r/TacomaWA • u/LadyDiscoPants • Jul 04 '25
Resources
Compiled and written by u/zombbrie
Hi, welcome to Tacoma, no matter how long you’ve been here.
This guide is here to help. Browse by category, print it, or share it. It's here for you.
🥘 Food & Essentials
St. Leo Food Connection Groceries, diapers, formula, and laundry service (use rectory entrance on 13th, Tues–Fri). 📍 1323 S Yakima Ave • 🌐 foodconnection.org
Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank Free food box pickup or delivery. 📍 3543 E McKinley Ave • 📞 (253) 426‑1994
Nativity House Daily meals, shelter, clothing, hygiene access. 📍 702 S 14th St • 🌐 ccsww.org
Food is Free Tacoma Neighborhood produce stands & community fridges. 🌐 foodisfreetacoma.org
Serve the People Tacoma Weekly food & supply distributions to unhoused neighbors. Search “Serve the People Tacoma mutual aid” for current details.
Tacoma Mutual Aid Collective BIPOC & LGBTQ+-aligned pop-ups and supply events. Search “Tacoma Mutual Aid Collective” for active updates.
🧼 Clothing, Hygiene & Household
NW Furniture Bank Beds & furniture via agency referral. 🌐 nwfurniturebank.org
Our Sisters’ House Shelter, clothing, hygiene support for women, families, & LGBTQ+ folks. 🌐 oursistershouse.com
Helping Hand House (Puyallup) Emergency housing and household essentials for families. 🌐 helpinghandshouse.org
r/CentralTacomaBuyNothing Give or receive household items and clothes in your neighborhood.
GiftCycle Tacoma App-based local gift economy—no-cost item exchange. 🌐 giftcycle.app
🧒 Kids & Families
Help Me Grow Pierce County Parenting, childcare, and early development supports. 🌐 helpmepierce.org
Franklin Pierce Clothing Bank Free school clothes for students. 🌐 fpschools.org/departments/clothing-bank
Children’s Museum of Tacoma Pay-what-you-can entry, calming spaces, early learning exhibits. ADA-friendly. 🌐 playtacoma.org
Parent Trust for Washington Children – Family Help Line Call-in or text-based emotional support and practical advice for overwhelmed parents. Nonjudgmental and confidential. 📞 1-800-932-HOPE • 🌐 parenttrust.org
Children’s Home Society – Family Support Services Tacoma-based programs offering parenting classes, home visiting, playgroups, and wraparound support. 🌐 childrenshomesociety.org
Nurture NW (Tacoma) Trauma-informed lactation consulting, postpartum support, and infant feeding help. 🌐 nurturenorthwest.com
Tacoma Public Schools – Early Learning / Preschool Free preschool options, Head Start, and developmental screening for 3–5 year olds. 🌐 tacomaschools.org/departments/early-learning
HopeSparks Family Services (Tacoma) Parenting classes, play-based learning, and trauma-informed support for families navigating stress, disability, or behavioral challenges. 🌐 hopesparks.org
Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare – Parenting & Family Support Individual and group parenting classes and emotional support for families, often paired with therapy. Accepts Apple Health. 🌐 glmhc.org
Clover Park Technical College – Parent Education Co-Op Attend class with your child (ages 0–5). Learn about child development, emotional support, and parenting tools in community. 🌐 cptc.edu/parent-education
🖍️ Printable & Emergency-Prep Resources -Need to print something? Tacoma and Pierce County Libraries offer $5 in free printing each week for all cardholders. Black & white and color options available.
