Warming Centers Help Meet Increased Community Need for Winter Shelter
In response to the evolving community needs brought on by the continuing pandemic, the City of Tacoma, Metro Parks and community service providers are activating temporary warming centers this winter during inclement weather season.
The Warming Centers are established under the City’s broad authority to enact programs and regulations related to public health, safety and welfare. During the COVID 19 pandemic, in addition to the City previously declaring a state of emergency related to homelessness, the City has the ability to quickly adapt policy and allocate funding to provide shelter and resources to people living in encampments in Tacoma and to mitigate community health and safety risks related to COVID-19. As a result, contracts needed to establish the Warming Centers do not require City Council approval at this time.
Warming Center Operations
All temporary Warming Centers are operated and managed 24-hours daily, seven days per week. Participants are provided sleeping mats, meals, showers, and connections to supportive services. Participants are required to wear masks, maintain social distancing and follow all other required safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Location |
Access |
Service Details |
Operating Dates |
Eastside Community Center
1721 E 56th St
|
Serves up to 55
Adult men and women
|
Walk-in day services are available
Contact (253) 392-4014
|
Mid-November - February 28, 2021 |
Center at Norpoint
4818 Nassau Ave NE
|
Serves up to 25
Adult women and couples
|
Reservation only, no walk-in service available
Contact will be provided upon opening
|
End of January - February 28, 2021 |
Salvation Army
1110 S Puget Sound Ave
|
Serves up to 35
Adult single men
|
Walk-in day services are available
Contact (253) 719-2219
|
End of January - March 31, 2021 |
Community Engagement Details
The City hosted a community listening session on January 14, 2021 to hear community feedback on the Warming Center at Norpoint. View the presentation and community questions and answers (updated 1/15/21)
The City is organizing a listening session regarding the Warming Center at Salvation Army. Details will be posted here as they become available. If you would like to receive direct notification about the listening session, please email us.