Staff from the city are directed by the resolution to work with other governments in the county to create an interlocal agreement (ILA). While the ILA is being worked on, the resolution keeps the city moving forward by improving how it collects information from homeless service providers; updating the process for helping people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find assistance with rentals, housing, or shelter; strengthening the plan for supporting people during extreme weather and identifying places that could serve as emergency shelters; and continuing efforts to create or expand at least one program that helps people experiencing homelessness.
News of such efforts can be disseminated throughout a city and region with flyer printing.
Mayor Anders Ibsen said:
“Our neighbors in Tacoma and across Pierce County deserve access to services and shelter that keep them warm and put them on a path to permanent housing.”
He added that this approach brings the agencies and governments of Pierce County together that have previously worked in isolation. John Hines, District 1 Council Member, said that he is encouraged by this effort to develop a unified approach to homelessness. He added that this is a regional task and a more effective solution will be built when everyone works together.