City of Tacoma's HEAL Team Continues to See Progress in Ongoing Efforts to Address Homelessness

The City of Tacoma's Homeless Engagement and Alternatives Liaison (HEAL) Team continues to demonstrate significant progress in its mission to address homelessness effectively. This year, they have achieved remarkable improvements, including a faster response to community concerns and an increase in the efficiency of outreach efforts, with an "on-time" completion rate soaring from 30% to 82%. The team’s efforts have notably reduced the need for police intervention during encampment outreach, reflecting a shift towards a more compassionate community-focused approach. As of November 30, the HEAL Team has made a total of 2,798 contacts with individuals experiencing homelessness, providing critical support to 1,039 individuals and facilitating temporary shelter placements for 276 people. Their innovative, data-driven strategy includes a comprehensive dashboard that allows for ongoing monitoring and optimization of services.

By enhancing communication through updates in the 311 system, the HEAL Team is fostering greater transparency with the public. These initiatives underscore the City of Tacoma’s commitment to collaborative and integrated solutions for community well-being. The ongoing efforts of the HEAL Team highlight the importance of addressing homelessness with a multifaceted approach that prioritizes dignity and support for vulnerable populations.