Showing posts with label homeless. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeless. Show all posts

Health Through Housing: King county purchases three properties including one in North Seattle for homeless housing

Friday, July 30, 2021

The former Extended Stay America in North Seattle is located at 13300 Stone Ave N and contains 131 units. King County previously announced another acquisition of a former Holiday Inn Express on Aurora Ave N earlier this month. Photo courtesy King County.


King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the county’s plans to purchase its sixth, seventh, and eighth Health Through Housing properties for a total of $96 million today at a press conference in Seattle. Together the properties now under purchase and sale agreements will soon provide housing for up to 313 people experiencing homelessness.

The agreements announced today are for the purchase of the former Extended Stay America in Federal Way for $23 million, a brand-new apartment building, Canton Lofts, in Pioneer Square for $32 million, and the former Extended Stay America in North Seattle for $41 million

With other purchases already announced, King County is positioned to welcome almost 850 chronically homeless people off the streets and into their new homes before this winter.

"For too long, we’ve let process stand in the way of progress, and with our regional partners across King County we have acted swiftly to purchase the first eight Health Through Housing properties, a substantial step forward in our regional solution to chronic homelessness," said Executive Constantine. 
"Two months ago I announced the first purchase for Health through Housing, and with today’s announcement we’ll soon have 850 new supportive housing units ready to serve our community before this winter, and up to 1600 by the end of next year."

See more here



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King County purchases Auburn hotel for Health Through Housing

Friday, July 23, 2021

County Executive Dow Constantine and Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus
Photo courtesy King County

King County has purchased the former Clarion Inn in Auburn, the fifth hotel purchase through the Health through Housing Initiative. 

King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and other guests at a news conference today to announce the $11.8 million purchase of the hotel, which will soon provide housing for up to 102 people experiencing homelessness.

"With this acquisition another 100 people will be able to come in off the street, as this partnership with Mayor Backus and Auburn will set another piece of the puzzle to ending chronic homelessness in King County," said Executive Constantine. 
"Our approach is straightforward - practical and humane - and we’re thrilled to be able to offer more people in South King County the chance at a fresh start. We’re thankful to the City of Auburn and the Auburn business community for stepping up to help people out of homelessness and into a clean, safe, dignified place of their own - with the support to stay housed."

"We are excited by the opportunity this facility creates to support Auburn’s unsheltered community and bridge the gap for our region’s permanent supportive housing needs," said Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus. "We look forward to working closely with the county as we move forward in determining a service provide that can best meet the needs of the residents at this location."

The former Clarion Inn in Auburn is located at 9 16th Street Northwest and is conveniently located near transportation options and other services. It was constructed in 1998 and contains 102 units.

The Health through Housing program provides people experiencing, and at risk of, chronic homelessness with safe, single-room housing. The building will serve initially as emergency supportive housing and will later be converted to permanent supportive housing.

In addition to a room to call their own, the hotel will offer residents 24/7 staffing and onsite supports to help very vulnerable people regain health and stability. A competitive process will determine the onsite service provider before the facility is operational later this year.

As with all Health through Housing initiative hotel purchases, King County worked closely with local leaders to complete the purchase, coordinating with leaders from the city of Auburn.



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Seattle Veterinary Outreach at Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center July 21 - not just for pets

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Look for the big red mobile parked in front of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center on July 21st from 11:00am to 2:00pm

Story and photos by Donna Hawkey

"We're a portal to better health," says Dr. Hanna Ekström, founder of the mobile Seattle Veterinary Outreach, SVO, which provides free veterinary care for the pets of owners who are homeless, and pay-what-you-can for people living low-income and having difficulty paying for veterinary services.

The SVO mobile will be parked in front of the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center on July 21, 2021 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Depending on how many veterinarians volunteer, the mobile clinic can provide service for between 20 and 35 pets, so come early if your pet has an urgent need.

Since starting the organization in 2019, they have treated over 1,000 pets. People travel from all over, sometimes as far as Tacoma, to receive these essential services.

Dr. Hanna Ekström, founder of Seattle Veterinary Outreach.
"Everyone Deserves Kindness"

Dr. Ekström extended her outreach services to pet owner needs in 2020 because when caring for people’s pets, she saw firsthand the needs of the pet owner, too. She also realized that she could build on the trust shared between veterinarian and pet owner to help people find better health for themselves.

"I see it in their faces, the struggle and the hardships that would seem insurmountable to most of us. It shows the power of human resilience, and the lengths people will go to keep their beloved pet healthy and happy."

The pet owner was both thrilled that her puppies got check-ups, and that “ I signed up for health care too – and right here!”

In early 2021, she hired a social worker, Scott Beck, to help better connect people to human-need resources. In four months, he has provided over 400 referrals to local human service providers. 

