PierceCountyHousingFINAL

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Pierce County Housing
Recovery Support Function
Developed by Students of Western Washington University’s
Disaster Risk Reduction Studio
Authors: Leah Carlson
Taylor Garrod
Olivia Hutchins
Ryan Olson

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Table of Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………3
Guiding Principles & Planning Goals……………………………………………...................3
Recovery Goals, Objectives and Strategies………………………………………………….5
Housing Recovery Locations…………………………………………………………………..7
Urban……………………………………………………………………………………..7
Suburb……………………………………………………………………………………8
Rural…………………………………………………………………………………….11
Housing Solutions……………………………………………………………………………..12
Goals for Housing RSF………………………………………………………………………..19
Emergency Shelter…………………………………………………………………….19
Interim Housing………………………………………………………………………...21
Permanent Housing……………………………………………………………………23
Housing Solutions and Services for Special Needs Population…………………..25
Appendix………………………………………………………………………………………..30
A: Trapline Locations………………………………………………………………….30
B: Pet Shelters…………………………………………………………………………33
C: Survey Ideas………………………………………………………………………..35
D: Business Collaborations…………………………………………………………...36
E: References………………………………………………………………………….38

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Introduction
The Pierce County Housing Recovery Support Function provides resources and insights
that will help guide Emergency Managers and civilians in the County through the
housing recovery process. The document is not to be used as a comprehensive
recovery plan for Pierce County, but as a reference guide for solutions to recovery
needs. The Housing RSF should be used in conjunction with Pierce County’s Disaster
Recovery Framework and the other RSFs it contains. This will ensure that recovery in
all facets of community life will promote the transition to a new normal in Pierce County
after a potential hazard event.
Guiding Principles
● Long term community recovery is dependent on housing recovery.
● Work to keep communities together during recovery; it’s important to keep
community members together and to keep them as close to their homes as
possible. This is dependent on the damage assessment and the safety of the
area.
● Address the needs of vulnerable populations to avoid gentrification and provide
equal access to all resources.
● Housing restoration should correlate with restoration of infrastructure and public
services. Community revitalization is dependent on access to jobs, schooling and
housing.
● Civil society and private sector coordination will improve housing solutions.
● Reconstruction and repairs should plan for the future and be sustainably
developed.
Planning Assumptions
● Further additions and updates to the recovery plan will be needed periodically to
ensure maximum vitality. The survey questions located in Appendix C should be
posed to local Pierce County residents to aid in further recovery assessment.
● The Housing RSF should be used in conjunction with Pierce County’s Disaster
Recovery Framework and the other RSFs it contains.
● Housing damage and recovery needs may vary considerably across the city (i.e.,
neighborhood by neighborhood).

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● Residential neighborhoods will need access to transportation, education,
healthcare, jobs, and services to return to a fully functioning state. Recovery or
establishing a new normal in housing could take 15-20 years.
● Many displaced residents may have to move multiple times before finding long-
term housing. In Christchurch, New Zealand, some people had to move three or
four times because of aftershocks.
● All information regarding locations for emergency shelters are based upon GIS
data acquired from Pierce County. Information acquired regarding hazard risk
may not correlate with the outcome of actual hazard event.
● Along with housing, other necessities are required for emergency and temporary
assistance including food, water, medical, showers, bathrooms, and other
everyday essentials.
● A small percentage of property owners currently have earthquake insurance. If
the hazard is not covered by basic homeowners insurance, there will be many
people who lose their homes and they will be unable to purchase a new one or
rebuild.
● Mitigating the risks of climate change requires substantial changes to how we
use energy and redevelopment of large portions of our housing stock. Related
infrastructure creates the opportunity to significantly enhance building energy
efficiency and to develop community scale distributed energy and water systems.
● Different populations will face different sets of challenges.
○ As of the 2010 US Census, 12.4% of the population of Pierce County live
in poverty. Individuals and families with little savings and low incomes will
face great challenges finding affordable housing and weathering
disruptions in income. Prior to a disaster, affordable housing for low
income individuals and families is already very difficult to attain. This
shortage will be exacerbated by reduced incomes, increased rents, and
loss of housing stock.
○ Of the 300,623 households surveyed in the 2013 census, 38.5% were
renter-occupied. Even if many residents leave Pierce County following a
hazard, there will likely remain a greater housing demand than supply.
This will increase rent costs, perhaps significantly. Typical FEMA Housing
Assistance provides limited rental assistance to non-home owners.
Therefore specific local strategies may be necessary to address the gap in
resources for renters.
○ Condominium owners can face particular challenges as rebuilding
investments require the approval of a specified wage of owners, many of
whom may be dispersed elsewhere in the country following a hazard.

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Recovery Goals, Objectives and Strategies
Immediately after a hazard event, the Pierce County Emergency Operations Center (PC
EOC) will determine response operations. A Health Department representative will be
present if requested to help coordinate medical services. For post emergency recovery,
Pierce County’s Housing Committee will advise the Disaster Recovery Task Force on
housing recovery strategies and help set guidelines for federal and local NGO housing
assistance. Partnerships with local businesses are encouraged to further aid in housing
response and recovery measures. For a complete list of recommended businesses
collaborations, see Appendix D.
Maintaining focus on these goals and objectives will ensure that recommendations
made by the Housing Committee will make the recovery process as optimal as possible
for all individuals. Taking away from Palm Beach County's hazard mitigation plan, which
had three different housing recovery stages. The housing recovery stages break down
into three different individual stages; emergency shelter, Interim and permanent
housing.
For the emergency shelter phase it’s imperative that residents return to a normal
lifestyle as soon as possible. The short term housing phase aims to serve as
emergency shelter for up to 14 days. Although 14 days is a tall order to get people to
progress from emergency shelters into interim housing there is a recognized need for
this movement to happen. It is vital to keep people engaged and moving forward in the
process so that they feel that they are making steps to return to normalcy.
Following the 14 day phase of emergency shelter, there would be a shift to interim
housing which are more permanent and better for restoring people to their normal lives.
Interim Housing or mid-term housing would last up to 12 months.
Permanent Housing would start at 6 months and go into the future. The most important
aspect of permanent housing is to be building back stronger and more resilient than
ever before. This can be done in a number of ways, but the easiest way to be more
resilient as a whole is to not building in areas that are susceptible to any hazards.
Another way to build back more resilient is by the implementation of green infrastructure
such as rain collection systems, greywater infrastructure, geothermal heating, solar
panels as well as other sustainable development methods. Using green systems will
only help reduce Pierce County’s carbon footprint as well as conserve the earth's
natural resources.

