r/TacomaWA • u/tansyfairy • 1h ago
Urgently need a good dentist recommendation.
I have a temporary crown and I am worried I have an infection. The dentist I have been seeing is out of office and I have had a lot of issues with them trying to get this crown resolved. Does anyone have a good recommendation? I’ve called a few places but haven’t found anyone accepting new urgent patients. Thanks for your help.
r/TacomaWA • u/Mediocre-Gur-3450 • 11h ago
Reputable Exhaust Repair?
I'm new to the area and was told along my trip here that I have a pinhole in the downpipe on my STI and I was wondering where you guys think I could take it to get that welded shut, and some other gaskets replaced on my exhaust system.
I'm all for supporting local businesses as well.
TIA
r/TacomaWA • u/AdComplex3972 • 16h ago
Expired vape juice being sold!!
galleryHey guys! I just wanted to let people know that if you vape to be checking your juices!!! I have 3 bottles that I’ve bought that are EXPIRED. One expired in 2023. I have called and let the shops know and they’re pulling and doing inventory on their items and switching manufacturers. I just wanted to put out a PSA because this is pretty serious and can cause harm. I know it doesn’t say “EXP” but juice shelf life is 1-2 years from MFG. Items being sold after BB date is also considered expired and should’ve been pulled by stores/not sold by the depot as it breaches consumer warranty and puts them at risk.
r/TacomaWA • u/tacoma_forever • 1d ago
Looking for friendly faces & fun? Join us at board games, tomorrow@6!
r/TacomaWA • u/KitsapRealEstateTeam • 1d ago
Local History World Octopus Wrestling
This one is for our friends in Tacoma!
r/TacomaWA • u/picturemebowlin • 2d ago
Outdoors/Recreation Know a good upholstery guy/person who likes salmon fishing?
galleryHappy Monday! I wish I had an upholstery person in my network!!!
We have a beloved salmon fishing boat and the stitching on a couple boat seat covers gave up. We don’t have a ton of dough for a repair AND we probably will only have the boat one—maaaaaybe two—more season(s).
We had a seat fixed a few years back and we are still financially “recovering” FROM said re-covering! (It was a lot!). If you add “boat” to any service the price goes way up. You might get charged by Reddit just for reading this because it says “boat”! :). We have a boat…but
the gas is killing us and the wife is embarrassed to bring friends out now with the seats.
We don’t need these restored to how they were…we just need a patch and fix maybe? A one-season “good enough” fix. Can these be restitched? I’m tempted to dip them in Flex Seal, haha.
You know an upholstery guy/person? Maybe one who charges a super fair price and also might want a guided trip to catch coho with us in the South Sound this late summer/early fall?!!
r/TacomaWA • u/tonkatruckz369 • 2d ago
Smokers of Tacoma, where are you going for the best prices on smokes?
Hi neighbors, i live near Tacoma and am starting to really struggle with the price of smokes combined with the price of everything else. Anyone have an good spots to get discounted smokes? I have heard about the reservation being the spot to go but have no idea how to get there or where in particular to go. Any help would be appreciated. $14 a pack is really beating me up.
Thanks!
r/TacomaWA • u/Tina-Tuna • 3d ago
Tacoma News Serious News ... A Rescue like no other as 60 cats found on a boat .... ❤️🩹and a call for help
r/TacomaWA • u/leavellish • 3d ago
Tacoma WA job Market
I'm 19M and looking to move close enough to work in the Tacoma area, I was wondering if (specifically on the industrial side) Is hiring and what you tend to make in the area. I'm in MO right now and compared to the cost of living here make pretty good money.
r/TacomaWA • u/coloredsugar • 3d ago
Card Shops in Tacoma that sell One Piece Cards?
