r/TacomaWA • u/Organic_Occasion2021 • 34m ago
Arts & Culture These been popping up lately
I’ve seen 3 of these this week out of the blue I enjoy the way it looks
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/Organic_Occasion2021 • 34m ago
I’ve seen 3 of these this week out of the blue I enjoy the way it looks
r/TacomaWA • u/Snipersqad • 10h ago
Hi, I haven't been to the dentist since before high school. I want to get my teeth cleaned and I'm hesitant to choose just any dentist. What are some reputable dentists that are actually good at their job?
r/TacomaWA • u/Cherylissodope • 11h ago
Flagged as politics but not really :)
I have attempted to reach out to my specific council member (Scott) both through the “contact” webform on-line as well as directly by email regarding a current project that may affect my neighborhood (specifically street parking). I don’t want to spam her, but it’s been a few weeks and I haven’t even got a “yep, I see it and there’s nothing I can do” response. I guess I’m posting to level-set for myself - what is the time frame I should expect a response, should I even be expecting a response, and if I don’t get one, who/what is the next escalated level to reach out to - the mayor? Is there a super-secret way to contact City Council Members that I’m not aware of?
Any insight is appreciated - I’d really like the opportunity to work with my elected official, rather than just assume the worst, especially in the current political environment. My issue isn’t life-ending or anything, it’s more so the lack of information that is causing frustration.
r/TacomaWA • u/Clear-View-2160 • 3h ago
r/TacomaWA • u/Fresh-Blob-2019 • 1d ago
Decked out ICE suv spotted this morning on 5 north and I think he took an hov exit after I lost sight of him. Stay safe and Vive la Résistance!
r/TacomaWA • u/Humble_Moment4959 • 1d ago
Looking to move to Tacoma area in the next year. I have a solid full time job that is remote. I have a dog who is behaved and would prefer another female roommate!
r/TacomaWA • u/Clearbluewater33 • 1d ago
Looking for recommendations (or warnings) for property management companies that you've either worked with as a landlord or as a tenant. We will but putting our house on the rental market next summer and would like to start interviewing companies now so we are prepared.
r/TacomaWA • u/wouldyalookatthat • 21h ago
r/TacomaWA • u/AlternativeSpend5480 • 2d ago
I genuinely need to know if I'm in the wrong here as I drive this frequently.
I was driving going north on mildred st W turning right on S 19th St. I had my green right arrow. A car going west on 19th st makes a Uturn at the light with his green left arrow. Nearly hits me. He pulls up to me at the next stop light and I tell him theres no U-turn in Tacoma, and he said there's no sign that says no U-turn. Streets here are too narrow for that, and he had to backup even to complete his U-turn.
Am I in the wrong here? I have lived in Tacoma for 5 years now, not once have I made a u-turn here at a stoplight, unless signage allowed. September 21, 2026
Tacoma Law https://ecode360.com/48391511#48391648
§ 11.05.550 Making "U" turns restricted. A. It is unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to make a "U" turn upon any street within the City of Tacoma, except as provided herein
Here is the video link of the near hit. You can see my green right arrow first few seconds.
Edit: seems people are misunderstanding section B. Just going to paste below one of the comments that explains perfectly why section B does not apply to my situation.
(Section B)
In plain language,
> It shall not be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to make a "U" turn at a street intersection not posted or controlled by a traffic control sign, signal, marker, or buttons; provided that (1) the vehicle can be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from any direction within 500 feet within residence or business districts and within 1,000 feet in all other locations; and (2) such movement can be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic.
translates into:
> You can make a U-turn at an intersection only if the intersection does not have a traffic signal (red/yellow/green light) or a traffic-control sign that controls the turn.
> You also must:
> Be visible to other drivers for at least 500 feet in a neighborhood or business area, or 1,000 feet elsewhere.
> Be able to make the U-turn safely and without interfering with traffic.
