Former Tacoma meth motel may house homeless

The City of Tacoma is reportedly eyeing a motel once called meth infested as short-term housing for the city’s homeless.

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City officials confirmed this week that they’re mulling the idea of turning what was once the Calico Cat Motel, now known as the Pacific Lodge, on Pacific Avenue South near South 88th, into the third phase of their homeless solution.

It would turn what some have called a blight into transitional housing.

According to the News Tribune, Tacoma city officials, including Mayor Strickland, openly floated the homeless housing idea at a study session.

The motel has in the past been referred to as a “den of drugs and prostitution.” It was shut down by the Tacoma health department in November and methamphetamine residue was found on the walls.

It’s currently undergoing an $80,000 renovation by the family owners who say the city has offered them a deal.

Tacoma has been looking for transitional housing locations as part three of the solution for their homeless emergency.