 

"Many referrals are for things like gas cards, bus passes, and food assistance, but lots of people don't know that they qualify for these benefits or don't know how to access them. Also, many of our clients don’t own a cell phone or computer, which is a huge obstacle to filling out applications. 
"So, we can get the ball rolling for them by helping fill in applications, teaming with Access Wireless to provide a free phone, or with Molina Healthcare to get them connected to healthcare and a caseworker who can continue to assist them as they navigate the many barriers to finding housing and health.”


This pet owner plays with a donated toy for his best buddy.  He said “I could not afford to own a pet if it were not for all the services here, I’m very thankful.”

Recently Mr. Beck was able to help get a man housed who has been homeless for 15 years. He suffers from severe PTSD from his active-duty time in the Marines. He had been living in a tent while battling cancer, managing his diabetes, and caring for his two beloved cats. Very few shelters allow pets.


“When you consider the power of that only friend or family member - think about it - would you leave your child or best friend on the street so that you could go into a shelter?” says Dr. Ekström. 
“Most people could not imagine such a choice, and when your life is torn apart, a relationship with a beloved pet can sustain you until you can the help needed to put your life back together again. 
"And from the pet’s point of view, cats and dogs don't need buildings to live in, but they do need the unconditional love of their owners. Getting people housed is a win-win-win for the person, the pet, and our community.”

The pet owners she sees are there for their pets no matter their financial circumstances, especially when their pet is sick. 

"Pets can be a person's only family member. Someone told me he would skip meals and his medicine so that he could buy glaucoma drops for his beloved dog. I would do the same if I were in a similar position."

Researchers have observed that the pet bond is so close for a person who has become homeless that they become a pack of two. Anxiety is naturally eased because they spend all their time together in such a close bond. A strong feeling of safety is created that’s healthy for both humans and pets.

Waiting and being patient is easy when you have your best friend on your lap.

Dr. Eckström said that "While meeting so many different people such as a woman that could have been my grandmother, every day this work opens up my heart even more than the day before. There are so many unfortunate stigmas associated with unhoused people. 

"I can tell you that people who are homeless are not all drug addicts, and it is not personal failing that puts so many in this dire situation, it is the effect of childhood adverse experiences, trauma, and structural racism. 
"The complex and tragic stories behind many of those living homeless require new tools in our toolbelt, along with empathy and the ability to provide hope."

Another way she provides hope is through her work with her Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar team, made up of herself, Dr. Catherine Wheeler, Jessica Lowery, RN, and Cholette Ness, LVT. This team works to bring primary care, harm reduction, and wound care to folks living in tents and RVs throughout the city of Seattle. 

Dr. Wheeler says, “by meeting people where they are, we can work together with our clients, and hopefully transition them to regular care either with the King County Med Van, or a regular primary care provider.” Dr. Ekström adds, “our outreach work is just one more doorway through which people can get connected to the resources they need to live healthier lives, for themselves, and for their pets.”

Pet homelessness

On average, there are five homeless dogs or cats per one homeless person in America. According to Shelter Animals Count, shelters are so overrun with dogs and cats that approximately 1.5 million dogs and cats are euthanized per year. If you are considering adoption, please take a look at shelter pets first. Dr. Ekström herself loves her three rescued pets fiercely and gratefully!


Donated pet items from beds to treats to personalized name tags can all be found right here!

Here are further thoughts and insights from Dr. Ekström:

How do you receive funding?

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation provided a three-year grant totaling almost $500,000, which helped us expand our team to include a primary care physician and a nurse who can see people while we are seeing pets. 

In addition, we have received a sustaining grant from the Jacobi Foundation which has truly been our organizations life-blood as we worked to establish this program. We have also received funds from the Seattle Foundation, the ASPCA, Petsmart, and Banfield, as well as from many private individuals who believe in our mission. Last but not least, we are blessed with a strong team of passionate volunteers who work side by side to improve the culture of health for the people and pets we serve.

Having Molina Healthcare on site helps people get answers to their questions first hand rather than having to experience the frustrations of trying to apply online. Enrollees get the option of signing up for a caseworker to help them navigate through the oftentimes complicated process of obtaining housing. Molina also teams with a wireless phone provider so enrollees have a way to stay in touch with their doctors. 

What are your greatest strengths as an organization?


Partnerships have been one of our best strengths. We partner with medical doctors, nurses, and technicians. We develop working relationships with social service providers such as Real Change News, Recovery Café, and local Food Banks. In addition, we partner with Molina Healthcare to help connect folks with healthcare, and Access wireless to get free phones into the hands of those who need them.

What was one big surprise for you?

I had no idea that this project would grow so quickly. When I started, we just had four volunteers working one day a month! The need is so much bigger than I anticipated, we are now offering eight clinics a month and would love to do more!