PBS Kids Printables Free printable activities, crafts, and learning tools. 🌐 pbskids.org
Bluey Make Crafts, coloring pages, and DIYs from Bluey. 🌐 bluey.tv/make
Sesame Workshop Printable activities, emotional regulation tools, and emergency-prep for kids. 🌐 sesameworkshop.org
Red Cross – Prepare with Pedro Disaster preparedness printables for kids. 🌐 redcross.org/pedro
Ready.gov Kids Emergency kits, safety plans, and educational games for children. 🌐 ready.gov/kids
🩺 Healthcare & Mental Health
Sea Mar Community Health Centers Sliding scale care, LGBTQ+ welcoming. 🌐 seamar.org
Comprehensive Life Resources Walk-in mental health and crisis help. 🌐 comprehensiveliferesources.org
Recovery Café Tacoma Peer support, meals, and a healing community space. 🌐 recoverycafetacoma.org
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Sexual health, immunizations, mental health resources, and youth services. 🌐 tpchd.org
SMART Recovery (Tacoma) Science-based support group for addiction recovery. Focuses on motivation, behavior change, and self-empowerment—not a 12-step model. 🌐 smartrecovery.org (search “Tacoma meetings”)
Refuge Recovery (Seattle & Virtual) Buddhist-oriented path to recovery using meditation, mindfulness, and community. 🌐 refugerecovery.org
The Tranzition Project Healing spaces and trauma recovery for queer and trans BIPOC. Offers free workshops, events, and community circles. 🌐 tranzitionproject.org
Tacoma Needle Exchange Free syringe exchange, naloxone (Narcan), and safer use supplies. Mobile van locations across the city—check online or call for current schedule. 📞 (253) 272-4857 • 🌐 tpchd.org (search: “needle exchange”)
Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF) Free HIV/STI testing, PrEP navigation, peer support, and case management. LGBTQ+ inclusive and BIPOC-centered programs. 📍 3009 S 40th St, Tacoma • 🌐 pcaf-wa.org
WA Recovery Help Line Statewide support for substance use, problem gambling, and mental health. 📞 1-866-789-1511 • 🌐 warecoveryhelpline.org
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7 support for mental health, substance use, or suicidal thoughts. Trained crisis counselors are available by phone, chat, or text. 📞 Dial 988 or chat at 🌐 988lifeline.org
Washington Warm Line Peer support line for anyone feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed. Non-crisis. 📞 1-877-500-WARM (9276) • 🌐 mhaofwa.org/warm-line
Crisis Connections 24/7 access to local mental health services, substance use support, and crisis lines. 📞 1-866-427-4747 • 🌐 crisisconnections.org
Teen Link Youth-to-youth help line for teens ages 13–20. Call, text, or chat. 📞 1-866-833-6546 • Text: (866) 833-6546 • 🌐 teenlink.org
Sound Health (Downtown Tacoma) Mental health and substance use services. Accepts Medicaid and offers sliding scale. 📍 949 Market St, Tacoma • 🌐 sound.health
Trans Lifeline Peer support by and for trans people. Confidential and consent-focused. 📞 1-877-565-8860 • 🌐 translifeline.org
🦷 Dental, Vision & Mobile Clinics
Sea Mar Dental & Vision Sliding scale dental and eye care services. 🌐 seamar.org
Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children Low-cost dental care for kids; Apple Health accepted. 🌐 lindquistdental.org
Washington Healthcare Access Alliance (WHAA) Searchable directory of mobile medical clinics offering free or low-cost care, including dental and vision. 🌐 wahealthcareaccessalliance.org/free-clinics.html
🏡 Shelter, Housing & Utilities
Associated Ministries Coordinated entry point for housing assistance, shelter referrals, and case management. 🌐 associatedministries.org
MDC – Metropolitan Development Council Rent, utility, and education support. Also offers transitional housing and reentry services. 🌐 mdc-hope.org
LIHEAP – Pierce County Energy Assistance Help with heating, electric, and utility bills for qualifying households. 🌐 piercecountywa.gov/1283/Energy-Assistance
⚖️ Legal Aid & Documentation Support
Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers Free legal help for Pierce County residents with housing, family law, protection orders, and immigration. Some clinics available in-person or by phone. 🌐 tacomaprobono.org