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Housing Recovery Locations
When recovering from a disaster event, it is important to have potential temporary
housing locations available to displaced individuals. Various housing recovery locations
have been identified throughout Pierce County in an effort to provide individuals with
temporary living quarters near their original homes and communities. Some locations
may be prone to hazards, so an assessment of a current hazard scenario will be
needed to ensure safety in these locations. These sites will primarily serve as
emergency and interim housing locations, as permanent residences will need to be built
or allocated in acceptable residential areas. Permanent housing locations should be
within Pierce County’s Urban Growth Area (UGA) boundaries and avoid development in
hazardous locations. Select emergency and interim housing recovery areas will also
have designated trapline locations (see Appendix A). Individuals with pets or livestock
should reference Appendix B for available pet shelter locations.
Urban Locations
Fircrest Golf Club
1500 Regents Blvd
Fircrest, WA 98466
(253) 564-6756
● Large grass fields
● Near several pet hospital locations
**Out of the way of all potential hazards
Universityof Puget Sound
1500 N Warner St.
Tacoma, WA 98416
(253) 879-3100
● Large open grass fields
● Large parking lots
● Serves residents of Tacoma, Fircrest, and University Place
The Tacoma Mall
4502 S Steele St.
Tacoma, WA 98409
(317) 636-1600 (Simon Headquarters in Indianapolis)
● Large parking lots
● Potential resources in the mall
● Serves residents of South Tacoma, Lakewood, and Puyallup

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Suburb Locations
Mountainview Community Center
3607 122nd Ave E
Edgewood, WA98372
(253) 826-4329
● Parking lots
● Church
● Fields
● Mountain View Elementary School
**Potential flooding
Nichols Community Center FICRA
690 9th Avenue
Fox Island, WA 98333
(253) 549-2434
● Open Fields
**Very low liquefaction
Boys and Girls Club CheneyFamily Branch
8502 Skansie Ave
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 502-4600
● Fields (track, baseball, soccer, football)
● Gig Harbor High School
**Landslide potential on freeway right next to location
Tom Taylor Family YMCA
10550 Harbor Hill Dr
(253) 853-9622
● Parking lots
● Gig Harbor Little League Fields nearby
● Costco and Home Depot nearby
**Very low to low liquefaction
Rosedale Community Center
8205 86th Ave NW

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(253) 858-3280
● Rosedale Park
● Tennis courts
● Open fields nearby
**Landslide potential 15-30% slope
American lake Conference Center and Travel Camp
8085 NCO Beach Road
JBLM, WA98438
(253)964-1209
*This location can support some families on JBLM*
● 10 Cabins
● 2 ADA accessible cabins
● Campsite
**Potential Flooding
**Low chance of liquefaction
Key Peninsula Community Services
17015 9th St
Lakebay, WA98349
(253) 884-4440
● Open land and fields
● Parking lot
**Landslide potential 15-30% slope grade
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, WA 98498
253-964-6500
● Parking lots
● Fields surrounding
● Tacoma Central Mission Church located across the street
● Health Education Center on Campus
**Potential landslide with a 15-30% slope gradient
**Low to moderate liquefaction
Heritage Park Rec Center
9010 128th St
Puyallup, WA 98373
(253) 841-6358
● 8 fields
● Rogers High School

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Meridian Habitat Park
14422 Meridian Ave E
Puyallup, WA 98375
(253) 841-8515
● Open fields
● Meridian Community Center
● Church
Mid County Community Center
10205 44th Ave E
Tacoma, WA 98446
(253) 531-8412
● Parking lots
● Fields
● Near Elementary School
**Very low liquefaction zone
Pacific Lutheran University
12180 Park Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98447
(253) 535-7411
● Athletic fields
● Washington High School
● Rainier View Christian Church
● Trinity Lutheran Church
** Potential flooding
**Very low to low liquefaction
South End Rec Area
6002 S Adams Stadium
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 475-9806
● 7 fields plus open area
Cirque Bridgeport Park
Cirque Dr W
University Place, WA 98466
(253) 460-2530
● 4 fields

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**Landslide potential nearby 15-30% slope grade
Key Peninsula Civic Center
17010 South Vaughn Road
Vaughn, WA98394
(253) 884-3456
● Open fields
**Landslide potential >30% slope grade
**Low Liquefaction
Rural Locations
Rimrock Park
129th Ave E at 401st St E
Eatonville, WA98328
● 140 acres of undeveloped land
**Low liquefaction (RYAN)
**Slight slope Instability
Frontier Park
21718 Meridian Ave E
Graham, WA 98338
● Main Lodge
● Picnic Shelters (one with a kitchen)
● Restroom and shower facilities
● 60 acres for sheltering
**Low Liquefaction
**Seismic Activity
Graham-Kapowsin High School
22100 108th Ave E
Graham, WA 98338
● Parking Lots
● Recreational fields
**Low Liquefaction
**Seismic Activity

