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/