A pet loving Subaru driving and hiking club raised $2,200 cleaning up back road trails. The event was supported by a Subaru dealer who printed t-shirts for everyone.   

Describe your most significant return on this work
.

This work builds trust among people who have lost faith in others by building on the human-animal bond as a great uniter. By providing loving care to people’s pets, we aspire to bring hope and health to “both ends of the leash.” Finally, our work helps keep our community healthy by potentially limiting the spread of disease from pets to people, for example, Rabies, Leptospirosis, and Typhus.

It is very rewarding work-connecting to people through their pets brings us joy, as well as pride that we are making a difference in our community. It is great to see how SVO is providing a portal to better health for both pets and their owners.

What are some of the most significant challenges?

Sadly, there are not enough social and mental health services to keep up with the increasing demand-we just don’t have enough spaces to send people to for treatment.

What are your greatest needs as a young organization?

Our organization desperately needs more veterinarians and licensed vet techs to help provide service to clients in need. Having experienced volunteer social workers would improve our effectiveness, and we also need volunteers to help with marketing, grant writing, etc.

Sometime in the near future, we hope to be able to open a clinic so we can provide spay and neuter services for pets, we currently have over 180 pets waiting for this essential service! We would also provide dental services for pets in need. Anyone want to run a capital campaign?!?

For more information, to donate, or to run a capital campaign! Visit Seattle Veterinary Outreach, a 501c3 non-profit https://www.seattlevet.org/

The Senior Center is located in the southernmost building on the Shoreline Center campus, 18560 1st Ave NE, facing NE 185th.



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New program will help house King county veterans

Friday, July 16, 2021

The first veteran has already been enrolled in the program. Photo courtesy King County.

To increase utilization of federal housing vouchers to house more local Veterans, King County, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the King County Housing Authority have joined forces to develop a pioneering new program to aid local Veterans.
 
The Collaborative Case Management (CCM) Pilot Program will combine the power of VA and their federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, the expertise of the King County Veterans Program social services staff, and housing units coordinated through the King County Housing Authority to help Veterans experiencing homelessness connect to safe and stable housing.

"King County is proud to join our partners at the VA and the King County Housing Authority to maximize federal and local assistance to house veterans and their families," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
"Working together, we are creating housing and supportive services so that every Veteran returning to King County after serving our country can secure a safe and stable home."


"Nobody who serves in our military, risking their lives to defend us and our country, should experience homelessness," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough

"That’s why we worked with King County to create the Collaborative Case Management Pilot program, which will maximize our capacity to help local Veterans obtain and maintain the stable housing they have earned. I hope this collaboration can serve as a nationwide model for preventing and ending Veterans homelessness, and VA looks forward to implementing similar partnerships in communities across America."



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King county purchases hotel in Redmond for housing for people experiencing homelessness

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond purchased for
permanent housing for people who are homeless
King County has just completed its fourth hotel purchase through the #HealthThroughHousing Initiative. 

What was formerly known as the Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond will soon become 144 units of permanent housing for King County residents experiencing chronic homelessness.

Across King County, communities are stepping up to the challenge of addressing chronic homelessness.

County Executive Dow Constantine said "I’m thankful to Mayor Angela Birney and the City of Redmond, Washington for bringing this vision to life for the people of this region."

Previously the county purchased The Holiday Inn in North Seattle (see article)



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King county purchases former Holiday Inn for supportive housing for chronically homeless

Friday, July 9, 2021

Holiday Inn purchased for homeless housing
Photo courtesy King County
King County has completed the purchase of its third property in the Health through Housing Initiative, the former Holiday Inn Express and Suites North Seattle, adding an additional 99 units of supportive housing for the chronically homeless.

"We're glad to be able to partner with the City of Seattle on the County's third hotel purchase to help our most vulnerable residents regain health and stability," said Executive Constantine. 
"Health through Housing is a powerful tool to change people's lives, helping them off the street and into a safe and secure place to call home."

The hotel, located at 14115 Aurora Ave N in North Seattle, was constructed in 2001 and contains 99 units and sits on approximately 1.91 acres. The site has one building and parking areas for residents.

The hotel will provide housing for people experiencing chronic or long-term homelessness, along with 24/7 onsite staffing that will include case management and access to physical and behavioral health services. A competitive process will determine the onsite service provider before the facility is operational later this year

"The coronavirus pandemic and recent record-breaking heat have exposed the critical link between health and housing," said Rep. Cindy Ryu. 
"The partnership between the state, King County, city governments, and local residents to urgently deliver permanent supportive housing through the purchase of properties like the former Holiday Inn Express on Aurora Avenue is one of the most exciting advancements in our efforts to reduce homelessness. 
"This property is perfectly suited to provide housing stability and wraparound services for health and wellbeing."

