, Duke Paulson, a 46-year-old Pacific Lutheran University grad with a long history working in the field. Next month, Paulson will take over for departed executive director Mike Johnson, who left the Mission in October 2017.
Read the full story on The News Tribune website.
How $1,500 is changing the lives of children at the Tacoma Rescue Mission
December 25, 2017. Article by Matt Driscoll, The News Tribune
A small, $1,500, grant through South Sound Together/Tacoma Children’s Museum has made it possible for the Tacoma Rescue Mission’s Family Shelter to open a preschool serving the children of people experiencing homelessness. Jackson said they are teaching the children how to trust their environment and others.
Read the full story on The News Tribune website.
Tacoma Rescue Mission group topples addiction and the state’s highest peak
September 17, 2016. Article by Matt Driscoll, The News Tribune
Tacoma Rescue Mission Executive Director Mike Johnson leads this year’s Mt. Rainier climb team comprised of recent or soon-to-be graduates of the Tacoma Rescue Mission’s addiction recovery program.
Read the full story on The News Tribune website.
SINKING FEELING AT THE TACOMA RESCUE MISSION MAY RUN EVEN DEEPER
August 31, 2015. Article by Matt Driscoll, The News Tribune
Since late 2011, according to executive director Mike Johnson, the ground under the building along South Tacoma Way has settled as much as five inches in some spots. It’s this sinking that led to the removal of the lighthouse after an inspection revealed that the structure was no longer safe. If a seismic event were to occur, according to the experts, the “symbol of hope” was likely to topple.
Read more on The News Tribune website.
Tacoma Rescue Mission’s lighthouse goes dark
August 26, 2015. Article by Brynn Grimley & Video by David Montesino, The News Tribune
The Rescue Mission in Tacoma had to take down its lighthouse Tuesday afternoon after finding that the settling of the building have rendered the structure unsafe.
Read the full article on The News Tribune website.
