Community Comes Together to Support Displaced Residents
Community organizations throughout Pierce County supported residents displaced by water damage at The Rise at 19th.
TACOMA, WA – May 9, 2023—After an act of malicious mischief displaced residents at The Rise at 19th, community groups, elected officials, local businesses, and individuals came together to lend their support. The flooding incident that occurred on March 9th caused millions of dollars in damage, and necessitated the temporary relocation of dozens of residents, many of whom are elderly or disabled, to area hotels as remediation work began at the property.
Soon after the incident, the Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) opened a charitable fund at Greater Tacoma Community Foundation (GTCF) to help support residents during the relocation period. Immediately after the fund was established, THA received a $25,000 grant from GTCF and soon after, a $15,000 grant from Amazon. Next, City of Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards partnered with DoorDash and secured $20,000 in DoorDash Community Credits for displaced residents to order food and essentials, and Pierce County stepped in to cover the costs of temporarily housing residents for as long as needed.
“When something like this happens, it takes a toll on the entire community,” said Pierce County Director of Human Services Heather Moss. “Affordable housing is already difficult to find, so when we heard about residents being displaced, we were happy we could step in and support transitions into temporary housing until the building is fixed or they can find something more permanent.”
Two months after the flood, remediation work at The Rise at 19th is nearly completed, and while a few remain in temporary housing, most displaced residents have moved back into their homes.
“We couldn’t be more grateful to our community partners for their assistance throughout this incredibly difficult time,” said Tacoma Housing Authority Executive Director April Black. “Thanks to their support, dozens of people who temporarily lost their homes never had to go without food, shelter, or essentials. It’s a testament to the goodwill and philanthropy of our community, and the value of partnership and cooperation.”