Council extends Puyallup hotel pilot homelessness program through June 2026, subject to funding

The Puyallup City Council voted on Feb. 11 to continue the city’s hotel pilot program — a short‑term shelter model started during the COVID‑19 emergency — through June 30, 2026, contingent on expected funding from Pierce County Human Services.

Emergency management manager Kirsten Hoffman told council the program began in February 2021 and, across phases, has served 201 people. Hoffman said the program currently houses 15 participants and maintains a wait list of 41 people. Catholic Community Services provides on‑site case management under contract; Hoffman said all participants are connected to services and that the program generally operates on a 90‑day placement model with case‑by‑case extensions for participants working toward housing goals.

Hoffman said the city applied for and received a multi‑year Homeless Housing Program (HHP) grant from Pierce County, reported in the meeting as $680,560.03 for the current performance period; staff said Pierce County has signaled it intends to extend similar funding for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 but has warned grantees to expect up to a 20% reduction. "We did apply a year ago; we received funds in the total of $680,560.03," Hoffman said.

Councilmember [Johnson] moved to continue the hotel pilot project contingent on receipt of Pierce County funding; the motion was seconded and approved by the council. Councilmember Kirsten and staff said they will continue to seek additional grant sources if the county award is reduced, and council discussed the possibility of expanding the program if additional funds become available.

What the decision means: If the county authorizes the expected extension, the city will operate the hotel pilot at its current scale (15 rooms) through June 2026 and continue case‑management services through Catholic Community Services. Staff said they will return with formal grant acceptance once the county issues the award letter.