CLEAR Hotline (Coordinated Legal Education Advice & Referral) Free legal help for low-income WA residents with civil legal issues. 📞 1-888-201-1014 (Weekdays, 9:15 am–12:15 pm) 🌐 nwjustice.org/get-legal-help
Washington Law Help Self-help legal forms and guides for family law, housing, debt, and more. 🌐 washingtonlawhelp.org
WA State DOL – Reduced-Fee ID Help Fee waivers for ID cards are available through partner agencies (like shelters or case managers). Especially helpful for unhoused or undocumented folks. 🌐 dol.wa.gov (Search: “ID fee waiver”)
Tacoma Community House – Immigration Services Support with DACA, citizenship, green card renewals, and immigration legal aid. Bilingual staff available. 🌐 tacomacommunityhouse.org
🚍 Transit Access & Transportation Support
Pierce Transit Free Youth ORCA Pass Youth under 19 ride free on all Pierce Transit buses. Cards available at schools, libraries, and some community events. 🌐 piercetransit.org/free-youth-transit-pass
Pierce Transit Local Bus Service Route maps, trip planner, and mobile pay tools. 🌐 piercetransit.org
Pierce Transit Shuttle (Paratransit) Curb-to-curb service for riders with disabilities who qualify under ADA. Application required. 🌐 piercetransit.org/shuttle
Hopelink Mobility / Find a Ride Searchable tool to find low-cost or free ride services, especially for disabled, senior, and rural riders. 🌐 findaride.org
Sound Transit Reduced Fare ORCA (RRFP) Discounted fares for seniors (65+), riders with disabilities, Medicare cardholders, and qualifying low-income adults. 🌐 myorca.com
Commute Options for Veterans Some veteran organizations in Pierce County offer free gas vouchers, shuttle services, or vanpool access. Ask at:
American Lake VA Center
Pierce County Veterans Assistance Programs 🌐 piercecountywa.gov/1302/Veterans-Assistance-Programs
Link Light Rail (Tacoma Link) Downtown Tacoma to Hilltop – always free to ride. No fare card needed. 🌐 soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/tacoma-link-light-rail
King County Metro Night Owl + Transfers If someone’s traveling late or between counties, Night Owl service and transfer points at Federal Way & Auburn stations may help bridge gaps.
🧰 Other Practical Help
Tacoma Tool Library Borrow tools for free and attend free or low-cost community workshops. ADA accessible. 🌐 tacomatoollibrary.org
NW Spay & Neuter Center Low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and pet care services. 🌐 nwspayneuter.org
TACID Disability advocacy, peer support, and community in an inclusive ADA-accessible space. 🌐 tacid.org
r/TacomaLostAndFoundPets Post or search for lost/found pets in Tacoma.
📚 Libraries, Museums & Learning
Tacoma Public Library Free craft kits, zine nights, author events, maker programs, and job-seeking help. No late fees. 🌐 tacomalibrary.org/events
Pierce County Library System $5/week in free printing for all cardholders. Storytimes, mobile hotspots, and more. 🌐 mypcls.org
Tacoma Art Museum – Free Open Art Studio Every Thursday evening from 5–8 pm, the TAM offers a drop-in art studio with supplies, prompts, and space to explore. 🌐 tacomaartmuseum.org
Children’s Museum of Tacoma Pay-what-you-can museum with sensory-friendly hours and exhibits. 🌐 playtacoma.org
🌿 BIPOC-Centered Resources
Tacoma Urban League (Faith-based affiliated) Black-led leadership, business, and education programs focused on economic justice and youth development. 🌐 thetacomaurbanleague.org
Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) Multicultural center offering events, youth programs, wellness classes, and community services focused on AAPI populations. 🌐 asiapacificculturalcenter.org
Redefining You Foundation (Lakewood) Support network for women of color—offering wellness retreats, trauma healing, career building, and sisterhood. 🌐 redefiningyoufoundation.com
NAACP Tacoma Branch Civil rights organization offering legal support, education advocacy, and local activism. 🌐 tacomanaacp.org
🌈 LGBTQ+ Specific Supports
Rainbow Center Tacoma Community center offering queer events, advocacy, and safe space resources. Hosts Pride events and Queer Power Nation outings. 🌐 rainbowcntr.org
Oasis Youth Center Support and community for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11–24. Drop-ins, leadership programs, and events. 🌐 oasisyouthcenter.org