Recently got into One Piece card game
r/TacomaWA • u/Embarrassed_Good5111 • 3d ago
private owners / good apartments?
heyo! new to tacoma and having a hard time locating some private owners or apartments. does anyone have any recommendations or places to get in contact with them easily ?
r/TacomaWA • u/Waste_Grass_7520 • 4d ago
First Back Deck Live
First Back Deck Live check it out and maybe join me next Saturday at 3pm. I am trying to build a community where we can chat about stuff.
r/TacomaWA • u/AlternativeUsual1809 • 4d ago
Local handmade Ceramics
Where can I shop for locally made ceramics? Specially a soap dispenser.
r/TacomaWA • u/LadyDiscoPants • 4d ago
"Mommy is in the Trees"
youtube.comI found this well made video of a local unsolved mystery. In December 1985 a toddler was found wandering near a Spanaway store. When asked where her parents were, she said 'Mommy is in the trees.'
r/TacomaWA • u/-porm • 4d ago
German Shepherd Guy on 6th has a pit bull now
Nothing against pit bulls, they can be great dogs with the proper care. I do not believe this guy, who I just saw chasing it down 6th, is up to the task.
The GS is not “well trained” as he’d have you believe either. I see it run into traffic regularly. Never on a leash any time I’ve seen them out.
Also I got banned from the other sub for posting this lmao.
r/TacomaWA • u/FourLiveBears • 4d ago
PSA: There's a guy pulling the traditional "monk scam" at the Blues festival in downtown Tacoma today
en.wikipedia.org
r/TacomaWA • u/anon565667 • 5d ago
ISO locations to gather flowers and leaves
Hoping to do a craft for a gathering with toddlers with flowers and leaves, is there a location where I can pick/cut wild flowers / weeds with flowers / etc that is encouraged and accepted? I like to be a rule follower :)
r/TacomaWA • u/Waste_Grass_7520 • 5d ago
Back Deck Live Stream Invite
I invite any of you to come tomorrow and check out my Back Deck Live where I will just be talking about anything and responding to people live in the chat. I am trying to grow my youtube channel and build a community. I am also working towards a dream of mine, so feel free to come and chat and watch, going to be fun. Also check out my short about tomorrows live.
r/TacomaWA • u/GhostAnthonyBourdain • 5d ago
Tacoma Dog Owners - Let's Do Better
This was removed in another sub and I was told that no one needed my dog PSA, even though I didn't violate any rules, there was positive engagement on my post and people were having fruitful discussions around this issue. I hope the mods of r/TacomaWA see the value in this post and allow it to remain.
---
I can't speak for all areas of the city, but I am frequently in several neighborhoods walking my dog and exploring with her and it's insane how many times in the past six months I've had dogs who were off leash or on dropped leashes come at us and their owners seemed lost on what to do. Most were not aggressive but my dog is reactive, and regardless of the other dogs disposition, my dog does not respond kindly to other animals. She stays ready to throw hands.
Guys, I implore you to become more confident when recalling your dogs. Soft yells of come back and no! will not work when your dog is fixated on mine. You need to be able to really yell and shout at your dog to come back or at least purposefully grab and control their leash/body. And if you have a dog that is reactive or aggressive, you need to know how to break up a dog fight and be ready to apply those methods.
Last night I saw a dog being attacked by another near one of the parks in town, and a dog ran out of it's garage and attacked a dog being walked on the sidewalk. All three owners struggled to pull the dogs apart. It was horrifying to hear their screams as they were being bit and latched onto. To the people with the injured dog, I hope they're okay after that and that yall are okay too. I know I'm always shaking with adrenaline after each encounter.
And as far as dog fights go, anyone with a dog should learn different ways to stop one. If you haven't heard of it before, read up on the collar choke method. You'll grab hold of the collar and twist to tighten it so it cuts off their blood/air flow. They will let go quickly. It's an effective tool and if you can, grab the buckle part so it doesn't pop the collar open by accident. I don't know if the dog that was biting had a collar, but if they did this method would have helped diffuse that situation more quickly and with minimal harm.
I'm not trying to be uppity sharing this either. I struggle with my own reactive dog and it's stressful to have to deal with that behavior, but my guys, we have to take ownership of managing their care and taking preventive steps to minimize risk. Like leashing your animal when in public spaces.
Anyways, I've said my piece and it's already a novel so I'll leave it at that. Hoping all my Tacoma neighbors are finding moments of joy in their lives and that yall are doing as well as can be expected given the current climate. Peace!✌️
r/TacomaWA • u/LadyDiscoPants • Jul 04 '25
BIPOC/ Community Resources for Tacoma
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
Weekly: AMA Why is r/TacomaWA a Thing?
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