In an effort to aggressively tackle the issue of youth homelessness, Pierce County has allocated a substantial $3.1 million funding to support community organizations dedicated to aiding young people in precarious living situations. According to a press release from Pierce County, these funds, sourced from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through their Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP), have been disbursed among six initiatives proven effective in fostering transitional and stable housing solutions for this vulnerable demographic.
The organizations receiving support include Associated Ministries, Harbor Hope Center, and Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center—each granted over half a million dollars for Transitional Housing-Rapid Re-Housing programs. Tacoma Community House is set to receive $837,703. Other notable recipients are St. Vincent de Paul, assigned $209,000 for Coordinated Entry efforts, and The Brotherhood RISE Center, with $324,500 earmarked for Mobile Outreach services. These economic infusions aim to directly reduce the recent surge in youth homelessness, which spiked by an alarming 94% from 2019 to 2023.
Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello, expressing grave concern over the over 1,300 unaccompanied young individuals requiring homeless services last year, has stated, "Hundreds of young people in Pierce County are facing challenges that no child or young adult should ever experience." He further emphasized the community's collective responsibility in remedying this pressing issue, as Mello told Pierce County: "That's why we're so excited about this event—it brings our community together to focus on solutions that protect vulnerable youth, connect them with stable housing, and help us move closer to our goal of functional zero, where every young person has immediate access to safety, shelter, and a permanent path home."
The county isn't just throwing money at the problem. In conjunction with HUD's support, they have also been selected for the 100-Day Challenge, a rigorous national initiative purposed to unite communities in pursuit of ending youth and young adult homelessness. This concerted action plan is to be showcased at a public event on October 23, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the University of Washington Tacoma’s William Philip Hall. The community event, which is open for online registration, is expected to not only celebrate the strides taken but also feature dialogues on innovative housing projects and the "BET on YOUth" plan—an initiative co-designed by the youths affected by these circumstances, Gary Gant, Human Services director, underscored the urgency and efficacy of these collaborative efforts: "This 100-Day Challenge represents a focused, community-wide effort to make an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of young people in our county," as reported by Pierce County.
The YHDP is a pivotal federal response to the escalating number of young individuals confronting homelessness, and its role in fortifying youths within Pierce County has been highlighted by members of the local Youth Action Board (YAB). "Being part of YHDP and the 100-Day Challenge has shown me that when youth are trusted and full inclusion is the focus, the solutions we create can make a real and lasting difference for our communities," YAB member Sautiana Neblett shared, emphasizing the effectiveness of such comprehensive and inclusive strategies as per the Pierce County news release.
