Peniel Mission Struggles to Feed Tacoma's Growing Unemployed Population
After launching a daily free meal service that is already overwhelmed by 200 hungry men nightly, a local mission considers opening a free shelter to address the deepening city crisis.
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Having successfully inaugurated a free restaurant for unemployed men, the Peniel Mission is seriously thinking of establishing a free lodging house for the unfortunates who are without work and without money. The free meals given once each day at the Mission have only been in effect a few days, but the number of applicants has already reached alarming proportions, showing those in charge the need of immediate aid. Last night 200 men were fed. Miss Larson, who has charge of the mission, wishes all those who need workmen to apply to her or to telephone Main 7291.
“The number of applicants has already reached alarming proportions, showing those in charge the need of immediate aid.”
Tacoma’s struggle to address systemic poverty through mission-based charity is a historical echo of the ongoing debates around municipal responsibility, housing instability, and the role of social services in current city planning.
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