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Housing Solutions
In order for housing recovery to be equally successful for all Pierce County residents, multiple
housing types will need to be implemented that are tailored to specific housing needs. Pierce
County includes Urban, Suburb and Rural communities, so providing housing alternatives for
each of these areas is essential. Provided are descriptions of each viable housing type and their
potential uses. See the RSF goals section on page 19 for an assessment of what point of
recovery is optimal for implementing these housing solutions.
Tents
These tents are durable, portable and affordable. They come in a range of sizes from 14 feet to
30 feet in diameter. Because of its curved shape with no corners, there are no weak points.
They are made of a strong, tear-
resistant fabric and non-
puncturing tarp fasteners, and
are guaranteed leak proof. The
patented structure is drum tight,
waterproof and wind-resistant.
Because the covering is under
constant and even tension, the
tent will not flap or shred in high
wind, poles cannot rub against
the covering, which would
eventually wear holes in it, and
water and leaf debris cannot get caught in dips between poles. Shelter Systems' domes have
withstood storms that gusted in excess of 60 mph, making them durable enough to withstand
the elements. The tents come in three different sizes: 14, 18, and 30 feet in diameter.
www.shelter-systems.com/relieftents
Folded Homes-Yurts
Folded Home structures are based on origami
architecture and manufactured from safe, recyclable
materials. Folded homes can quickly be produced
and transported in large quantities and are also
durable enough to withstand the elements for years.
They’ve been used in the Himalayas in snowy
conditions as well as in the Amazon where heavy
rainfall occurs.
The yurts come in several different sizes that
accommodate for a variety of needs. The structures can be connected together to make a
network of connected spaces with doors separating the units. There are several different types
of yurts that provide for a different needs. The TekYurt has the ability to have locking doors and
windows providing security and comfort.
http://foldedhomes.com/shelters_emergency.html

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EXO Shelters
EXO Shelters are small rectangular units that are light enough to lift by hand and
require no special tools in to be installed. Each unit can house up to 4 people and has
the option of interconnecting with other units to
accommodate all family sizes and needs.
Furthermore, each unit’s shelving devices can be
adapted into the function of a different type of
room.
Their light design makes it easy to lay out the
units in any development pattern. They can also
be versatilely used on almost any terrain. EXO
shelters are shaped to be stackable during
transportation to an affected area, with 16 units
able to be fit on to a single semi-truck.
http://www.reactionhousing.com/exo/
MississippiPark Model/Cottage
Project
Developed with funding from FEMA’s
Alternative Housing Pilot Program, this
housing concept was made to be flexible in
it’s execution to a variety of sites and
functions. The units can be quickly installed
but are also sustainable for long term
residency and can even withstand high
winds. As of 2009, Mississippi had installed
and occupied 2,800 of these units, making
them a potentially realistic option.
Additionally the concept includes…..
● Options for one room (396 sq. ft.), two room (728 sq. ft.), and three room models
(840 sq. ft.)
● 20% of units designed to comply with Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards
● Cottages can be purchased for permanent residences following their temporary
housing use
● Removable undercarriages to enable permanent foundations
● Potential Eco cottage design with energy efficient features
https://www.fema.gov/mississippi-alternative-housing-pilot-program

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IKEA Better Shelters
The flat pack shelters produced by IKEA are a compact, simple, and durable solution for
emergency and transitional housing. Each unit is 188 square feet and holds up to five
people. It can be assembled by four people in four to eight hours without any additional
equipment required. The shelter is lightweight and made from polymer panels and
thermal insulation. Included in the design is a solar panel that sits on the roof and
helps to provide electricity for
interior lighting. Because of the
durability of the structure, it would
serve as a good option for
transitional housing. While privacy
remains an issue since the structure
has only one open space, it may be
possible to bring in poles and
separators to section off portions of
the interior. Another issue with the
structure is the absence of water
connections. If these structures were
used, it would be necessary to bring
in units for showering, laundry, cooking and eating space as well.
http://www.bettershelter.org/product/
Intershelters
These portable shelters provide an innovative domelike structure for temporary living.
Intershelter structures provide safe and cozy transitional housing as they are easily
transported and portable. They can be assembled within a few hours and can be rapidly
disassembled and put into storage
for later use. In a disaster, these can
act as medical attention sites,
storage locations for food, water and
supplies and/or trapline locations for
displaced communities and
neighborhoods. These are frameless
structures that come in two sizes and
can be set up as multi structure
residences or individually. The 20
foot dome can be set up by a couple
of people in approximately 4 hours
and only requires a screwdriver, wrench and step ladder. This larger option provides

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314 square feet of floor space and has a door and two windows. The 14 foot dome is
small enough to fit in the back of a pickup truck, trailer or 8’x8’x4’ container when it is
fully disassembled. It has 154 square feet of floor space and is equipped with a door
and optional windows. These units can also be equipped with HVAC units that use
solar charging panels. The domes themselves keep the inside cool during the day and
warm at night, and can sustain most weather conditions. They can be totally self-
sustainable as it retains electricity off of the power grid through solar and wind-
generated power. With fire resistance and the ability to withstand Category 5 hurricane
winds, these strong and sustainable Domes provide a viable housing solution for interim
housing in the case of a disaster. (Disaster Relief Housing)
http://www.intershelter.com/emergencies.html
AbleNook
Currently Ablenook is only a prototype design created by students at the University of
South Florida. This prefabricated design has a “lightweight aluminum structural framing
that slide and snap together with structural insulated panels” allowing for easy assembly
and transportation. AbleNook’s are flat packed for transport so that maximum units can
be delivered in one trip to disaster areas. Once on location, the portables can be
assembled by untrained laborers with no extra tools needed. The design utilizes a
ventilation design, which increases the natural cooling, maximizes daylight for the
interior and allows for flexible application of airflow. Each unit can also support pre
wired electricity, full mechanical systems and include a fully integrated plumbing
system. Add-ons are available and include photovoltaic panel systems, rainwater
collection systems and high efficiency fixtures and equipment. One of the most favored
aspects of the prototypes are their “adjustable leg jacks which allow for setup on uneven
terrain”.
The AbleNook prototype presents itself as a credible option because of its
adaptability, efficient packaging and quick fabrication. With access to truckloads of flat
packed materials, disaster victims and displaced populations can set up the portables
themselves in open areas, or on their property, and live comfortably while their homes
are being repaired or rebuilt. AbleNook’s can also be used as classrooms and/or offices
while the rest of the community attempts to recover and get back to its usual
functioning. (Ablenook-modular Universal Space Creation on Demand)
http://www.ablenook.com/

