Tents at Tacoma’s newest homeless shelter were leaking Tuesday, city officials confirmed.
At the low-barrier location at 3561 Pacific Ave. there are 50 ice fishing tents that can accommodate 50 people. The site opened on November 15.
City spokeswoman Megan Snow said the site operator took care of the leak Tuesday afternoon.
Snow said Tacoma Rescue Mission, who is in charge of day-to-day operations, purchased a tarp and tie-down to help keep out the rain. The mission was waiting for the delivery of canopies for protection from rain, snow and wind. Snow told Caleb Carbone, manager of homelessness strategy, systems and services for the city, was made aware of the problem with the leaking tents shortly before 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, and by 2:00 p.m. the problem had been resolved.
It rained in the Puget Sound area on Tuesday, the first day in two weeks, according to reports National Weather Service in Seattle. More than three-quarters of an inch fell between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The NWS said showers and strong winds will continue Tuesday night, but dry conditions are expected Wednesday and Thursday.
The 35th and Pacific mitigation site is the first of its kind in Tacoma. It accepts anyone over the age of 18, regardless of criminal record or history of substance abuse. The site has access to food and hygiene services including showers, hand washing stations and toilets. Laundry facilities will also be available.
The mitigation facility was expected to cost the city between $500,000 and $800,000 to develop, which was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. Operating costs have been matched by the Tacoma Rescue Mission, but will be funded by ARPA funds for the first year before being funded by the city.
Homeless camp at 34th and Pacificwhich is on private property, has begun to be removed and will take about two to three weeks to completely remove.
