Instead of tearing Tacoma homeless camps down, city officials build them up

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma city officials are taking a different approach to homelessness by giving them more facilities at existing encampments.

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The homeless encampment in the Tacoma Tideflats area is known by the people that live there as “The Compound.”

At the end of last week, city officials gave them portable toilets and a water line.

On Monday, they’re getting laundry and shower facilities as well as security operating out of a trailer.

Tacoma city officials say instead of constantly doing sweeps like those that are done in Seattle, they’re accommodating the homeless.

The city says what has been provided at The Compound will also be provided at three other homeless camps in the city, and will help them with hygiene for four to six weeks.

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Those who live at the camp say they’re glad to get some help to improve their lives.

The city is also setting up transition centers to help get the homeless work options and connections to short-term housing.

City officials haven’t said how much the facilities will cost.