By Marianne Lincoln

Becoming unhoused is a very difficult thing to experience. It happens to many very ordinary people. It could be a medical situation, a job loss, sale of a rental property, death of a spouse whose pension or income helped support the household, or many other traumatic life events.

Many people have close family or friends that assist and prevent the most traumatic of all, homelessness. But not everyone is lucky enough to have a safety net. Those people face the toughest choices of their life.

Pierce County has had a very sporadic and disjointed approach to homelessness. Late to the dance would be an understatement. The grants and payments to agencies trying to prevent or assist others are often late or block by nuances in the agreements about services provided. There are shelters for adult individuals, males or females. Family units and unassociated children have a much more difficult time finding assistance. Sometimes grants allow shelter but restrict any other services for the homeless.

The McKinney Vento student numbers in local school districts are high. Over 700 in Bethel and nearly 600 in Franklin Pierce. Family Promise of Pierce County, who is now the contractor for all Pierce County homeless intake, is trying to keep track of families and children that they have not yet been able to serve. There simply are not enough places for homeless families to be together. And homeless parents ofter fear being on record because they do not want to potentially lose their children to CPS. (Child Protective Services)

When a person reports to the intake system, they can be picked up immediately, brought to the office at Family Promise and then taken to a shelter with available space. People are not kept at the office, that location is only a stopover. The contracts with both Pierce County and Parkland Community Association does not allow anyone to stay overnight in the building. It is not in a residential zone.

“Safe Parking” is one of the other temporary solutions. But even cars get cold in the frosty winter nights. Gas is expensive to run the heater.

Statistics as of: 12/01/24

Families on waitlist for emergency shelter: 62
Un-housed Children: 122
Children under 3: 18
Children 3-5: 19
Children over 5: 76
Unaccompanied Minors: 0
Single Males: 1
Single Females: 2

And as of today, 12/1/24, we are freezing overnight in most of the county. Family Promise of Pierce County has grants to operate on, but between the grant payouts and the actual expenses of operating, there is a gap. Ask anyone trying to operate on Pierce County finances; it’s not easy. So, as you take a look at who you might consider for a little bit of help this holiday, think of Family Promise for Giving Tuesday. For only being operational for one year, they are doing an exceptional job for us in Pierce County. You can learn more and donate at this link. That link has the intake application also. You can even fill it out for someone else if necessary.

Pierce County’s homeless point in time count needs volunteers. That will take place January 30 & 31 of 2025.

The CEO of FPPC send out little vignettes of stories of some homeless families. Here are a few, names and places changed to protect identities:

“Embarking on an unknown path guided by unwavering faith, I relocated with my beloved children. As we reside temporarily in a transient haven, our financial reserves dwindle precariously. I have discovered a potential dwelling, but regrettably, our income falls short of qualifying us for its embrace. My spiritual calling in ministry provides sustenance to my soul, yet its financial rewards are intermittent. My children, now ensconced within the enigmatic confines of the Flundrum school district, eagerly await a stable foundation. I beseech anyone who holds the power to lend a helping hand to guide us toward financial salvation. For over a lunar cycle, we have endured the transience of hotel accommodations. Your compassion and support, in any form, would be a beacon of hope amidst this arduous journey. May kindness prevail as we navigate the labyrinth of uncertainty.“

Currently staying at “Haven House” in “Bayside City,” I’m working with “Sea Breeze Support Services.” My case manager, “Emily Shore” (555-123-4567), has notified me that I’ve been approved for a “HomeChoice” voucher in “Emerald County.” I need to move to the area and transfer my support services. As a single parent with a high school-aged daughter, I urgently require short-term housing until I secure an apartment that accepts “HomeChoice.” We’ve faced recent difficulties and need a stable environment to get back on our feet.“

“I was living with my child’s father, Bob, and his parents. However, I am now no longer welcome in their home. Currently, I am visiting a family member in a random location. I must return on September 26th with my child. I am in need of temporary housing until I can become independent. This is the first time I have ever had to seek emergency shelter. It is an unfamiliar and distressing situation for me.”