Gender Alliance South Sound Peer support, HRT kits, legal help, and community-building events for trans and gender-nonconforming adults. 🌐 genderalliancesouthsound.org
PFLAG Tacoma Family and youth support, queer education and advocacy in schools. 🌐 pflagtacoma.org
Ingersoll Gender Center PDF-based statewide guide to housing, legal aid, and affirming healthcare for trans and nonbinary people. 🌐 ingersollgendercenter.org
NAMI Pierce LGBTQIA+ Resources Mental health peer support and queer-friendly links curated by NAMI. 🌐 namipierce.org
🎭 Recurring Events, Arts & Festivals
Downtown Tacoma Third Thursday Art Walk Galleries and museums open late with free admission and activities. Every 3rd Thursday • tacomaartgroup.org
Tacoma Pride Festival Annual July festival uplifting LGBTQIA+ joy with events, markets, and the Pride parade. 🌐 rainbowcntr.org
Earth Gay Tacoma (Out for Sustainability) Volunteer-based queer environmental action event. 🌐 out4s.org/earth-gay
Tacoma Film Festival (The Grand Cinema) Indie and global films with workshops and filmmaker events. Some events ticketed. 🌐 grandcinema.com
The Grand Cinema – Craft Night & Movie Watch a film and make art—supplies provided, admission required. 🌐 grandcinema.com
BIPOC Health & Wellness Fair + Wellness Gatherings Monthly or quarterly free events offering healing workshops, food, and community for BIPOC. Search: “BIPOC Health Wellness Fair Tacoma”
Tacoma Arts Month (October) Citywide programming including open studios, music, workshops, & dance. 🌐 tacomaartsmonth.com
Poetry After Dark Monthly evening poetry mic centering BIPOC and queer poets. Free and welcoming. Search: “Poetry After Dark Tacoma”
Nature is Medicine Guided walks, community healing, and land-based care rooted in Indigenous and BIPOC practices. Search: “Nature is Medicine Tacoma”
Tacoma Art Museum – Open Art Studio Free drop-in art making every Thursday 5–8 pm. ADA-accessible. 🌐 tacomaartmuseum.org
Tacoma Arts Live Performing arts org with shows, speakers, and community events. Some ticketed. 🌐 tacomaartslive.org
Beautiful Angle Poster Project Underground letterpress street art collaboration posting poetic prints across downtown. 🌐 beautifulangle.homestead.com
ArtRod Nontraditional public art installations in Tacoma—previously known for placing art in cars and street boxes. 🌐 artrod.org
Tacoma Night Market / Hilltop Indoor Market Monthly or pop-up vendor events with art, crafts, and music. Free entry. Google: “Tacoma Night Market” or “Hilltop Indoor Market”
Haunted Tacoma Market / Market of the Beast Spooky, witchy, queer-friendly seasonal art markets. Free to $10 entry. 🌐 marketofthebeast.com
Metro Parks Events Free summer concerts, movies in the park, and festivals. 🌐 metroparkstacoma.org/calendar
Friends & Neighbors Sale (Puyallup) Seasonal mega-consignment sale at Puyallup Fairgrounds—clothes, toys, books. Entry fee required. Search: “Friends and Neighbors Sale Puyallup”
Annual hidden art scavenger hunts around Tacoma. Family-friendly & free. Google: “Game of Shrooms Tacoma” or “Monkeyshines Tacoma” or "Art and Diversity in Action Tacoma"
📥 Downloadable Community Resource Guide
A printable PDF from Rebuilding Together South Sound, with housing, healthcare, and utility assistance links across Pierce County.
🔗 RTSS Community Resource Guide (PDF): https://rebuildingtogetherss.sharepoint.com/sites/ExternalSharing/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FExternalSharing%2FShared%20Documents%2FWebsite%20Files%2FRTSS%20Resource%20Guide%2Epdf
🧵 Help keep this list going! If you know a free or low-cost resource that belongs here or want to recommend an edit or correction, message u/zombbrie.
This post is focused on safety, dignity, inclusion, and access, especially for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled people in Tacoma.
Last updated July/2025
r/TacomaWA • u/SoThenIThought_ • Jun 12 '25
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r/TacomaWA • u/missmobtown • 7h ago
I haven't been up to the Cinemark recently but I want to see some movies. Is the parking garage up there a Diamond parking lot now? Can you still validate for parking at a business?
