By Shaun Scott, Puyallup Tribal News
A plethora of individuals in need throughout the Tacoma region garnered assistance on Dec. 7 at the annual Helping the Homeless event at the former Puyallup Tribal Administration Building on Portland Avenue.
The event, which kicked off at 10 a.m. on a rainy Saturday morning, saw hundreds of people pick up sleeping bags, tarps, tents, gloves, hats, coats, scarfs, shoes, non-perishable food and other clothing and hygiene items.
In addition, hot dogs and hot coffee was made available as fire pits and portable heaters were provided to provide warmth and comfort to every person in attendance as they enjoyed their hot meal and warm beverage.
This was the second consecutive year the event was held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Puyallup Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller, who has organized the event for more than 15 years, was in constant motion throughout the entire day, interacting with volunteers and unhoused individuals in the community.
“We have all been in a hard spot at some time and it’s really important that we don’t forget where we came from and we don’t forget there is other people that are having a hard time. To see all of these people volunteering, it warms the heart and makes you feel really good about humanity, caring and compassion,” Miller said. “The Puyallup Tribe has been so generous to do this every year. We have so many volunteers and so many people that care about our community. It is really heartwarming.”
Many volunteers brought their children along to lend a helping hand, as well. Seeing generations working together to help those who need it the most is something Miller loves to witness. The seed of compassion and gratitude has undoubtedly been planted.
“What is really good is to see all these youngsters out here, all these young kids who are helping,” Miller said.
Tribal Council Member James Rideout expressed empathy and concern for unhoused people in the region.
“First and foremost, I don’t like people being in this position (homeless). People are suffering. It’s nice to be able to give to them at a very difficult time, the wintertime. When it’s cold and wet, giving them some warmth from us is a beautiful thing,” Rideout said. “To be able to be where we are at as a Tribe today to give back and contribute for a temporary fix for a long-term problem is a good feeling.”
Tribal Council Lead Secretary Angel Robertiello has worked alongside Miller since the beginning (15 years ago) to do everything in her power to help unhoused people throughout the area. It is something that is near and dear to her heart and is always on her mind. Her daily commute to work won’t let her forget it.
“I drive to work every day and I go under the bridges to get here. I see all of these people of different ages, races and sizes, and this is the one thing I know I can help with all the time,” Robertiello said. “It makes me feel good to see all of these different generations here helping. My daughter and my grandkids are on their way to come help. This is what we do at the Puyallup Tribe. We teach our kids the art of giving to people.”
Tribal Council Member Monica Miller displayed her well-known smile throughout the duration of the day. Having this occur every December on a yearly basis means everything to her.
“It is amazing and means a lot. It is heartwarming to give these people clothing, sleeping bags, tarps and tents. They are having a hard life out there being homeless. Any way we can help keep them warm, safe and clothed, is all of my heart right there,” she said.
The Helping the Homeless gathering wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of the Tribe’s hardworking event management team. Community Event Coordinator Chester Earl and Event Assistant Charlene Delacruz were part of a group who helped set up the night before and two hours before the event kicked off. Hardworking staff members set up tents, tables, chairs, heaters, firepits and filled up giveaway backpacks as well.
“Knowing the work and the sweat equity you are putting in is going to help a lot of individuals who really need it and give them a helping hand up is a good feeling. I was raised to always give a hand up to individuals,” Earl said.
Delacruz loved seeing the community come together to share their love and respect for those in need.
“We want them to know that we care and that we’re here,” Delacruz said.
