The history of this Coalition continues to evolve. This account originated as a project of the Coalition’s governance group and draws upon memories collected through a series of interviews.

If you have documents, images, or memories from the early years, we invite you to share them to help complete the record.

We also welcome you to our Friday Coalition meetings as we work together toward a future that ensures Shelter for All.

History of the Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness

The Tacoma-Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness (TPCCEH) grew from two community efforts joining forces to strengthen collaboration and advocacy.

The original Coalition, founded in the 1980s, had met for decades to connect people and organizations committed to ending homelessness. In 2017, after the City of Tacoma declared a public health emergency related to homeless encampments, a new “Friday providers group” began meeting weekly to share resources and coordinate services. Facilitated by James Pogue of Comprehensive Life Resources and hosted by the Salvation Army, the meeting brought together nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness.

A conversation between Pogue and Theresa Power-Drutis, then co-chair of the original Coalition, led to a proposal to merge the two groups. Once approved, participation expanded to include service providers, housing advocates, faith communities, and government partners. Gerrit Nyland of Catholic Community Services built the website and managed communications, while members formed committees focused on advocacy, racial equity, shelter innovation, and community connections. A growing listserv—eventually reaching over 700 subscribers—became a vital tool for sharing needs and resources.

Notably, several polls taken over time revealed that between 13-25% of attendees have experienced homelessness themselves. Jake Nau, Courtney Love, Jay Worley, and other advocates with lived/living experience expertise help center policy reform efforts on equitable, effective, and responsive solutions.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the Coalition quickly moved to online meetings via Zoom, which continue today. That same year, faced with worsening street homelessness and limited shelter space, long-time housing advocate, Maureen Howard, spearheaded the organization of two public Summits calling for stronger, coordinated action. These gatherings galvanized the Coalition’s role in policy advocacy and led to Maureen’s appointment as the Coalition’s first Senior Policy Analyst, speaking on positions affirmed in Friday meetings.

In late 2021, Maureen stepped down from this role due to worsening medical issues. She asked Rob Huff to “fill in for a couple of months.” Years later, Rob continues to serve as a regular spokesperson for the Coalition, primary meeting moderator, and co-manager of the website with Gerritt Nyland and Laurie Davenport.

Maureen continued her tireless advocacy until her passing in January 2023. Later that year, the Pierce County Council honored her legacy by approving the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act, establishing a one-tenth of one percent sales tax dedicated to affordable housing and related services. In June 2024, the community celebrated the opening of Maureen Howard Place—a 77-room former hotel converted into an enhanced shelter in Lakewood. Maureen’s fierce commitment to justice and housing for all continues to inspire the Coalition’s work.

A Steering Committee—originating from the Summit organizing team—took shape to coordinate representation and guide the Coalition’s work, including the ambitious 2021 goal to “End Street Homelessness.” The committee meets weekly via Zoom to plan agendas and bring proposals to the membership.

Today, TPCCEH remains an all-volunteer network of individuals, nonprofits, faith communities, and public agencies collaborating on, and advocating for, real solutions. Its mission endures: to ensure that everyone in Pierce County has a safe and secure place to call home.