TACOMA, Wash. — A Tiny House Village is expected to be built in Tacoma -- next to a church and daycare, according to a pastor, creating concerns for nearby businesses and families.
KIRO 7 News spoke with Victor De Leon, pastor of South Lakeshore Christian Church, who said the new plans would take place next to his church on South 84th Street in Tacoma.
He said the Low-Income Housing Institute (LIHI) had called him, letting him know about its plans to build around 60 homes on the property.
The pastor said he supports the idea but is now concerned after he learned how the property would be run.
“We have a responsibility as Christians and as a church to help those in need. Our main concern occurred when we were told that a lot of the people coming here were people in the drug program and because they were in the drug program, they would be allowed to be able to use drugs inside the privacy of the rooms,” he shared.
“The feeling in the area has been the south end has always been overlooked by the city. The priorities go to other areas,” De Leon added.
KIRO 7 News reached out to LIHI to learn about its possible plans and to get its response.
We’re still waiting to hear back.
We also spoke with nearby businesses on Hosmer, located near the possible site for the Tiny House Village.
Tema Woods, who operates a security company and a laundromat in the area, expressed concerns that many small businesses with limited resources would struggle if the village is not adequately supervised. He noted that the homeless shelter across the street from his businesses, Aspen Courts—also run by LIHI—has led to increased drug use and vandalism affecting his and other local businesses.
“Oh, it’s bad. I go through so much Narcan. It’s ridiculous,” he added. “It’s a sad situation, but it’s also after you see it so much, it becomes disheartening, like okay, where’s the help? Where’s the city going to step in and actually do something about the situation? It’s only getting worse and worse.”
“We know in today’s age no one cares about security cameras and being recorded. They (Tiny House Village) need physical security. They need accountability,” he said. “They need to make sure people are coming down, and making sure these places stay clean, and citizens around it not going to have to worry about is this going to spill into my property?
Jeremiah Saucier, the owner of Crossroads Treatment Center, which helps people who have substance use disorders, said he wants people in need to receive help, however, he fears the new village will put his clients in danger.
He said Aspen Courts has brought drug use and vandalism to his property for years.
“Discouraged, very discouraged because I know what we went through with Aspen across the street.” He added, “I do this what I do because I care about people, but at the same point, when the people aren’t feeling safe to come into my building to get the help that they need, that’s where I draw the line.”
A spokesperson for the City of Tacoma said it’s only involved with the permits of the project but did not share further details about it.
The City of Tacoma wrote the following statement:
“Homelessness is a complex issue, and the City remains committed to a “services first” approach. This approach is grounded in compassion and prioritizes connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with the resources they need to find stable housing and support. Our HEAL team has been actively engaged, offering assistance with shelter options, essential services, and connections to relevant programs. We recognize the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness as well as businesses. The City will continue to work with all stakeholders to address this issue in a way that prioritizes the well-being of our community members and the needs of our business community,”
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The spokesperson also said Pierce County is working with LIHI on the project.
A spokesperson for the county said Pierce County Human Services provided some funding for the project.