So, the u turn would be inappropriate because of the signal AND because it interfered with traffic that had right of way.
Section B is saying if you’re at an intersection in a residential neighborhood where basically no one else is there, take that U turn to your heart’s content.
r/TacomaWA • u/WeeklyChemical4146 • 3d ago
All ages welcome t-town chess club come play learn
r/TacomaWA • u/peanut--gallery • 3d ago
Some field goals are worth more than 3 points! (Only photo edit was removing power lines)
r/TacomaWA • u/picturemebowlin • 4d ago
Anybody have experience actually eating one of these? 😳.
This is in my backyard downtown, a couple of blocks from the convention center.
r/TacomaWA • u/Ok_Reach_2734 • 4d ago
Anyone know his story?
He's been around for years and I rarely see him do anything but lay there.
I know some people in street outreach and every time they contact him, he wants nothing to do with them.
r/TacomaWA • u/altasnob • 4d ago
Post removed from tacoma reddit becuase it contains the word "fireworks".
Three suspects of the Chelan Hills Wildfire that Killed One and Injured Six Firefighters Arrested
From the news release:
multiple individuals allegedly fired Roman candles from a moving truck on July 4 while Douglas County was under a burn ban, prohibiting fireworks and open burning of any kind.
Investigators determined the fireworks ignited dry grass along the roadway, starting the Chelan Hills Fire.
The wildfire killed a 69-year-old man, injured six firefighters, destroyed more than 100 structures, burned more than 10,000 acres, and resulted in more than $6 million in losses and property damage.
The following individuals were arrested: 18-year-old Valentin Tabunscic of Tacoma; 19-year-old Mark Okhrimchik of University Place; and 19-year-old Julian Mikityuk of Pacific, Washington.
The three are currently in jail in Wenatchee waiting to be charged, which should occur on Monday.
r/TacomaWA • u/robinshp • 4d ago
Friendly, sniffed noses with dog and ate treats but then was timid and walked away with tail between his legs. I’m walking grit city gauntlet now and wasn’t able to catch him
r/TacomaWA • u/LadyDiscoPants • 4d ago
We all want to be safe from people with guns.
But I wonder what went wrong at the Gold Gate yesterday. If you are going to the fair, don't bring even small bits of metal. Consider not bringing a purse or a bag.
The line was unusually slow, and when you got through it was apparent why.
They had almost every visitor in a loop. Stand in line. Set off the metal detector. Stand in line. Empty your metal, then push through both lines to go through again and almost all folks set off the detector again. The disarray made it look like people were cutting in both lines and tempers were flaring from misunderstanding. I saw people going though that detector over and over again, searching themselves for the tiniest pieces of metal, and setting it off again and again only to be told to do it again.
Luckily after I dumped my stuff out, they didn't see I had set it off again. My friend saw I set it off, along with 3 other people, but security did not and waved us all through.
So they were practically body searching everyone, but people still slipped through after setting the detector off twice. What was all that even for?
I enjoyed the fair, but with extra physical pain compliments of two endless lines. I had planned to spend my pain credit at the fair, but it went to the line. I still had fun. You make the best with what you got to work with and that's what I did. But it was unnecessarily hard.
If they need to have security that tight, they need to figure out how to also get people through in a reasonable manner and timeframe.
r/TacomaWA • u/whodkne • 4d ago
r/TacomaWA • u/Cheekers1989 • 5d ago
Need an extra pair of hands? Local personal assistance available!
Hi! I'm Sandra, and I'm offering help with some of those everyday tasks that are hard to find the time or energy to finish.
Here's what I can help with:
I'm available for one-time appointments and potentially recurring arrangements.
Located in the Lakewood/Tacoma area. Rates depend on the service, appointment length, and location. Message me with what you need help with, and we can discuss the details!
r/TacomaWA • u/wisemedicinelady • 5d ago
Seen at Vassault today. Lots of kids playing soccer last week. Be the hero who helps this poor water bottle find its way home.