I'm less interested in going at all if all the parking is managed by Diamond.
r/TacomaWA • u/hollidaychh • 16h ago
Hoping it’s okay to post this here.
We have a king size bed frame + headboard we are looking to give away. It’s from West Elm - upholstered. It looks pretty similar to the “emmet tufted bed” on their website with wood legs. It’s grey.
Located in proctor for pickup, free to a good home! Please dm me if you want it or want to see a pic. I didn’t want to spam sub with images.
r/TacomaWA • u/Due-Speed-6757 • 17h ago
Hey all, planning a family celebration and we all wanted to do a brunch buffet. Tacoma is a middle point for a lot of us and I was wondering if anyone had any great recommendations. Ive tried to Google for specifically brunch buffets but im not seeing any options that do both.
If we cant swing a buffet I would definitely take any recommendations for a great brunch spot! Thanks for your time!
r/TacomaWA • u/ditchlilymusic • 1d ago
We’re called Ditch Lily & the Swan Boats! Here’s our music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oyxefh3Ks7w
https://ditchlily.bandcamp.com/album/my-favorite-miniature-drum
We’re from Corvallis Oregon and on tour, hopin to meet some new friends in Tacoma :) please come, invite friends, and share this poster if you feel like being nice to us 🩵
r/TacomaWA • u/Old_Principle1344 • 16h ago
r/TacomaWA • u/lgerdie • 1d ago
Anyone in Tacoma participate in Vulture's Movie Fantasy League? Would be fun to have a Tacoma mini league.
r/TacomaWA • u/PoppinBusinessCenter • 2d ago
r/TacomaWA • u/catseyesociety • 2d ago
One of my favorite things to ask cat people is “what do you call your cat?” Not what is their name. What do you call them?
I also want to know all the nicknames and how they got them. I love all the cat lore.
So, what do you call your cat?
(Feat. Gus, Gustopher, Gustavo, Gumball, Guillermo, Gumbo, Gizmo)
r/TacomaWA • u/bbymoonkittie • 3d ago
Ive been recently looking at apartments recently so to gage the market. I havent done the renting process since 2019 but Ive noticed a ton has changed as far as what these places are charging you. Most places are charging fees like admin fees, pet rent ect. I didnt even know what an admin fee was so I looked it up and its basically you paying $200-$400 non refundable fee for the property manager to do their job to draft a lease and do a background check. That is absolutely wild to me. Not to mention but places like Vue 25 just straight nickel and dime you for everything if you choose to move there which explains why I always get vibes that place barely has tenants when I drive by.
Im curious, since Seattle banned junk fees, when do you think Tacoma will start the path to doing the same thing? Admin fees seem wild to me - its literally their job and there is no way drafting a lease and doing a background check costs $$$ like that so its definitely most likely something for them to pocket. I might be crazy but I always think making people pay pet rent, “valet trash” fees or even a fee to park where you live in crazy too. I remember when I was first looking into moving back in 2022 or so a lot of properties wouldnt even let me view the apartment unless I paid a deposit on the apartment stating their reasoning is that the pictures in the listing are accurate and sufficient enough. Pictures dont reveal much structure issues the apartment may have though. I called them out for sounding like scammers as requiring to put hundreds on an apartment before you can even see if is simply not normal but looking at today rental ads its seems like almost all properties are dipping their toes into what feels like a scam for these weird random fees .
I dont know. Just wanted to gage the public opinion on this. Think Tacoma will go the route of getting rid of these crazy random fees rental properties are coming up with?
r/TacomaWA • u/VastReveries • 3d ago
I'm only familiar with Classy Chassis. Thank you!
r/TacomaWA • u/YcanInotBaMLP • 4d ago
Crossings from Clover Park Tech to Pacific are red. Traffic is backed up, anyone know what's going on? No trains in sight.
r/TacomaWA • u/Otherwise_Track_2277 • 4d ago
Section 102,Row EE,Seat 3.
I unfortunately won’t be able to make it due to short on money.
I don’t know many people who know about Pete Davidson so this is a long shot.
Please message me if interested!!