As with all purchases pursued through the Health through Housing Initiative, King County has worked closely with local leaders, coordinating with the City of Seattle. King County has previously purchased two hotels in the Health through Housing initiative, a former extended stay hotel in Renton with 110 units, and the Inn at Queen Anne with 80 units.

The $17.5 million purchase price of the hotel was funded by the Health through Housing initiative that dedicates one tenth of a cent of sales tax revenues for the purchase of hotels, motels and other single room settings for use as emergency and permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic and long-term homelessness in King County.

The King County Council approved the initiative and the implementation of the funding. The sales tax was made possible by the Washington State Legislature by creating a dedicated fund source to help in addressing the crisis of homelessness.



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Police incidents with homeless individuals in Lake Forest Park

Friday, June 11, 2021

Acacia Mausoleum photo by Jerry Pickard 
LFP Police report that there have been over 12 calls and/or on-view contacts with homeless or suspected homeless subjects in last couple of weeks. 

Two subjects were sent to hospital for mental health evaluations due to the inability to care for self and/or danger to others. 

Other subjects were offered services; however, they refused.

The police have received several calls on a panhandler at Albertsons. The subject and his young child were contacted by officers and offered services; the subject continues to decline offers.

A homeless subject previously trespassed from Acacia, caused approximately $20,000 in damage to the marble in the mausoleum. The damage was caused by writing on untreated marble with Sharpie type pen.

Previously, officers received regular complaints regarding a small trailer parked legally. Subject is repairing trailer to live in after his lease is up in his LFP apartment. Officers worked with church officials to provide temporary parking in the church parking lot.



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Coming in out of the cold - Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter finishes winter season and thanks the people who made it happen

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

St. Dunstan's Church in Shoreline hosted the cold weather shelter

March 31, 2021 signaled the end of the second year of activation for the Severe Weather Shelter in Shoreline.

The shelter provided critical support during some of our coldest nights this past winter. The shelter was activated ten times between November 1st and March 31st, with an average of six guests per night. 

We are grateful to have been able to offer a warm, dry, and welcoming space for those who wanted to get out of the elements (or their vehicles) and enjoy a hot drink, some snacks and resources, relax, and sleep.

People hear about the activation in a couple of different ways. The night before, an email goes out to a distribution list of 75 people who are in agencies that interact with folks who might need a warm safe space for the night. And Shoreline Area News posts an activation notification. 

This year, Diane Hettrick suggested that, in addition to the notification email and change to the hotline message, we also create a dedicated Facebook page with a daily update. And of course, that was a brilliant addition.

The cold weather shelter at
St. Dunstan's Church
Volunteers worked in shifts of two people in twelve hour shifts. Huge thanks to Annthea Vining, Brian Peterka, Corinne McKisson, Devon Peterka, Florence Gustafson, Jason Metcalf-Lindenburger, Meghan Peterka, Michael Fleming, and Mike Dee for taking those shifts this season. 

Thanks also to volunteer Stephanie Henry for updating the Ronald United Methodist reader board to announce activation nights.

For the above and beyond award, we recognize Lake City Partners' Jonathan Neufeld, who opened every night with our volunteers and came back every morning to help close up. 
Between the day center, the Bitter Lake shelter that opened up, and the SWS, he was definitely burning the candle at both ends, and for that we owe him many thanks.

Thank you goes to the phenomenal Rev David Marshall and the wonderful congregation at St. Dunstan's Church for offering such a gracious space to welcome our guests, and for being so easy to work with.

Thank you to the City of Shoreline, and especially Bethany Wolbrecht-Dunn, without whom we couldn't have made this happen this year. She did all the background checks, worked logistics and permits, and supported the whole program 110%.

Thank you to bridge-building nonprofit NUHSA, and especially Silje Sodal, who covered every base imaginable (and even some that weren't). Every last detail was attended to, every resource tapped, every connection made.

And thanks to the community for supporting the effort. We had clothing, sleeping bags and blankets, snacks, publicity, and well wishes sent our way over the last few months, and it makes all the difference for those who can then enjoy a simple mat, a fully belly, a place to plug in, and a night of warmth and security.

Once again, I count myself lucky to be in this community when it shows up in such a multifaceted, multi-layered, loving way.

Lisa Surowiec
Severe Weather Shelter Volunteer Coordinator and NUHSA Board member



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New residents settle in at The Oaks enhanced shelter

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Photo courtesy Lake City Partners

Director Melanie Neufeld reports that 16 people moved in to rooms at the North King County Enhanced Shelter aka The Oaks on April 1, 2021.

Two of the residents were outside, enjoying the sunshine in the courtyard.

