Homeless encampment in southeast Tacoma to be cleared early next month, city says

A homeless encampment at East 72nd and East I streets in southeast Tacoma will be cleared next week, the city confirmed.

There are an estimated 20-23 people at the site, according to city spokesperson Megan Snow.

When asked why the encampment would be cleared, Snow said that camps are “considered for removal when there are ongoing health and safety concerns that cannot be mitigated.”

Notices were posted on Wednesday for the Feb. 2 removal.

“We are providing a one week posting period to allow for increased connection to shelter,” Snow said in an emailed statement. “Garbage and debris removal will take place once the encampment is unoccupied, and staff will continue to provide resources and notice to individuals on the site prior to the encampment removal. We are working with our outreach and shelter providers.”

Lethecia Lee has been living at the site for three months and said she went there after a stay in the hospital from a heart attack.

“This was my first place to stay, the I Street,” Lee said.

David Blair lives at the encampment and said he grew up down the street. Blair said he would like to see some of the empty buildings in Tacoma used as tent cities. He used to stay at the stability site off Puyallup Avenue, which is run in partnership by the city and service providers.

Blair said he wouldn’t mind being in a tent city close to other people “if I’m out of the elements.”

Staff photographer Tony Overman contributed to this report.