I think the Coalition should not oppose meeting with a councilmember. Or, really, most anyone. One of the core tenets of the Coalition is to have a big tent – a place where all are welcome to be part of the discussion. I think this should probably extend to engaging with all. We can certainly oppose the camping ban, but we can also meet with folks advocating for it to discuss our concerns so those concerns are understand and hopefully addressed. It also gives us a chance to understand others’ perspectives as well. I’m not saying you have to be a the meeting, but I think our Coalition should show up.

 

Somewhat in their defense, most of the Tacoma City Councilmembers accept as fact the statements of City staff around the unwillingness of people experiencing homeelssness to accept services and about the constant availability of shelter beds. These are at best oversimplifications, but really are simply untrue statements. Countering false statements is no easy task.

 

I continue to believe a non-punitive camping ban of some sort is appropriate once we have established accessible shelter. That isn’t this proposed ban, and that isn’t now. Not to mention all the other issues Tristia identified in the ban.

 

-Gerrit

 

Living in Tacoma or Pierce County and Behind on rent? Apply for Rent Assistance here.

 

Gerrit Nyland

Director of Operations

Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness

gnyland@pchomeless.org

253-304-5105

 

 

From: steeringcommittee@list.pchomeless.org <steeringcommittee@list.pchomeless.org> On Behalf Of Megan Capes
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:46 PM
To: Nathan Blackmer <nathanblackmer@gmail.com>
Cc: Kevin Glackin-Coley <kglackincoley@pchomeless.org>; Maureen Howard <mhoward@pchomeless.org>; steeringcommittee@list.pchomeless.org
Subject: Re: Steering Committee Updating on Ordinance 28756 - No Camping Ban

 

Speaking as TDSA chair -- I can confirm that we have begun organizing. We released a statement Saturday & letter campaign to whole council and City Manager's Office on our social media along with contacting our press list with this info. I would advocate that the Coalition signalboost the letter campaign because I feel like it's everything that we would align with. 

 

There is another round being released early tomorrow to press and social media. Tacoma Housing Now (endorsed by TDSA, Sunrise & others) is planning to stage a public encampment at City Hall starting Tuesday. I cannot speak to specific details of the direct action as I've been bottomlining other things and TDSA has only endorsed, not co-organizing.

 

Speaking for myself now a part of SC-- In my opinion, we should not align with Thoms as Nate said. The Coalition should not align with an ordinance criminalizing homelessness. A camping ban is a camping ban. No way around that, unless Thoms wants to pull this amendment.

 

He's also been sending an atrocious reply letter that is beyond atrocious. Beale texted me to apologize after because of the disrespect of me and unsheltered people. At one point, claiming that people street camping "need to be held accountable" if they reject services. 

 

Way better move to align with Beale. Walker a potential.

 

MC

 

On Sun, Apr 18, 2021 at 8:27 PM Nathan Blackmer <nathanblackmer@gmail.com> wrote:

Agreed - it's not something that we can align with and I'd be worried about engaging with him on it. 

 

The last thing we want to do is give him validation. I think ya'll should refuse the meeting, publicly.

 

On Sun, Apr 18, 2021, 8:22 PM Kevin Glackin-Coley <kglackincoley@pchomeless.org> wrote:

I think we need to ask CM Thoms to pull the ordinance until there are enough Safe Sites. I don’t see anyway we could support consideration, much less passage, of the ordinance. 

 


From: steeringcommittee@list.pchomeless.org <steeringcommittee@list.pchomeless.org> on behalf of Nathan Blackmer <nathanblackmer@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:19:08 PM
To: Maureen Howard <
mhoward@pchomeless.org>
Cc:
steeringcommittee@list.pchomeless.org <steeringcommittee@list.pchomeless.org>
Subject: Re: Steering Committee Updating on Ordinance 28756 - No Camping Ban

 

Initial thought - should be a two-drink minimum on that meeting. 

 

Nothing productive will come from that meeting, and I'd be ready to have a post or email about it immediately afterwards to preempt any spin he tries to put on it. 

 

On Sun, Apr 18, 2021, 8:14 PM Maureen Howard <mhoward@pchomeless.org> wrote:

Good evening,

CM Thoms contacted me Friday evening wanting to talk about the ordinance and his hoped-for support from the Coalition.  I was pretty much done for the day when I got his first email and phone message.  I asked if we could talk Monday and I'll try to make that happen.

 

He said he would be happy to talk with the Steering Committee.  

 

I've been told that Tacoma Democratic Socialists of American and Tacoma Housing Now plan a media event prior to the Tuesday night City Council meeting.  I don't have details.  TDSA is organizing via their Facebook page.

 

Your thoughts?

 

Thanks,

Maureen

 

Maureen Howard

Senior Policy Analyst

Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness

3320 S. 8th St.

Tacoma, WA 98405

 

Tel.  253-756-8146 LL

        253-255-2200 cell

 

Living in Tacoma or Pierce County and Behind on rent?
Rental Assistance | Pierce County, WA - Official Website

 

"I'm no longer accepting the things I cannot change.  I'm changing the things I cannot accept."  Angela Davis

 

"Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, Necessary trouble."  John Lewis

This listserv is part of the Tacoma/Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness.

This listserv is part of the Tacoma/Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness.

This listserv is part of the Tacoma/Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness.

This listserv is part of the Tacoma/Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness.