May 21, 2022 Weekly Encampment Report (Kitsap County)

Veteran's Park encampments were dispersed approximately 2 weeks ago by the Homeless Encampment Action Response and Transition (HEART) Team and weekly visits by NW Hospitality director, a Lived Experience Coalition member and others continue to ensure there are not any individuals left behind. The Kitsap County HEART Director, along with KC officials, have been working diligently to ensure unsheltered residents find housing options beyond the temporary 29-day hotel stays. Three unsheltered residents remain in Veteran's Park; most unsheltered residents were relocated to hotels throughout the Kitsap County area by the HEART team; many were able to keep their cats which was an initial concern to some of the encampment residents. According to HEART director many were grateful for the chance to have shelter, but it is temporary as permanent solutions are always being sought out. No medical needs or supplies were dispersed this week. NW Hospitality director, Lived Experience Coalition member & others will continue to circulate the park weekly. Please see the following link regarding the medical issues that occurs in homeless encampments: https://www.pchomeless.org/MeetingMinutes/Details?id=619

Weekly Update: May 2022 (Kitsap & Pierce County)

For those interested: Still circulating Kitsap County unsheltered residents who were dispersed from Veteran's Park in Port Orchard. Medical Respite Steering Committee continues to explore options for a model and operator to provide medical care to unhoused residents needing medical needs met. Homeless Coalitions in Tacoma/Pierce County/Gig Harbor/ Kitsap counties meet regularly--see meeting times, below. Get involved using the sphere of influence around you to help your neighbors. *The Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness meets every Friday from 9-11am on zoom at https://www.pchomeless.org/ *There is a Pierce County Street Outreach meeting which updates on the events of the unsheltered encampments every other Tuesday from 11-12. Contact: Jeffrey Rodgers | Social Services Program Specialist 3 Office: 253-798-6908 | Cell: 3602 Pacific Avenue, Suite 200, Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 *The Gig Harbor Coalition to End Homelessness meets on zoom every other Thursday at 10-11 am. Kitsap County to End Homelessness: *NW Hospitality: (Serves Kitsap County): *SAMHSA Learning Community: Trauma-Informed Outreach and Engagement training series. Training session on June 7th & 21, August 2, 2022. Webinar Registration - Zoom https://prainc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IonloTBAS2-I2Hehev_S0g?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Register%20for%20the%20Learning%20Community&utm_campaign=UA-179397308-1 More updates to follow as events happen. Thanks again for continued prayers and actions that you all do to care for our unsheltered neighbors!!!

April 29, 2022 Weekly Encampment Report (Kitsap County)

Update from NW Hospitality Director: Last week the Port Orchard Veterans' Park was visited by the HEART team and hotel vouchers were provided to most encampment residents. Anton went out again Thursday to see how the park looked and if there was anyone left. See article for more information related to the HEART team and encampment disbursement: https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2022/03/16/kitsap-county-says-its-booting-encampments-offer-shelter-resources/7041362001/ We are in a holding pattern for now until we find out where everyone ended up. Patterns from past experiences predict that additional encampments may crop up in the next few weeks; time will tell. Thank you to all who continue to pray and work towards solutions. Continue to view here for weekly updates which will be posted as updates occur.