"They were all so grateful for the privacy of their own rooms and large spaces outdoors!"

The Oaks belongs to King county and was purchased with money from the Department of Commerce. It is run by the Lake City Partners.



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North King County Enhanced Shelter opens

Friday, April 2, 2021

The reception area at the shelter the day before it opened
Photo courtesy King county

King County councilmember Rod Dembowski and County Executive Dow Constantine, toured the Lake City Partners new shelter at 16357 Aurora Avenue on March 31st ahead of its April 1st opening. They were joined by City of Shoreline and King County Housing Authority representatives. The shelter will support 60 individuals, prioritizing those experiencing homelessness in the City of Shoreline.

On April 1, Lake City Partners began providing services at the North King County Enhanced Shelter in Shoreline. 

Located in the former Oaks Nursing Home located at 16357 Aurora Avenue N, the Enhanced Shelter will provide 24/7 shelter services for up to 60 individuals when fully operational. 

The City of Shoreline and Lake City Partners (LCP) worked in partnership with King County and King County Housing Authority (KCHA) to quickly turn the former nursing home into an enhanced shelter to help address an unmet need for a 24/7 shelter in North King County.

Its prior use as a nursing home makes the facility particularly well suited to provide a safe housing option. Separate rooms are the best way to protect both residents and staff from spreading COVID or other airborne illness. In addition, individual rooms provide privacy and security for residents as they work to stabilize their health and find permanent housing.

An enhanced shelter is a particular type of emergency shelter that serves individuals seven days a week around the clock. It recognizes that individuals need to have safe and stable shelter to effectively address the challenges preventing long-term housing stability. Access to the shelter will be based on an individual’s ability to maintain behaviors that are safe in a community setting. 

The Shelter will also provide case management, meals, hygiene, health services, and laundry. Drug and alcohol use will not be allowed in the facility. Local first responders; social service agencies in Shoreline and North King County; and outreach staff employed by the program will refer individuals to the facility once it is fully operational.

Rod Dembowski and Dow Constantine tour the new facility
Photo courtesy King county

 
King County Executive Dow Constantine, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, and staff from Shoreline and KCHA toured the facility on March 31. Lake City Partners began moving in approximately 20 individuals from their winter shelter program on April 1. LCP will not operate the Shelter at full capacity for several weeks as it ramps up operations.

“A former nursing home in Shoreline has new life and a new purpose as it opens to bring indoors 60 people in North King County who are currently experiencing homelessness,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“This extraordinary collaboration with the City of Shoreline ensures that guests not only find a safe place to sleep in a room of their own, but they can also connect to the onsite services they need to rebuild health and stability. ”


“We are committed to taking on the challenge of homelessness in our community,” stated Shoreline Mayor Will Hall. “We believe this shelter can provide a much needed service for our community while also being a good neighbor.”

“I want to express my deep gratitude to Lake City Partners, the City of Shoreline, the King County Housing Authority and our own Department of Community and Human Services,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski. 
“We came together in a tremendous partnership to take care of the most vulnerable in our community. This housing will save lives and represents the best in community action to solve our most pressing local challenge.”

“KCHA is delighted to partner with King County, the City of Shoreline and Lake City Partners on this critical project,” said Stephen Norman, Executive Director King County Housing Authority. “This is one of a number of efforts we are participating in across the county. It is more essential now than ever that safe shelter and an adequate supply of permanent affordable housing be available in our community.”

"Pre-Covid, people relied on coffee shops, libraries, faith-based and other public spaces as well as shelter and other homeless services to find a sense of community, warmth, and shared experience,” stated Melanie Neufeld, Director of Lake City Partners. 
“This last year has been extremely difficult with no place to go. After this experience of isolation - something that we can all relate to –we are so grateful to be able to welcome 60 single adults and couples into a warm space where they won't be told they have to leave at a certain time, can have their own privacy, and start to feel human again/part of community again."

 

One of the rooms at the enhanced shelter
Photo courtesy King county

KCHA provided the interim funding to purchase the property for use in the near-term as a 24/7 enhanced shelter. King County will provide the long-term acquisition financing and has a long-term plan to redevelop the property for permanent supportive housing.

Operational funding for the enhanced shelter will come largely from King County through a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The City will provide additional operational funding.

Lake City Partners will operate the program. This organization, formed out of a neighborhood task force beginning in 2007, has coordinated a winter shelter for the last five years. 

Since 2018, they have partnered with the City to provide homeless outreach services and have supported the operation of the severe weather shelter in Shoreline the past two winters. 

Lake City Partners works with a network of more than 600 volunteers including members of the faith community, social service organizations, homeless advocates, governmental agencies, and neighbors to provide shelter and housing navigation services to help bring stability to individuals facing homelessness.

