June 22, 2022 Weekly Encampment Report (Pierce & Kitsap Counties)

Over 80 homeless encampment residents were seen by 4 Pierce County Medical Reserve Nurses and 2 Tacoma Pierce County Public Health case workers in two Tacoma-area shelters this week on June 22; 1 gentleman was seen on an emergency basis in Kitsap county on June 23 per a referral by Kitsap County HEART director. There are many more encampments, but waiting on others to get back to record data related to medical needs of others living unsheltered in Pierce County. Pierce County: Between the encampments on Pacific & 35th and 15th & G, there was an increase from approximately 54 to 80 in one week. Pierce County caseworkers report sweeps occurred this week which may account for the increase in the two encampments we visited on June 22. Concern for this weekend is the rise in temperatures. Water was dispersed as was information on s/s heatstroke and ways to keep cool while living unsheltered. The Tacoma Pierce County Coalition and the City of Tacoma are anticipating needs of unsheltered residents, but concern is it won't be enough. Consider keeping water in your car as you move about this weekend in case you see a need among our homeless neighbors. Kitsap County: In Kitsap county, an unfortunate gentleman who suffered from morbid obesity has been living in his car for about a year and had been incapicitated and very ill. He was monitored for a couple days before being transported to St. Michael's Hospital in Silverdale. Waiting to hear what the plan is for him as he was in critical condition when he was transported. Common medical conditions seen this week included acute and chronic coughs, illnesses such as strokes, congestive heart failure and diabetes, wounds, addictions, muscle and bone pain, weakness requiring wheelchair assistance. Ages seen this week were from 18 years to an 85 year old Veteran who chose to stay in an encampment with his grandson.

June 17, 2022 Weekly Encampment Report (Pierce & Kitsap Counties-Resources)

The past couple of weeks have been busy as we are collecting data in an effort to advocate for medical care for unsheltered individuals living in Pierce and Kitsap county. We visited over 100 persons living unsheltered in only 4 encampments in Tacoma alone, surviving in tents or cars, with a variety of medical conditions. There are many more encampments that were not visited that we hope to receive data from as case workers visit throughout the summer. Examples of medical conditions include: broken bones, amputated limbs, wheel chair bound individuals, open wounds, liver and kidney disease, strokes, congestive heart failure, diabetes and COPD; rape, IV drug use, and mental illness with no consistent medical follow up despite the community clinics in the area. Everyone working in the medical and social fields are working hard; there just isn't enough help or ease for the unsheltered residents. The age range of the unsheltered residents spanned from twenties to late 60's and they had no true habitable shelter. Male and females, all different races remain together, surviving in inhumane conditions. It's bad enough that they are sick, but they have literally NO PLACE TO RECUPERATE. Although there is a medical respite shelter (Nativity House in Tacoma), it is very limited compared to the demand for medical care. The residents we saw were not in an emergent need, but clearly needed more care than has been available to help them heal and be treated with the dignity and worth that they need. In case this information becomes discouraging, I would like to encourage the viewing of a new movie release, "The Letters" which highlights the life and mission of Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Here is a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0zDwMQ9Oak Another on her life's work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjasTcmDpF0 https://missionariesofcharity.org/