$2.1M Homeless Shelter Set to Open in Washington

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A Washington city is getting ready to open a $2.1 million temperature-controlled outdoor homeless shelter.

KING-TV reports the shelter is the second phase of Tacoma's emergency homeless plan. It's scheduled to open June 26.

Deputy Tacoma Fire Chief Tory Green says the large fabric structure will provide enough room to house people comfortably.

City officials are trying to avoid the term "tent city," although tents will be set up inside for the estimated 65 people the shelter will house.

The shelter is being built in response to an increased number of homeless people in the area.

Officials have talked about building transitional housing in the future and possibly tiny houses for homeless people wanting to get back on track.