Tacoma motel to be converted to supportive housing, respite services
by KOMO News Staff
Updated Tue, October 29th 2024 at 7:29 PM
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — The Low-Income Housing Institute announced it has acquired a Tacoma motel with plans to convert the building to offer over 100 units of permanent supportive housing to residents experiencing homelessness.
The LIHI said Monday it purchased the 128-room Oasis Inn, formerly known as the Clarion Inn, located at 6802 Tacoma Mall Boulevard. After the hotel is renovated, there will be a total of 117 units of “non-congregate emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing,” with at least 51 units available to provide medical respite services.
The motel was purchased with funding through several financiers, including Pierce County Human Services and the Washington State Department of Commerce. The LIHI said the state invested $21 million, which includes the acquisition and renovation of the property, and the PCHS awarded LIHI $10 million in 2023 to support a new shelter project – which the county said eventually became the purchase of the Oasis Inn.
“The shelter beds will be for people experiencing homelessness, fleeing from domestic violence, or who require services to prevent homelessness and are at the greatest risk of housing instability,” according to a press release from Pierce County about the acquisition.
Pierce County said medical respite services at the motel will be prioritized for people experiencing homelessness who need medical care. It will also operate as part of Washington’s Apple Health and Homes Program, which matches health care services with housing resources.
“Pierce County Human Services is pleased to have been an initial investor in this latest project to bring additional short-term shelter and permanent supportive housing to Pierce County,” said Heather Moss, Pierce County Human Services director. “The facility will also provide short-term medical respite for homeless individuals coming out of treatment or other health care facilities. While the need still greatly outpaces available resources, this new shelter will be a welcome addition to the array of homeless services available across our county.”
Just over 2,660 homeless individuals were documented in Pierce County during the Point-In-Time count conducted in January 2024, according to the LIHI, which was a 23% increase from the year before.
The new shelter will have 24/7 staffing, case management, security, and medical services onsite, according to Pierce County.
Pierce County said LIHI anticipates phasing the project, with some clients moving in during renovations.