Mapping an end to homelessness…
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)
Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma
 Started in 2006
 City 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.
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.
Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma
 1. Camps are identified and reported to the Homeless
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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.
Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma
 Set up Encampment meetings in areas of concern
 Encampment 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
Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma
Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma
Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma
Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma
Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma
Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma
 Partnering with Pierce County on the Implementation
of the Strategic Plan to End Homelessness
 The Five Pillars
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/Building
Changes, identified five “pillars” they believe will have
the greatest impact on homeless families:
 Prevention
 Coordinated entry
 Rapid re-housing
 Tailored services
 Economic opportunities
Courtesy of Colin DeForrest, City of Tacoma
 Tacoma-Pierce County Coalition to End
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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)
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?
How to use the environment to attract the intended users
Courtesy of Kelly Crouch, City of Tacoma
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design is
composed of four basic elements
 Natural Surveillance
 Access Control
 Territoriality
 Activity Support
Courtesy of Kelly Crouch, City of Tacoma
The 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
Controlling 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
Making 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
Increasing 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…
Courtesy of Kelly Crouch, City of Tacoma