Updated financial information 4-6-2021



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Break-in and vandalism at St. Dunstan’s will not stop the Community Dinner program that has been feeding people every Tuesday for 10 years

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Fortunately, the damage did not extend to the basement which became a makeshift kitchen with cookers and lots of extension cords

Prior to the pandemic, St. Dunstan’s provided an indoor buffet style dinner with an emphasis on good tasting, nutritious and attractively displayed food. All were welcome to enjoy a free dinner made mostly from food gleaned from Shoreline grocery stores.

Instead of dumping unsold produce, grocery stores are allowed to give it to groups like St. Dunstans

Some weeks, as many as 200 people were served in the Parish Hall, all enjoying a good meal and the company of others. Weekly hot meals were also delivered to three city-sanctioned tent camps. When a national holiday fell on a Tuesday, the Community Dinner still went on with many memorable meals served on Christmas Eve and Christmas. 

St. Dunstan’s has kept the Community Dinner tradition going through many challenges and hardships this year. Despite a raft of issues, staff and volunteers remained steadfast in their commitment to keep feeding their neighbors every Tuesday:

In early March 2020, as COVID emerged, it was clear that indoor dining was no longer possible. Without missing a single week, church staff and volunteers pivoted from indoor meals to setting up large tables out front and filling them with hot entrees, salads, fruit and desserts, all packaged to go. 

A sink with soap and hot water was wheeled out, and guests were asked to social distance while waiting in line. Delivery to the tent camps continued. Free masks have been distributed by the thousands. 

St. Dunstan's has become used to working outside during the pandemic. The food is all packaged up and ready to go. People can eat at outdoor tables or take the food with them.

In July 2020, the beautiful 5’ bronze Celtic Cross was stolen from the roof of the church, (see previous article) and despite the disappointment, Tuesday dinners continued.   

Later in July 2020, someone broke in to the church office and caused extensive interior damage, requiring deep cleaning, and replacement of furniture and equipment. And Tuesday dinners continued.  

Last week, on March 18, 2020, a young man broke in by shattering the glass front doors of the church. The Shoreline Police and Fire Department were on the scene quickly and arrested the individual, but in the short amount of time he was indoors, he sprayed fire retardant all over the kitchen, the parish hall and sanctuary. 

Father Marshall points to the fire extinguisher spray on the piano cover. The organ was not covered and the dust would have been pulled into the instrument before someone was able to turn it off

Surfaces are coated with a substance which requires hazmat cleaning. As a result, staff and volunteers cannot safely enter the kitchen to prepare the Community Dinner.  Instead, the team  used a flotilla of crock pots to heat up a simple meal. St. Dunstan’s was able to cheerfully greet guests after quite a challenging week, and give them tasty chili and other treats.  

St. Dunstan’s Community Dinner is a fine example of what a church, a small group of volunteers, and our local grocers can do when they are committed to welcoming and feeding neighbors every week. 

Come rain or shine, pandemic or break-in, if it’s Tuesday, dinner is on!

Volunteers taking food to three tent camps

They cooked at noon and handed out food at 3:30pm. They also delivered dinner to three sanctioned tent camps!

For more information, see their website at sdchp.org or contact The Reverend David Marshall, at 206-334-0175. 

Father Marshall made a walk-through video of the church to document the damage. It can be viewed here

--Story and photos from St. Dunstan's



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Progress made: donated art on the walls at North King County Enhanced Shelter at the Oaks

Thursday, March 18, 2021

In the hallway

Volunteers have hung the donated artworks in the wing of the North King County Enhanced Shelter at the Oaks which will be the first to open.

We will be hanging the rest once we have our feet under us a little more, but it have already made the building so much more life-giving.

Every room has two paintings

Lake Forest Park artist Billy King organized the art donation after he toured the shelter while it was being refurbished. As an artist, he immediately thought that it would be uplifting for people to have beauty around them while they were working to get their lives back together.


In a room

The first collection day they received 150 works of art. So Billy did it again and got more - enough for every room, common area, and hallway.

Grace Helmcke, with Lake City Partners - who are managing the King county-owned shelter - said,

I know I for one am completely humbled by the outpouring of support for our organization and what we are doing!

Because the art is donated by almost 100-200 people, there is amazing variety.



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Artworks donations so successful that organizer Billy King wants more this Saturday

Thursday, February 25, 2021

North King County Enhanced Shelter at the Oaks
accepting art works Saturday noon to 2pm

Lake Forest Park artist Billy King organized an art drive for art works to hang in the new North King County Enhanced Shelter at the Oaks. (see previous article)

At the drive, held Saturday, February 20, 2021, Billy was hoping for 124 works of art - two for each resident room in the facility.

