Many of you know that Elizabeth Pauli, Tacoma City Manager, invited me to meet with her last week to discuss concerns I had raised about the City's response to homelessness.  We had, what I thought was a very good meeting, and we agreed to meet again but to expand the table a little.  I have invited Theresa Power-Drutis, Executive Director of New Connections and a Hilltop resident, to join me in the next meeting.  As I stated at last Friday's Coalition to End Homelessness meeting, I am not representing the Coalition.  I am just hoping we can find a way to shelter everyone - to find the "better solutions" the Mayor spoke of.  I'm suggesting a "reset" in the relationships between the City and the various parts of the community.

In that spirit, I asked Elizabeth what she would like me to ask of the Coalition and she said to see what participants wanted by way of information from the City.  Several of you completed the attached very brief survey at last Friday's Coalition meeting.  I've attached a copy in hopes more of you will send me your responses.  I will not identify anyone by name or organization.  I would just like additional responses before I report to Elizabeth.  I will, of course, share this with you.

Many thanks for your work,

Maureen

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