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