We received 150 donated works of art! Can you believe it! I'm still getting calls from people wanting to make additional donations.

Billy said that local artists stepped up to help but most of the donations were from seniors looking to downsize - and happy to find a good home for their cherished pieces.

With that success, Billy now has larger ambitions - and he's counting on our readers to help.

Wow! Shoreline Area News casts a wide net, as I was still getting phone calls about the project days after. So we are going to do it one. More. Time.

Homeless Art Drop Off #2
Saturday, February 27, 2021 from Noon - 2pm
North King County Enhanced Shelter at the Oaks
16357 Aurora North, cross street 165th

"Billy says: Bring art any size Ready to Hang. Yes those pieces in the back of the closet, in storage, surplused.

"62 Units of  Homeless Housing seek art esp. from Local Artists and Residents

"It's a big facility, not only housing but several common areas, a kitchen and dining area, reception, etc. Formerly the Oaks Senior living facility. Last weekend we had 150 artworks delivered. With this coming weekend's collection there should be art throughout the facility. See you there...." 

If you have questions, text Billy.

Billy King 
Wm V King
billyking.com
206.340.8881 for text


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Eagle Scout project: donate your old phones and chargers

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Pilsung Kwak stands next to a store display which includes his drop off box
Photo courtesy Pilsung Kwak

Pilsung Kwak is currently conducting his Eagle Scout project with Troop 309 and The Lake Forest Park Rotary Club. Troop 309 is led by Scoutmaster Dwight Thompson and Assistant Scoutmaster Todd Wunder, who are both providing help in planning and conducting the project. 

Kwak explains, "My project is a phone donation drive in which I am collecting ANY type of phone in ANY condition as well as things such as chargers (portable or not) and phone cases."

These cellphones will be donated to the Youth Services Committee of the Lake Forest Park Rotary Foundation and given to homeless teenagers after restoration. 

Homeless teenagers require these phones to call for help, find jobs, study for school, etc. and these issues have been exacerbated by COVID-19. Most businesses allow limited in-person access meaning phones are an even more vital resource. 

The project is currently ongoing and will be conducted until March 1st. 

"I currently have 4 stores that serve as drop-off zones for the phones. In each store is a box which I put there to collect the phones. 

These stores are:


Each store has a drop-off box which will be regularly cleaned and emptied by volunteers from my Troop. Simply drop your phone and other miscellaneous objects into the box and we will take care of the rest. 

Please abide by all Covid-19 restrictions while donating your phones. Thank you very much for helping better our community. 

For more information or question, they have a website at: https://www.bsa309.org/eagleproject or email pskwak22@gmail.com




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Contribute artworks to the new homeless shelter this Saturday

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Fill the rooms with art at the
new homeless shelter 165th and Aurora
Google Maps

Saturday, February 20, 2021, 12 noon to 5pm, 16357 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133, west side of the street, plenty of parking. For more information contact Billy King phone 206-340-8881.

Local artist Billy King is spearheading a project to fill the rooms at the new homeless shelter at 160th and Aurora with art.

Billy says, "I read about it in the Shoreline Area News. I wondered if they would want art for the rooms and the answer is a resounding YES! So I took the tour and it is a FANTASTIC facility.

"The facility has everything you can imagine; it’s quite large, single story, with 62 one room units, each with a new twin bed, closets and sink... it’s nice!

"Plus there's a full commercial kitchen, many activity rooms, bathrooms in the room or in the hall, parking, games area, it’s all here. The clients are homeless; the type of housing is low barrier. They will be allowed to drink or smoke, depending. The facility will have many attendants on site.

"King County now owns the building so rent is not an issue.

"I think it would be cool while the homeless are getting their life together, they are viewing local art. So would you be interested in placing your art in this location? Good for you!"

Billy is looking to fill the rather large facility with local art with a goal of two pictures per room - 124 art works.

The first drop off is this Saturday and everyone is hoping for the weather to cooperate.

Artists / donors


For tax purposes please create your own donation statement and leave a copy with us at the facility. If we can't issue receipts that day your receipt will be mailed or emailed to you. Include your name, and contact info; Title of artwork, size, medium, year, and value, printed on one 8x11 sheet of paper. Hand printed ok x2..

Slap something on the back too about the artwork if you like. The non-profit sponsor/recipient is the Mennonite Church of Seattle of Lake City (Lake City Partners https://lakecitypartners.org/)



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CLOSED: The Shoreline Emergency Cold Weather Shelter will not be open Sunday night

Sunday, February 14, 2021

The shelter will not be opening Sunday evening.

Call the King County’s Crisis Line at 866-427-4747 to connect people to the most up-to-date shelter options during severe weather.



