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/

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.

April 23, 2022 Encampment Update (Kitsap County)

Five of us circulated the Veterans Park Encampment April 23. Unhoused tent campers remain within the camp with limited resources or plans to vacate, yet many verbalize the concern and anxiety associated with leaving. Surveys continued to be gathered as the day of eviction, April 29, draws near. Forteen unsheltered residents provided feedback via the surveys over the past two weeks. Some were offered housing or shelter by Kitsap County workers, yet there was never the perception from the Veterans Park campers of how they would practically be housed or find housing. Government and county leaders are being soliciited and gently pressured to consider the dilemna of these individuals and come up with practical solutions. Medical needs continue to be associated with wounds secondary to burns from explosive batteries, fires and agressive attacks with sharp objects. Surprisingly, many of these wounds are well defined, healing and medical care has been sought outside the encampment as needed. Mental health remains evident as problem solving related to plan of action remains evasive for many. Prayers continue to be needed. As you view the pictures from the camp (below), know that there is a significant rat infestation which has been very troubling for the campers and may be the reason behind the eviction by the county and city officials. Rats were observed throughout the campsite. No needles are seen on the grounds, but sharps containers are also available and are being utilized as needed. NW Hospitality has helped clear out 130,000 tons of garbage over the past year, but with the upcoming eviction, has stopped cleaning up the park which is technically the county's responsibility. Lived Experiences representative Jay and NW Hospitality director, Anton are instrumental in providing support and daily resources as needed, such as socks, tents, batteries, cell phone cards, transportation to/from medical appointments, COVID kits. Wound care has been limited to assessment and cleansing/covering wounds as needed. Encampment visits continue weekly on Saturdays at 2:30-5PM and open to anyone interested in providing presence and support to the campers. Reach out the NW Hospitality director (Anton Preisinger) if interested in offering your support as you are able to do so. https://www.nwhospitality.org/ Uncertainty exists for next steps if and when there is eviction follow through next week. Stay tuned for updates as they happen.

April 22, 2022 Update Kitsap County-Weekly Encampment Report

As we near the time of eviction of the Veterans Park in Port Orchard, wanted to update on what's been happening behind the scenes. St. Michael's Hospital, Kitsap County Public Health, and the Mayor of Port Orchard were contacted in an appeal to come up with solutions to caring for the medical and housing needs of our unsheltered neighbors in Port Orchard who are soon to be evicted from Veterans Park. 

Some resources were sent to the Mayor of Port Orchard and Kitsap Public Health director and could be helpful to others to share with your community that may be experiencing concerns regarding our homeless neighbors. Please review the following:

The Puyallup tribe had very similar problems to our community. This village is an answer. These solutions work. People are given the dignity they need and the surrounding community is not upset because the 'village' remains less of an eyesore than tents in a park. There are many examples of this working if you are interested in knowing more:

https://news.puyalluptribe-nsn.gov/puyallup-tribe-of-indians-tiny-home-village/

https://www.curbed.com/2021/04/tiny-home-village-homeless-los-angeles.html

People cannot afford housing right now. The demand is much higher than the supply. This is a temporary solution, but has been shown to be effective. Key to these interventions working is having codes of conduct for inhabitants and 24 hour surveillance. Safe Parking works effectively in the same way--24 hours surveillance and code of conduct.

There are many solutions that may not be well known or seem impossible, but these solutions have been shown to be effective. Please pass along to your local community members and leaders.

Additional Update: Please view video for vision for providing medical respite for our unsheltered neighbors. This was a Kitsap county program pre-Covid that was very successful, but was discontinued when COVID took priority. Goal is to consider a model such as this to get unsheletered, medically fragile populations into housing and providing assistance to navigate the medical system: https://vimeo.com/366366876