In a significant move to address homelessness in Pierce County, Executive Dan Meyer declared a limited duration emergency today concerning the county's coordinated entry system. This system serves as a critical access point for unhoused individuals and families, connecting them with essential services such as emergency shelters, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing.

Vice Chair Campbell read the emergency proclamation, highlighting the importance of the coordinated entry services, which have engaged over 9,900 individuals in 2023 alone. The proclamation outlines that without immediate action, an estimated 3,000 individuals could be deprived of vital housing services over the next 120 days due to delays in the procurement process for these services.

The emergency declaration allows Pierce County Human Services to bypass standard procurement procedures temporarily, ensuring that coordinated entry services can continue uninterrupted while a new procurement process is initiated. This decision comes after legal advice indicated that existing contracts could not be extended, necessitating a new procurement to comply with county regulations.

Council members expressed concern over the circumstances leading to this emergency declaration, emphasizing the need for a more reliable procurement process for essential services. They acknowledged the urgency of the situation, with many individuals relying on coordinated entry as their first step toward stabilization and housing.

In addition to the emergency proclamation, the council recognized September 13th through 22nd as Welcoming Week in Pierce County, further underscoring the county's commitment to supporting its vulnerable populations. The discussions today reflect ongoing efforts to improve the delivery of critical services to those in need, while also addressing procedural shortcomings that have led to this emergency situation.