The Pierce County Health and Human Services Committee learned about the growing crisis affecting homeless older adults and individuals with disabilities.
On June 3, the Pierce County Health and Human Services Committee heard from frontline providers about the growing crisis affecting older adults and individuals with disabilities experiencing homelessness. The discussion highlighted a cycle in which vulnerable individuals move between emergency rooms, shelters, and the streets often due to the lack of long-term care and stable housing options.
Providers shared graphic images from the Yakima Avenue Health for All Free Clinic showing severe untreated medical conditions caused by inconsistent access to care. Many residents face long waitlists for subsidized housing or must meet strict vulnerability score criteria to qualify for services. These barriers leave some without any support at all…