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American Red Cross Shelters
In the event of a disaster or emergency, American Red Cross Shelters provide safe
places to stay, hot meals and trained volunteers to aid in necessary assistance. With
chapters located throughout the
State, the National Shelter system
can be used to track shelter status,
capabilities and limitations in
regions with displaced populations.
The Red Cross has also received
donated warehouse space that is
stocked with cots, blankets and
other helpful supplies. Red Cross
shelters should be managed by
trained and experienced managers
that are available for extended
periods of time in which they can
ensure smooth operation for
occupants throughout this transitional time. The Red Cross also works with other
agencies but receives the most money and provides the most services in disaster
recovery efforts. In response to Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Wilma, the Red Cross
provided emergency assistance to more than 4 million people. Their Long Term Case
Management Program worked one- on- one with survivors to develop recovery plans
including housing solutions and funds. The organization also mobilizes funds for
emergency response and recovery. Again, in Hurricane Katrina, the Red Cross housed
nearly half a million people in its shelters and in hotels that survived the storm. It also
provided more that $800 million in emergency assistance.
www.redcross.org/local/wa/northwestregion
Disaster Voucher Program
The Disaster Voucher Program is a strategy used in past disaster events that has
provided displaced victims with temporary housing while they figure out permanent
housing situations. In Hurricane Katrina, FEMA provided funding through assignment
with HUD which then provided assistance through rent subsidy, security deposits, utility
deposits and housing search assistance. The Voucher Program issued temporary
monthly rent through a subsidy to assist families displaced by disaster to obtain safe,
decent and sanitary housing in privately owned rental markets. In the disasters caused
by Hurricane Rita and Katrina, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act
appropriated $390 million to HUD for temporary rental voucher assistance and waived
the eligibility requirements for income and tenant contribution for 18 months. This

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program is viable as it helps involuntarily displaced victims attain temporary housing
solutions that are transitional and potentially permanent.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_housing/public
ations/dvp
Sustainable Living Innovations
Based in Seattle, Sustainable Living Innovation’s goal is to change the normal
construction method of buildings which tends to be very unsustainable as well as time
consuming. Their construction method cuts the average construction time in half. This
efficient method makes constructing permanent housing post-disaster quick and
practical for housing mass amounts of
people. In addition, their sustainable
practices makes them an ideal resource
for constructing buildings for a sustainable
future. Some of their sustainable practices
include building high density residential
buildings, cutting water and energy use by
50%, and saving 10% of all construction
costs. The end result are beautifully
designed homes made for an urban
environment that are inexpensive and
sustainable.
http://www.sustainablelivinginnovations.com/
Home and PropertyDisasterLoans
The United States Small Business Administration provides affordable, timely and
accessible financial assistance to homeowners and renters in Disaster areas. This
funding is available through low interest, long term loans and cover losses that are not
covered by insurance. Property and homeowners can apply for sums up to $200,000 to
repair and help replace primary housing back to pre-disaster conditions. These funds
cannot be used to upgrade or extensions to original housing, however mitigation and
improvements to prevent risk of future property damage can also be implemented with a
20 percent loan amount increase. Both homeowners and renters can apply to receive
up to $40,000 to replace damaged or destroyed personal property. This can be
received in addition to the $200,000 by homeowners.
https://www.sba.gov/content/home-and-personal-property-loans

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Pierce County Housing Authority
Those who are transitioning out of interim housing into permanent housing often need
assistance to find proper housing at an affordable cost. Pierce County Housing
Authority (PCHA) offers a variety of assistance programs for residents to use.
● Those requiring housing submit an application to the PCHA.
● Applications are selected at random based upon available funding.
● Accepted applications are placed on a wait-list.
● Once an application reaches the top of the wait-list, criminal background and
income are reviewed.
● Assistance is not committed until a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)
Contract is signed with PCHA and the Owner (and Dwelling Lease signed by
Owner and Tenant is provided to PCHA for the same Lease term).
http://www.pchawa.org/

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Goals of the Housing RSF
1. ProvideEmergencyShelter Solutionsand Locations Basedon the
Needs and Priorities of Impacted Neighborhoods.
Short term housing acts as emergency shelter during a disaster event.
Shelters should aim to keep communities as close to their neighborhoods as possible.
This will maintain support and aid in recovery efforts. Emergency Services will also be
provided including food, water and first aid. Some housing options may be repeated
because the housing types would benefit some or all of the locations in different phases
of recovery. The different proposed housing solutions are labeled either as tested or
innovative options that haven’t been implemented on a large scale. For a complete
description of alternative housing options, see the “Housing Solutions” section on page
12.
Tested
Tents
Tents are ideal for suburban and rural areas as they can be located near existing
property. The materials can be easily transported making them great for remote rural
locations.
● Range in size from 14-30 feet in diameter
● Made of tear resistant fabric
● Leak proof, waterproof
● Wind resistant up to 60 mph
IKEA Shelters
The basic design and quick installation of these units make them advantageous for
urban and suburban areas with high displacement of individuals.
● Occupies up to 5 people (188 sq. ft)
● Solar Panel included
● Lightweight and easy to assemble
Red Cross Shelters
Shelters can be deployed in any area, making them versatile for different land types.
However, locations would need accessibility to a large amount of people, meaning they
would be most ideal for urban or suburban locations.
● Provides food, shelter and bedding
● Shelters managed by trained individuals

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Innovative
Exo Shelters
Exo Shelters are versatile in their installation foundation, making them usable for urban,
suburban and rural areas. Their stacking capability makes it easy to transport them to
remote rural locations.
● No special tools required to install
● Units can house 4 individuals
● Units can be interconnected to add further space
Yurts
The use of yurts in isolated weather prone areas in the past makes them a logical
choice for use in remote rural and suburban locations.
● Structures can be connected to form larger units
● Quickly produced and transported
● Come in a variety of sizes

