Colleagues,
As you know the Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness cannot take a position on the proposed City of Tacoma Code Change limiting permissible "structures" in parks but you as individuals and/or your organizations/agencies can do so.  Here are some of the talking points we have discussed at recent Coalition meetings.  I have also attached the public comment from Tristia Bauman from the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, the statement of the Tacoma Housing Authority, Al Ratcliffe's original public comment and my own Safe Shelter Task Force concept revised 9.22.19.

These are, I think, some key points:  
1.  We all want safe parks available to everyone.
1.  We want to prevent harm to unsheltered persons.  We do not want any homeless person to die for lack of safe shelter this winter.
3.  The baseline response to homelessness is safe daytime and nighttime shelter.
4.  Tacoma does not have sufficient daytime or nighttime shelter for all people experiencing homelessness.  Some people experiencing homelessness shelter in parks.  
5.  The proposed code changes as detailed in Ordinance No. 28615 do not appear to comply with federal law.  
6.  The Council should reject the proposed code section "limiting permissible 'structures' in parks to only those specifically authorized or are temporary that have only a roof and no walls." (from the Ordinance)  
7.  If the Council does not reject the proposed code section concerning permissible "structures" in parks, we urge a delay until the City of Tacoma  identifies adequate alternative locations where homeless people can shelter themselves during daytime hours.
8.  We ask the Mayor to engage people experiencing homelessness, those who work directly with them, and those who work and/or live in neighborhoods near parks in a Safe Shelter Task Force to prevent harm to unsheltered people during the coming winter.
9.  The Tacoma Housing Authority has made its support of the code change conditional on the City providing alternative shelter or camping places.  
10.   Add your own suggestions of what the City can do to ensure safe shelter for all - both day and night.  Mine are in the Safe Shelter Concept paper dated 9.22.19.
11.  If you want to do so, offer to be of assistance.
12.  Say thank you.  

Remember - three minutes - no more.  Practice. Practice. Practice.  Put the most important things first.
"Madame Mayor, Members of the Council.
My name is ______________.  You can add additional identification - I am a resident of the City of Tacoma, I work with people experiencing homelessness, etc.  The more you say, the more of those three minutes you use up.
I wish to comment on the section of Ordinance No. 28615 which limits permissible structures to only those specifically authorized or are temporary that have only a roof and no walls.  
Use your time for clear statements of what you want the City Council to do.  If you have a story you can tell in the time allotted, do so - like "I want to be sure that the woman my age who showed up at the Salvation Army Friday noon with all her belongings in a brown paper bag asking for help saying her husband had beaten her and threatened to kill her did get a safe place to stay" but be sure to make a clear request of the Council.  Such as "reject the section limiting permissible structures" until every person experiencing homelessness has a safe place to stay both day and night.
Offer your assistance - if you want to do so.
Say thank you.

Remember - you can also provide more extensive written comments.

As always, thank you for your work,  and yes, there was a woman my age who came to the Salvation Army front doors saying "I hope someone is here" as I was leaving the Coalition meeting Friday.  And when I asked her if she had called the police, she said her husband had their only phone.  Perhaps I should have driven her to City Hall but I don't know if she had the ID required to get beyond the front door.  

I have to believe we can be a better city.
Maureen

MaureenHowardConsulting
maureenhowardconsulting@gmail.com

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