Homelessness

Homelessness is a significant regional issue. Thousands of Puget Sound residents live without adequate shelter. Root causes for the crisis are numerous: economic instability, expensive housing, domestic abuse, mental health issues, addiction & substance abuse, and more. The City’s strategy to prevent homelessness is focused upstream. Our priority is to scaffold those at risk of homelessness before they hit the street. Following that, the City works with local partners to shelter and support the homeless.

The City’s Response
Questions from Residents
Comment on this Issue

Facts & Figures

Pierce County estimated in 2021 that 3,300 residents are experiencing homelessness. There are 998 emergency shelter beds and 15 safe parking units across the county, leaving about 2,287 people without shelter each night.

According to Pierce County March 2022 data, of individuals experiencing homelessness in Pierce County:

  • 191 indicated they were sleeping in Lakewood
    • 67% of this group last lived permanently in Lakewood before becoming homeless.
  • 256 lived in Lakewood prior to becoming homeless
    • 50% of that 256 currently staying in Tacoma, 35% in Lakewood
    • 60 of these 256 are currently in an emergency shelter

Programs & Partnerships

Pierce County Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness

On March 16, 2022, the Pierce County Council adopted its Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness. A regional office will be instituted to unify countywide policies, intelligence, and resources. This unified regional response will benefit communities and homeless individuals.

In the interim, the county will invest $9 million on short-term aid including bus passes, case management, and additional shelter.

Pierce County Point-in-Time Count

Volunteers from all over Pierce County joined the 2022 Point-in-Time Count (PIT) on Jan. 27 & 28, 2022 to survey local homeless. The PIT helps estimate the number of homeless individuals, and also helps to learn about contributing factors through personal interviews.

Aspen Court Purchase

The use of converted hotels as emergency shelters is a popular solution. Lakewood, Tacoma, and Pierce County jointly purchased a former hotel for use as an emergency shelter through 2023. The 94-room “Aspen Court” facility shelters up to 120 people. After 2023, the facility will become permanent supportive housing.

Collaboration with Living Access Support Alliance (LASA)

LASA provides supportive housing, rapid-rehousing, affordable housing, and other services to prevent homelessness. The City contributes funds to LASA and helps LASA secure additional funding sources.

Potential uses of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds

The City of Lakewood will receive $13.77 million under the American Rescue Plan Act. Programming to prevent eviction & homelessness would constitute an eligible expenditure of these funds.

ARPA funds have contributed to the purchase of the Aspen Court facility, and they have also funded pre-eviction legal counseling for Lakewood residents.

Contracts for shelter space

The City of Lakewood pays for an allocation of “bed nights” at three shelters: Catholic Community Services, Tacoma Rescue Mission, and Aspen Court.

Rebuilding Together South Sound

The City of Lakewood contracts Rebuilding Together South Sound to repair homes for low-income households. The program helps Lakewood seniors to age in place.

Lakewood’s Promise

Lakewood’s Promise is an advisory board comprised of community stakeholders with a mandate to serve local children, youth, and families. The group prioritizes workforce development over direct aide to help wages keep pace with costs of living. The group works with local employers and schools to inform residents about career paths.

Housing Assistance

The City’s COVID-19 rental & mortgage assistance programs helped over 100 Lakewood households behind on rent or mortgage to catch up on bills and pay what they owed.

  • “Thank you so much for helping us get our rent paid. This has put my husband and my mind at ease and we can breathe a sigh of relief.  Back in 2018 my husband suffered two strokes, so with that alone it’s been a challenge. You helped us get out of a huge hole, and we are forever grateful.”  Kecia
  • “The rental assistance program has helped me and my family tremendously. I got behind because my child care was reduced to part time and my son had to do online learning. I did not have any other options besides reducing my hours at work, which made it difficult for me to pay my rent. Shannon was great to work with. Asking for help can be really humbling, Shannon showed me compassion and empathy. She truly cares and wants to help. – Thank you.”  Theresa
  • “The rental assistance program through the City of Lakewood brought our family great relief and a peace of mind by helping our household bring our rent to current. The overall process was smoother than I expected and Shannon has been very helpful and proactive in communicating the steps and necessary documentation required to move along each steps to the very end. Thank you Shannon and City of Lakewood for helping my family!”  Tofa