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2. Begin Swift and Safe TransitionTowardsInterim Housing Options
Interim housing provides a more accommodating and safe environment for displaced
individuals. This housing type is more permanent than emergency shelters, making it an
ideal residence for people struggling to find a new permanent housing solution.
Displaced individuals should be moved to this stage of housing as soon as possible to
encourage a return to normalcy in the community. Some housing options may be
repeated because the housing types would benefit some or all of the locations in
different phases of recovery. The different proposed housing solutions are labeled either
as tested or innovative options that haven’t been implemented on a large scale. For a
complete description of alternative housing solutions, see the “Housing Solutions”
section on page 12.
Tested
Mississippi Park Model/Cottage Project
The design of these models makes them easy to install and highly flexible to a variety of
sites and functions making them applicable to rural and suburban areas.
● Optional units can be designed to Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards
● Alternative Eco-Cottage Design is energy efficient
● Can be purchased after initial recovery use expires
Disaster Voucher Program
The assistance from this program comes from privately owned rental units and therefore
could be a potential housing solution for all areas of Pierce County.
● Provides assistance for rent subsidies, security deposits, utility deposits, and
housing searches
● Ensures safe, decent, sanitary housing options
● Assistance could lead to permanent residence in obtained rental unit
IKEA Shelters
The basic design and quick installation of these units make them advantageous for
urban and suburban areas with high displacement of individuals.
● Occupies up to 5 people (188 sq. ft)
● Solar Panel included
● Lightweight and easy to assemble

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Innovative
Intershelter
These shelters are designed for easy transportation and assembly, making them ideal
for remote rural locations. Their multipurpose function and optional size make them
ideal for suburban families as well.
● Works additionally as hospitals and emergency posts, as well as storage units
● Can be equipped with heating, ventilation and air conditioning(HVAC), and solar
charging panels
● Life expectancy of 30 years
● Self-sustaining
● Resistant to high winds and fire hazards
AbleNook
The adjustable leg jacks allow for installation on uneven terrain, making them great for
rural locations. Their ability to be installed near existing homes is ideal for suburban
households.
● Flat packed for easy transportation and easy to install
● Can include electricity and plumbing
● Optional high efficiency features and rainwater collection systems
● Can be used as classrooms or offices

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3. Facilitate Transition Between Interim Housing and Sheltersto Long
Term and Permanent Residences
Permanent Housing solutions help mark the end process of housing recovery.
Coordinating the housing of all residents in the community will help achieve the new
state of the community. Returning to a normal state quickly is paramount to achieving
the longevity and sustainability of a community as a whole. Many permanent housing
options aim for reconstruction and repair of original primary residences through
programs and funding provided by Government Administrations and Organizations.
Whether long term residence are rebuilt or newly constructed, efforts should be
sustainable and mitigated for potential future events. Some housing options may be
repeated because the housing types would benefit some or all of the locations in
different phases of recovery. The different long term proposed housing solutions are
labeled either as housing options or funding programs that can be utilized. For a
complete description of alternative housing options, see the “Housing Solutions” section
on page 12.
Housing Options
Mississippi Park Model/Cottage Project
The design of these models makes them easy to install and highly flexible to a variety of
sites and functions making them applicable to rural and suburban areas.
● Optional units can be designed to Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards
● Alternative Eco-Cottage Design is energy efficient
Sustainable Living Innovations
These housing units are primarily targeted for urban areas in order to ensure compact
vertical development, but could conceivably be developed in suburban commercial
areas.
● Near zero construction waste
● Sustainable materials and systems
● Development types include apartments, hotels, and affordable housing
● 20% reduction in operational costs
Funding Programs
Home and Property Disaster Loans
Loans can be utilized by any homeowners affected in disaster areas, making this a
viable option for all different housing locations.

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● Low interest long term loans to help cover additional costs beyond insurance
● Funding up to $200,000 with an additional $40,000 for personal property
● Repair and replaces housing back to original state
● Mitigation installations are optional with an increase in loan interest
Pierce County Housing Authority
Those who are transitioning from interim into permanent housing often need assistance
to find proper housing at an affordable cost. Pierce County Housing Authority (PCHA)
offers a variety of assistance programs for residents to use.
Red Cross Shelters
Along with their short term shelter abilities, the Red Cross also utilizes it’s Long Term
Case Management Program to work with survivors to develop recovery plans including
housing solutions and funds.

25
4. ProvideAdequate Housing Solutions and Servicesfor Residents
with SpecialNeeds.
During and after a disaster, special needs individuals will be one of the most affected
populations. This is because individuals who are experiencing homelessness or
physical or mental impairment will have less capacity for coping during a disaster event.
Coordination with federal and local resources is needed in order to provide these
populations with an efficient transition through the housing recovery process.
Advocacy groups and personal reports can be used to develop a registry of individuals
in the county requiring special assistance. These can be used to locate and identify the
locations of individuals with special needs in the event of a disaster or emergency.
Special attention should be given to reporting and responding to impromptu special
needs in the community through the EOC. As recovery continues, up-to-date
information reporting required services for special needs individuals should be required.
Coordinate with pre-identified locations to accommodate populations with special
needs.
● Lakewood Senior Activity Center
9112 Lakewood Dr SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 798-4090
***potential flooding risk?
***but right next to Lakewood town center which would be shelter location for
displaced population
***right next to steely park which could be another location
● Meridian Habitat Park Facility Rentals
○ Community Center Auditorium Rentals
○ Kitchen Rental
○ Break Out Rental Rooms
14422 Meridian East
Puyallup, WA 98444
(253) 841-8515
***This is right on south hill which is a potential location for emergency shelter and
trapline locations
● Sprinker Recreation Center
14824 C Street South
Tacoma, WA 98444
*experience flooding but in case of earthquake or volcano
● Pacific Lutheran University

26
12180 Park Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98447
(253) 535-7411
*experience flooding but in case of earthquake or volcano
Coordinate with organizations to supply resources that provide individuals with
their required services.
In the event of a disaster, vulnerable populations require services and assistance that
aid in their well-being during displacement. The Americans with Disabilities Act outlines
that emergency shelter programs must not exclude or deny benefits to individuals with
disabilities. During emergency shelter, other resources are required to assist in the
population's recovery; these are listed below.
Federal Programs
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG): Provides grants to increase the amount and overall
quality of emergency and transitional shelters for homeless individuals. Grants can be
used towards renovation, rehabilitation or conversion of buildings into shelters.
Supportive Housing Program: Provides grants for construction, rehabilitation or leasing
of buildings to support transitional and permanent housing solutions.
Department of Health and Human Services
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Disaster Case Management
Program: ACF created the Disaster Case Management Program (DCM), which links
each disaster victim with a single organization to serve as their personal case manager.
This helps with housing solutions and aids in access to resources for healthcare.
Runaway and Homeless Youth: This Program Grant provides temporary shelter,
counseling and aftercare services to run away and homeless youth who do not have
resources.

