Tacoma declares state of emergency over homeless problem

Tacoma has officially declared a state of emergency over the city's homeless problem.

The city council passed an ordinance Tuesday night that took effect immediately.

It essentially gives city leaders more leeway in how they tackle the homeless problem by taking away some of the bureaucratic regulations.

The area under State Route 705 in downtown Tacoma -- commonly referred to as the "Tacoma Jungle” –was cleaned out last month and dozens of homeless people were forced out.

But in most cases, they just moved to other parts of the city.

The city says the emergency declaration is all about safety. They're concerned about people being exposed to human waste, communicable diseases, drugs and violence and excessive garbage.

But with the new action, the city will be able to spend money to reduce the impacts of homelessness on residents, businesses and the homeless population.

Temporary transitional centers will be set up immediately to connect the homeless to social and health services.

The next phase is to develop new approaches to short-term transitional housing.

The city has set aside $9 million to address the homeless problem, a 48 percent increase over the last two-year budget.

Cox Media Group