Tents at new Tacoma homeless site leaked during Tuesday’s rain. City says it’s been fixed

The tents at the newest homeless mitigation site in Tacoma were leaking Tuesday, the city confirmed.

The low-barrier site at 3561 Pacific Ave. has 50 ice fishing-style tents for 50 people to stay. The site opened Nov. 15.

City spokesperson Megan Snow said the site’s operator took care of the leaks Tuesday afternoon.

Snow said the Tacoma Rescue Mission, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations, purchased tarps and tie downs to help with the rain. The mission was waiting for canopies to be delivered to help ward off rain, snow and wind. Snow said Caleb Carbone, homeless strategy, systems and services manager for the city, was made aware of the leaking tents problem shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, and by 2 p.m. the problem was addressed.

The Puget Sound area was drenched with rain Tuesday, the first day it has rained in about two weeks, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., it had rained more than three-quarters of an inch. The NWS reported showers and breezy conditions would linger into Tuesday night, but dry conditions were expected for Wednesday and Thursday.

The 35th and Pacific mitigation site is the first of its kind in Tacoma. It will admit anyone over the age of 18 regardless of criminal record or history of substance abuse. The site has access to food and hygiene services, including shower facilities, hand-washing stations and restrooms. Laundry facilities also will be available.

The mitigation site was anticipated to cost the city $500,000 to $800,000 to be developed, which was funded by money from the American Rescue Plan Act. The operational costs were being negotiated with the Tacoma Rescue Mission but would be funded by ARPA money for the first year before being funded by the city.

A homeless encampment at 34th and Pacific, which is on private property, has started to be removed and will take about two to three weeks to be completely removed.