27
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
American Red Cross: This assists with emergency management and sheltering partners
to manage emergency shelters and assist disaster victims with replacement medical
supplies.**
The Salvation Army: Provides emergency shelter for disaster victims and coordinates
volunteer teams for rebuilding efforts.
State/Local Programs
Tacoma- Pierce County Health Department will provide 24 hour duty officer coverage in
support of public health and medical response activities following a hazard event. They
will manage all Pierce County public health, medical and mental health response as well
as recovery efforts.
American Red Cross: See description above. Pierce County Locations:
● Joint Base Lewis McChord
Bldg 1017 Upstairs
9th Division Rd
Fort Lewis, WA 98433
● Mount Rainier Chapter
1235 S Tacoma Way
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-474-0400
Salvation Army: See description above. Pierce County Locations:
● 4009 9th Street S.W.
Puyallup, WA
253-841-1491
Continue assistance by providing long term housing funding and resources for
special needs populations.
Below is a basic list of housing assistance and recovery options that pertain to long term
housing for individuals with special needs. Special care should be taken to assess what
programs will best meet the needs of a particular individual. The information obtained
from initial reports should be used to pair special needs individuals with case workers
that can help them identify a specialized recovery plan.

28
Federal Programs
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Assisted Living Conversion Program (ALCP): Provides non-profit owners of housing
developments with a grant to convert some or all of their units into assisted living units
for the frail and/or elderly.
Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Program: Assists
low-income/homeless individuals in obtaining permanent housing in rehabilitated
buildings.
Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: Financing of construction,
rehabilitation or acquisition that serves as housing for low income elderly and/ or frail
people. Also can provide rent subsidies for said projects to make them affordable.
Shelter Plus Care: Provides rental assistance for people experiencing homelessness
that have disabilities. It’s primarily for those with mental illness, chronic drug or alcohol
problems, or Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Title V Surplus Property Program to Assist the Homeless: Makes suitable excess
Federal properties available to States, local governments and NGOs to help individuals
experiencing homelessness.
Department of Veteran Affairs
Specially Adapted Housing Grants: Provides grants for constructing or modifying homes
for veterans with service-connected disabilities, to ensure a level of independent living.
Department of Health and Human Services
Older Americans Act Disaster Relief Reimbursements: Provides a variety of supporting
services for the elderly and their caregivers.
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Habitat for Humanity: Volunteer labor to repair and rebuild homes with long term
sustainable development goals for low income families affected by disaster. When
needed, construction is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and/ or UFAS regulations.

29
Mennonite Disaster Services: Assistance focuses on helping the most vulnerable
populations that including elderly, individuals with disabilities, single parents,
unemployed, uninsured and underinsured. Help clean up, repair and rebuild homes that
are compliant with ADA, ABA and/or UFAS standards
The Salvation Army: Assists in temporary and permanent housing solutions for most
vulnerable disaster victims including but not limited to individuals with disabilities,
special needs and/ or low incomes.
Volunteers of America: This organization is specifically designed to help people with
physical or mental disabilities. Volunteers create and manage housing for homeless,
families with children, the elderly and individuals with physical and/ or mental
disabilities.
State/Local Programs
Washington State Housing Trust Fund: Funds wide range of projects to help low-income
individuals including homeless families, seniors, and people with developmental
disabilities.
Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG): Combines State homeless resources into one
grant opportunity for county governments. There are three separate programs under the
grant that assist in creating permanent housing for individuals who are unsheltered or in
temporary housing.

30
Appendix
Appendix A: Trapline Locations/Google Person Finder
Traplines are well known landmarks in a community that people can go to during a
hazard to obtain information regarding the whereabouts of family members and friends.
These areas have been chosen from select housing recovery locations in Pierce County
that have been pre-identified. For a full list of recovery locations, see page (Insert page
here).
In a hazard event, many communication networks may become overused or damaged,
making it difficult for concerned citizens to regain contact with those they have lost. This
difficulty is even worse for special needs individuals that have less opportunity or ability
for utilizing a communication network. By creating pre-identified locations in the
community for inquiries, the hope is to re-unite people as efficiently as possible so that
they can have peace of mind while going through a disaster event. We also would have
the list and on the internet providing people that do have access to the web an easy
way to look up where family and community members may be.
Google Person Finder has been used very effectively the in the case of many
emergencies from the earthquakes in Japan and Haiti to currently being used in the
quake in Nepal. The Finder allows concerned residents to post about an individual if
they are missing or have lost contact with them. If another resident elsewhere has
identified this person, then they too can post onto Google Person Finder. When there is
a match, it connects the two different individuals; the resident searching and the
resident that identified the missing person. Below are potential locations and resources
for trapline areas within Pierce County.
Urban Locations
University of Puget Sound Campus
Tacoma
This area benefits from a high volume of students and faculty making an ideal place for
a trapline. The campus is a well known location, making it an intuitive place to
congregate after a hazard event. Furthermore, the grid structure of surrounding
transportation networks and the intensive residential development close to campus
make the location highly accessible.

31
The Tacoma Mall
Tacoma
The mall serves residents of South Tacoma, Lakewood, and Puyallup and other
surrounding areas, making it a recognizable and easy to find location. Vacant store
space in the mall could be utilized for trapline and information services beyond the
emergency sheltering phase without disrupting the economic viability of the mall.
Suburban Locations
South Hill Mall
South Hill
South Hill Mall provides one of the best places for short term housing solutions with
the large amount of unused parking lots around the mall which will allow for a very
fast and easy to do setup. It would be good to have South Hill Mall as a trapline for a
number of reasons. The first being it’s a place that a lot of the local residents are
familiar with. There shouldn’t be any problems with most of the residents in Pierce
County knowing where South Hill Mall is. The second reason is with the analysis of the
susceptibility of different hazards in Pierce County, it showed that South Hill Mall was
is on really good ground that won’t be affected by any hazards that are present to
Pierce County according to the GIS data available. The very last reason why this
would be an important for a trapline location is because of how central it is to all of
Pierce County.
Pacific Lutheran University Campus
Parkland
Like the University of Puget Sound, this campus benefits from high volumes of students
making it a good place to locate a trapline. Furthermore, the churches and other
functions on the campus ensure that even more, non-academic residents are familiar
with the location. The grid structure of surrounding transportation and intensive
residential development close to campus make the location highly accessible.