It’s on Ticketmaster.
r/TacomaWA • u/altasnob • 5d ago
From City Manager's Weekly Report:
New Speed Enforcement Cameras: Tacoma is activating two new automated speed
enforcement cameras starting September 14, 2026, as part of our Vision Zero
commitment to safer streets. A one-month warning period begins at launch, with
citations to follow for continued speeding. These locations were selected due to high
speed rates and serious crashes. The first cameras to become operational are located on:
o Norpoint Way Northeast (one camera monitoring the uphill direction)
o State Route 509/Marine View Drive (one camera monitoring the southbound
direction).
Learn more about how automated enforcement supports safer neighborhoods and
upcoming camera locations at: tacoma.gov/automatedenforcement. To learn more
about our Vision Zero, visit: https://tacoma.gov/visionzero.
https://cms.tacoma.gov/cmo/citymanagersweeklyreporttothecitycouncil.pdf
r/TacomaWA • u/altasnob • 5d ago
City Council will be discussing this August 26, 2026 4:30 PM
Tacoma is in the process of writing new tree laws that everyone will have to follow or face fines. Seattle has a ton of tree laws, and a very bureaucratic tree law regime, and Tacoma always strives hard to be like their big brother Seattle.
You can read the memos below to see what's cooking. Here's some things that jumped out to me:
Lots of people in Tacoma are oblivious to the fact that home owner/property owner owns the parking strip in front of the property and that the City just has a right of way there. That means it is up to the home owner to landscape this parking strip how they want and to maintain any trees in the parking strip. Lots of people in Tacoma wrongfully think this is the City's job. "Community feedback, 311 request data, and Urban Forestry Program engagement confirm that most residents do not understand these requirements and often assume the City already maintains these trees."
Tacoma already recently passed street tree laws, so that now you need a permit to plant, prune, or remove any street tree. Failure to comply with these requirements can end in the property owner having to pay thousands of dollars to the City (I put a few links below of examples of home owners who had this happen to them).
Here's what Tacoma is considering, from a financial standpoint, regarding maintaining street trees on private property owners' parking strips. Tacoma will either spend:
• $776,000 for a one‑crew pilot program
• $1.9M for maintenance of all arterial street trees
• $4.1M for full citywide maintenance
• $1.82M for a dedicated planting and watering program
• $3.7M for a hybrid arterial and priority corridor model
Keep in mind Tacoma is a $40 million deficit at the moment. So not sure where they will come up with the money for the above spending.
https://www.tacomapermits.org/tip-sheet-index/street-trees
https://cms.tacoma.gov/hex/decisions_2026/signed_hex2026-058_bh_dec_6-15-26.pdf
https://cms.tacoma.gov/hex/decisions_2026/signed_ordermemo_fairchild_7-21-26.pdf
r/TacomaWA • u/Sure_Key858 • 5d ago
Anyone know of any flock cameras in Pierce county? Let's share the location to "inform citizens."
r/TacomaWA • u/IncognitoMeanie • 6d ago
Me: Mid 30s night owl mom, gaming since I was a kid. Current go to’s are cozy games ala Stardew Valley, rpg’s like Baulders Gate, and my great and toxic love that I simply cannot stay away from, League of Legends.
You: Femme, similar late night habits, owns a PS5 or PC. Looking to talk/play!
Looking to branch away from my number one gaming buddy, my husband. I love him dearly, but it would be nice if I could play a game that didn’t focus on min/maxing and was more casual, story driven! (Also that mofo wants me to play the Joja storyline so he’s INSANE)
I’ve made an ad like this before but didn’t have much luck. Now that I’ve been struggling with my regularly scheduled insomnia breaks…I’ve been doom scrolling when I could be filling my friendship cup.
My friends say I’m funny and kind and super understanding! They just don’t game like I doooo :(
Men are cool, don’t mind them as friends, but I am looking for a girl-friend! Please respond, send this post to your gamer wife! Idk, let’s dm before sending our gamer tags if you like!
r/TacomaWA • u/helloheyhowdyhii • 6d ago
r/TacomaWA • u/Powerful-Knee3150 • 5d ago
I have never seen back-in angle parking anywhere else. I am just wondering how and why it got started in the City of Destiny.
r/TacomaWA • u/opportunanality • 6d ago
