Cameron Sheppard

Seattle, Tacoma

Homelessness Reporter at Tacoma News Tribune

🌲WSU News Fellow reporting on homelessness in Pierce County for The News Tribune // SPJ Award-winning journalist // WSU Coug // Opinions are my own

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Articles

Pierce County’s new head of homeless and health programs has federal experience

2 days ago | thenewstribune.com | Cameron Sheppard

Gary Gant has been hired as the director of Pierce County Human Services. Pierce County AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroomGary Gant began as Pierce County's Human Services director on June 2, 2024. Gant brings federal HUD and HRSA leadership experience to his new county role. He will manage 400+ contracts and guide services for housing, health and aging.
Pierce County’s new head of homeless and health programs has federal experience

2 days ago | yahoo.com | Cameron Sheppard

Pierce County’s Human Services Department has a new director to oversee the county’s homeless services, affordable housing efforts and behavioral health programs. Gary Gant, has been selected to serve as the new leader of Human Services, following what the county described as a “competitive and meritorious recruitment process.”His first day in the new position was June 2. According to Human Services spokesperson Kari Moore, Gant will be paid $213,640 per year.
$20 million expansion of Tacoma’s largest homeless shelter in the works

3 days ago | spokesman.com | Cameron Sheppard

One of Tacoma’s largest homeless shelters plans to expand to more than double the number of beds it has available. The $20 million project is expected to be completed by summer 2026. Tacoma Rescue Mission is the largest homeless shelter operator in Pierce County. The organization’s largest shelter is in Tacoma at 425 South Tacoma Way.
Homeless, sick and aging: Pierce County faces worsening crisis in 2025

3 days ago | spokesman.com | Cameron Sheppard

Homeless-service providers in Pierce County are sounding the alarm on the need for healthcare among those living unhoused. During the Pierce County Council’s Health and Human Services Committee meeting June 3, a panel of homeless-outreach workers, healthcare specialists and social workers painted a picture of the high number of elderly and disabled people experiencing homelessness and the lack of resources available to keep them from dying on the streets.
Homeless, sick and aging: Pierce County faces worsening crisis in 2025

3 days ago | thenewstribune.com | Cameron Sheppard

Wheelchairs are not uncommon at encampments near Tacoma’s Nativity House shelter. Cameron Sheppard [email protected] AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroomPierce County outreach data shows 50% of homeless are elderly or have disabilities. Hospitals discharged over 400 patients into homelessness in early 2025 alone. Medical-respite beds and ADA-compliant shelters remain insufficient for demand.
$20M expansion of Tacoma’s largest homeless shelter in the works • Washington State Standard

4 days ago | washingtonstatestandard.com | Cameron Sheppard

This article was first published by the Tacoma News Tribune. One of Tacoma’s largest homeless shelters plans to expand to more than double the number of beds it has available. The $20 million project is expected to be completed by summer 2026. Tacoma Rescue Mission is the largest homeless shelter operator in Pierce County. The organization’s largest shelter is in Tacoma at 425 South Tacoma Way.
$20 million expansion of Tacoma’s largest homeless shelter in the works

5 days ago | thenewstribune.com | Cameron Sheppard

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroomTacoma Rescue Mission plans to expand its men's shelter from 90 to 205 beds. The $20 million project will add private bunks, restrooms and recovery support. The expansion comes as Tacoma may lose over 300 shelter beds due to lost funding. One of Tacoma’s largest homeless shelters plans to expand to more than double the number of beds it has available. The $20 million project is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
Where will people go if 300+ shelter beds are no longer available in Tacoma?

1 week ago | thenewstribune.com | Cameron Sheppard

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroomTacoma risks closing 339 shelter beds by June amid uncertain state funding. City officials develop contingency plans while coordinating transitional housing. Shelter providers and case managers work under time pressure to rehouse residents. While there is an opportunity to acquire state funding to keep more than 300 homeless shelter beds open, the City of Tacoma is planning for a situation in which the funding does not come through in time.
WA gives $2M towards group’s effort to buy Tacoma motel for refugee housing

1 week ago | thenewstribune.com | Cameron Sheppard

A child staying at Tacoma’s former Comfort Inn plays soccer in the parking lot. Thrive International AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroomThrive International secured $2M from Washington to buy a Tacoma hotel site. The hotel has hosted over 350 refugees, aiding transitions to stable housing. Wrap-around services include legal aid, job help, health clinics and school access.
Recent upgrades and changes planned for Pierce County’s lakeside parks

1 week ago | thenewstribune.com | Becca Most |Cameron Sheppard |Isabela Lund

This list of stories illustrates notable improvements that Pierce County is making to its lakeside parks. Lakewood launched a pilot project to turn street ends into public lake access, with new features planned for Westlake Avenue on Lake Steilacoom. Near Lake Tapps, increased security aims to manage crowds and boost safety for visitors. At American Lake Park, the Lakewood City Council approved urgent repairs to the damaged boat launch.