32
Rural Locations
Frontier Park
Graham
Located in the middle of the county, it makes the area highly accessible from all
surrounding locations. The park is home to the Pierce County Fair, making it easily
located and identifiable to local residents. Furthermore, the facilities on site will provide
for a large volume of sheltered residents, generating a need for informational services.
Rimrock Park
Eatonville
Rimrock Park is a good location for a trapline because it gives Eatonville and the rest of
the southern rural areas in Pierce County a place to go when in need of refuge. Rimrock
Park has 140 acres of land that hasn’t been developed. This will provided an excellent
place for gathering a mass amount of people together in a relatively small place.
Unfortunately there isn’t any facilities but those can be provided at the time of need.

33
Appendix B: Pet Shelter Locations
It is important in the case of a disaster to ensure the health and safety of household
pets and livestock throughout the emergency and recovery process. This will ensure the
wellbeing of animals while also ensuring the positive mental health state for their
owners during the disaster. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of
2006 requires accommodations of pets and service animals in disaster evacuation plans
for states seeking FEMA assistance. While animals will ideally be evacuated or located
within the residences of their owners, there are situations where animals will need to be
housed outside or temporarily away from their owners during the initial sheltering and
interim housing phases. Below are recommended locations in Pierce County that may
be helpful for further accommodations in these events as well as programs or resources
that could provide assistance.
Resources
National Animal Rescue & Sheltering Coalition (NARSC)
This group works to assist communities in preparations and response to incidents that
affect animals. They are fully integrated with emergency management practices and the
National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Pierce County Animal Response Team (PCART)
Their mission is to establish pet shelters preferably at the same location of community
shelters. They also work to rescue and retrieve pets that were left or displaced in a
disaster and care for them until they can be returned to their rightful owners.
Locations
Frontier Park
21718 Meridian Ave E, Graham, WA 98338
Since the park is home to the Pierce County Fair, there are veterinarian clinics as well
as livestock and equestrian facilities permanently located on site. These would be
beneficial for pet or livestock accommodations during the emergency phase of a
disaster. This location was successfully used to house hundreds of horses, sheep and
goats during the 2009 floods in Pierce County. The area may be a potential flood risk
however, so an assessment of a current disaster scenario would be needed to confirm
the validity of this location.

34
Evergreen Presbyterian Church
10118 249th St, Graham, WA 98338
This is a pre-identified shelter location that also accepts household pets. Graham may
be a potential flood risk however so the assessment of a current disaster scenario
would be needed to confirm the validity of this location.
Prairie Ridge Community Center
14205 215th Ave, Bonney Lake, WA 98391
This is a pre-identified shelter location that also accepts household pets. This location
has a low level occurrence of lahars and floods however so the assessment of a current
disaster scenario would be needed to confirm the validity of this location.
Sumner Veterinary Hospital
16024 60th St, Sumner, WA 98390
This location has 120 kennels available and has stated in the past that they would give
a 50 percent discount to flood victims for their services. This location has a moderate
level occurrence of lahars so the assessment of a current disaster scenario would be
needed to confirm the validity of this location.
Tacoma & Pierce County Humane Society
2608 Center Street, Tacoma, WA 98409
The Humane Society didn’t supply any information, but it can be inferred that they would
have temporary pet sheltering capacity during a disaster scenario. They do provide an
emergency pet food bank for individuals in temporary need of dog or cat food. This
location has a moderate level occurrence of lahars and floods so the assessment of a
current disaster scenario would be needed to confirm the validity of this resource.

35
Appendix C: Housing Survey
The purpose of the survey is to gather information about the resources currently
available to residents of Pierce County. In addition, the aim of the survey is to gain a
better idea of the needs and wants of residents in a post-disaster situation. Because
different residents have different needs, there are two separate surveys. One is meant
for residents living in relatively low-risk areas that have a high capacity for recovery. The
second survey is meant for residents in high-risk areas that have a lower capacity for
recovery. It is important to note that the survey is still in the development process.
The distribution of the survey may be completed either in-person, or virtually. However
in-person completion is preferred to give residents a more personal connection with the
process. We should aim for feedback from at least 100 residents in both low-risk and
high-risk areas. The survey would also be located on Pierce County’s website providing
residents easy access to the survey.
1) What is your address?
2) Do you consider yourself to live in a rural, suburban or urban area?
3) How old are you?
4) How many individuals live in your household?
5) What is your ethnicity?
6) What is your annual income?
7) Do you have any structure on your property that could serve as an emergency shelter?
(i.e. RV, barn, tent)
8) Do you have any pets that would have a need for housing in a post-disaster situation?
9) Would you feel comfortable being separated from your pets for a 2-week period?
10) Where would you go if your house was destroyed?
11) Do you have family or friends you feel confident you could stay with for up to two
months?
12) Do you have someone outside of the county you could live with for a month?
13) What do you see yourself doing without power for ten days?
14) If your car was inoperable, would you have any other transportation options available to
you?
15) Do you have any sort of backup generator on your property that could provide power to
your house for up to ten days?
16) Do you own any external power source for charging phones/laptops?

