Church leaders tell Tacoma school board of plan for 42-unit supportive housing project

Sharon Freeman, representing Bethlehem Baptist Church's Affordable Housing Committee, told the Tacoma School District Board of Directors on Sept. 11 that the church plans to build a 42-unit supportive affordable housing development on church-owned property at 4818 East Portland Avenue.

"We are applying for a housing trust fund grant next month and a part of the grant's requirements is to inform the school board," Freeman said during the public comment portion of the board meeting. She said the congregation has operated a 24-hour family homeless shelter since March 2020 and that the congregation has helped more than 200 people find permanent housing.

Freeman said the proposed three-story development would include one-bedroom apartments on the first floor for senior citizens and two-story townhouse-style apartments on the second and third floors for individuals and small families. She said the project would create air-conditioned units targeted at households at the 60% area median income level and would provide on-site counseling and case management with "trauma-informed staff" to support residents. The committee told the board it has notified nearby neighbors and reported receiving no negative feedback from 472 notices sent to the community.

Freeman asked for the board's support as the church prepares to apply for a housing trust fund grant and said the project aims for completion in 2027. The board's public comment policy was read to attendees at the start of the meeting and board members did not respond during public comment, consistent with policy.

The presentation was informational; no board action or vote on the project was on the meeting agenda. District staff or board members said the superintendent or designee would follow up if action were needed.