36
Appendix D: Recommended Business Collaborations
When dealing with the ramifications of a disaster event, it is very important to create a
cooperative environment between public and private entities to ensure that the most
resources can be utilized for aid. Advantages for both parties must be made to justify
the value of the alliance. Below are some of the businesses and resources we’ve
identified that could be very beneficial to partner with in the future.
Weyerhaeuser Co
3838 S 74th St
Tacoma, WA 98409
Establishment of a collaboration agreement with Weyerhaeuser would benefit long term/
permanent housing solutions. The company's emphasis on green building embraces
Pierce Counties goal of building sustainably and resiliently. Cooperation with this
corporation could potentially provide access to resources that would speed up the
process of recovery by kick starting permanent rebuilding.
IKEA
4604 196th St E
Spanaway, WA 98387
The Ikea Distribution Center in Frederickson provides a potential alliance for the county.
This warehouse is 830,000 square feet and maintains more than 10,000 items of
inventory. Ikea’s extensive amount of home items would mean that a collaboration with
them could aid in housing recovery by furnishing and providing home goods for both
temporary and permanent housing. Another benefit of establishing partnership would
be to purchase flatpack IKEA shelters and make an agreement to store them in this
facility. This would ensure quick access to emergency short term housing and potential
temporary housing solutions during the recovery process. An agreement would have to
be made with the corporation to provide them with some benefit or compensation for
their services.
Amazon
2700 Center Drive
Dupont, WA 98327 – Pierce County
With a Fulfillment Center in Dupont, Pierce County can establish an affiliation with
Amazon to aid in housing recovery services. An abstract resource that could potentially
be developed is with the corporation's recent venture with drones. We propose that a

37
collaboration with Amazon could use the drones to have visual access to the landscape
and housing damage that would otherwise be inaccessible. This could be used to locate
open areas that were unaffected by the hazard event for short term and temporary
housing locations. It could also aid in the location of individuals trapped in their homes
for emergency rescue services. A partnership could benefit the County’s effectiveness
to housing recovery and development planning.
Costco
3900 20th St
Fife, WA 98424
2219 South 37th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409-7473
1201 39th Ave SW
Puyallup, WA 98373
Partnership with Costco Wholesale can provide recovery assistance through donations and
funding resources. Although government agencies are not eligible for Costco’s Charitable
Giving Direct Aid, 501 (c) (3), nonprofit organizations that meet guidelines and focus areas are
considered for grants. In the past, Costco has donated to The United Way and The Red Cross
which are essential organizations in housing recovery. An agreement established by Pierce
County with Costco could request access and the use of the products in the warehouse for
emergency relief and recovery efforts immediately following a hazard event. They could
potentially provide food resources, and an arrangement could be made to have household
furnishings donated. As Pierce County further develops their housing recovery needs, this
collaboration could be specified to attain certain access to resources.
Grant application and supporting documentation to: communityrelations@costco.com
Manke Lumber
1717 Marine View Dr
Tacoma, WA 98422
Manke lumber specializes in sawmilling and wood treatment in a way that is sustainable for the
environment. They purchase high quality logs from multiple local locations, giving them an
extensive stock of materials. A potential partnership with Manke could be beneficial for providing
housing materials that would aid a quick rebuilding process within the county. A swift rebuilding
process would help ensure a shorter Emergency Shelter period and help get the community
back to a better normal efficiently.

38
Appendix E: References & Links
Been, Vicki, Ingrid Ellen, and Max Weselcouch. Density and Disaster: New Models of Disaster Recovery
for Housing in High-Density Cities (2015): 372. Web. 4 Apr. 2015.
“Broward County Disaster Housing Strategy.” Boward County (2012). n. pag.
http://www.broward.org/BrowardHousingCouncil/ResearchDemographics/Documents/2012DisasterHousi
ngStrategy.pdf. Web. 7 Apr. 2015.
El-Anwar, Omar, Khaled El-Rayes, and Amr Elnashai. "Multi-Objective Optimization of Temporary
Housing for the 1994 Northridge Earthquake." Journal of Earthquake Engineering 12.Sup2 (2008): 81-91.
Web. 2 Apr. 2015.
Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency “Emergency Support
Function #6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services Annex.” Federal
Emergency Management Agency (2008). n. pag. http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-esf-06.pdf.
Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
Gotham, Kevin. "Racialization and Rescaling:Post-Katrina Rebuilding and The Louisiana Road Home
Program." International Journal of Urban and Regional Research (2014): 773-90. Web. 4 Apr. 2015.
“National Disaster Housing Strategy." Federal Emergency Management Agency (2009).
http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1819-25045-9288/ndhs_core.pdf. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.
“National Disaster Recovery Framework: Housing Recovery Support Function.” Federal Emergency
Management Agency (2011). n. pag. https://www.fema.gov/pdf/recoveryframework/housing_rsf.pdf. Web.
4 Apr. 2015.
Palm Beach County Board Of County Commissioners. "Palm Beach County Disaster Housing Recovery
Strategy." (2014): n. pag. Www.pbcgov.com. Web. 3 Apr. 2015.
Rathfon, Dana, Rachel Davidson, John Bevington, Alessandro Vicini, and Arleen Hill. "Quantitative
Assessment of Post- Disaster Housing Recovery." Wiley Online Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Apr. 2015.
“Uber Shelter: An Emergency Shelter in Disastrous Events.” Tuvie. (2015). n. pag.
http://www.tuvie.com/uber-shelter-an-emergency-shelter-in-disastrous-events/. Web. 5 Apr. 2015.
Zhang, Guomin, Sujeeva Setunge, and Stefanie Van Elmpt. "Using Shipping Containers to Provide
Temporary Housing in Post- Disaster Recovery: Social Case Studies." ELSEVIER (2014): 618-25. Web. 5
Apr. 2015.
Zhang, Yang, and Walter Gillis Peacock. "Planning for Housing Recovery? Lessons Learned From
Hurricane Andrew." Journal of the American Planning Association 76.1 (2009): 5-24. Web. 5 Apr. 2015.
http://www.tbrpc.org/tampabaydisaster/disaster_housing/documents/Disaster_Temporary_Housing_Field
_Manual.doc

39
"Ablenook-modular Universal Space Creation on Demand." Ablenook-modular Universal Space Creation
on Demand - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2015. <http://www.ablenook.com/>.
"Disaster Relief Shelters." Disaster Relief Shelters.Web. 08 June 2015.
<http://www.intershelter.com/emergencies.html>.

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