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Shoreline Emergency Cold Weather Shelter activated for Thursday and Friday

Thursday, February 11, 2021

 

The Shoreline Emergency Cold Weather Shelter has been activated for Thursday and Friday nights February 11, and 12, 2021.

The Hotline number is 206-801-2797. See previous information about the Shelter HERE

For shelter help at other times, call 211 from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Monday through Friday.

Outside of that time, call the King County’s Crisis Line at 866-427-4747 to connect people to the most up-to-date shelter options during severe weather.



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Shoreline Emergency Cold Weather Shelter activated for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

Sunday, February 7, 2021


The Shoreline Emergency Cold Weather Shelter has been activated for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights February 8, 9, 10, 2021.

The Hotline number is 206-801-2797. See previous information about the Shelter HERE

For shelter help at other times, call 211 from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Monday through Friday.

Outside of that time, call the King County’s Crisis Line at 866-427-4747 to connect people to the most up-to-date shelter options during severe weather.



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Oaks enhanced shelter in Shoreline: Opening update

Friday, January 29, 2021

Volunteers help to paint the interior
Photo courtesy Lake City Partners
By Donna Hawkey

Melanie Neufeld, Director of Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness, anticipates opening the “Oaks Enhanced Shelter” at 163rd and Aurora Ave by the end of February. 

This is the former 60 room nursing home that was purchased last year in a significant effort to end homelessness in our area. 

Ms. Neufeld states in admirable anticipation that “this will be the first enhanced 24/7 shelter in Shoreline and the entire North end.”  

Twenty rooms are ready. These rooms will be lived in by unhoused people who now participate in their winter shelter.

The Courtyard at The Oaks
Photo courtesy Lake City Partners
There are a total of sixty rooms - starting with twenty as a first step - and they will grow the room availability after they experience this early stage.

Lake City Partners works closely with the City of Shoreline and King County. 

All three groups meet together once per week to maintain a healthy communication flow. 

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the first opening target date of December 31, 2020, was not met. Currently, King County faces challenges with fire panels and security systems, which they are working to resolve.

Melanie Neufeld, Director of 
Lake City Partners

The process of hiring key staff for the Oaks shelter has begun. Her hiring plans include a lead case manager, outreach and case manager, and support staff. 

Ms. Neufeld reported the shelter status at the recent January 27, 2021 NUHSA (North Urban Human Services Alliance) monthly meeting  

Lake City Partners are recipients of NUHSA’s 2019 Outstanding Human Service Award. NUHSA meets every month and states they are “advocates for human services in North King County (NKC) on behalf of its residents and the agencies that serve them. “

Melanie Neufeld is the Director of Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness and a Minister at Seattle Mennonite Church.  See our previous article for more background.



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Urgent need for hosts for Camp United We Stand

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Camping at a previous location

Camp United We Stand, a transitional encampment in Shoreline, is looking for a church or organization in the North King County or South Snohomish County area to host them during the months of October, November and December of 2021. And BEYOND.

The Camp is currently at Shoreline Free Methodist Church and has been offered a site at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church for the months of May through August 2021.

Central supply tent

The Camp must secure a site by the end of July, beginning of August, in order to apply for a Temporary Use Permit and conduct a neighborhood community meeting in the month prior.

Camp United We Stand (CUWS) is a small encampment of no more than 35 people. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit and listed as a non-profit with the Washington State Department of Revenue. CUWS is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

The current camp consists of adults, many of whom are working. This encampment was formed in 2014 in order to focus on finding housing, keeping jobs, and getting the support they need to move forward.

The Camp needs a flat parking lot or grassy area with about 10,000 square feet, with access to power and water.

The minimum footprint would be 7,500 square feet. The camp has a tarp fence to provide privacy and security. Many of the campers have been Shoreline residents and attended local schools.
 

About Camp United We Stand:
  • There are Covid 19 precautions in place.
  • The camp is self-governing with an elected executive team overseeing all camp operations.
  • The camp provides its own security detail, on duty 24/7, which patrols the camp perimeter. If needed, the police are called. Neighborhoods hosting encampments have found there are fewer problems in the area when there is such an encampment.
  • The residents are screened. No sex offenders or people with outstanding warrants are permitted.
  • No weapons are permitted in the camp.
  • No street drugs or alcohol are permitted in the camp.
  • The rules for CUWS are strictly enforced. Those who violate them are given a bus ticket and escorted to the nearest bus stop to ensure they leave the area. People may be barred for 1 to 30 days or permanently, depending on the severity of the infraction.
  • Camp residents are not permitted to enter the host facility without permission or invitation.


CUWS residents invite people to tour the Camp at Shoreline Free Methodist Church in Shoreline, during the hours of 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Monday - Friday. Please call Beverly Hawkins @ 206-992-3479 to arrange a tour.

Shoreline Free Methodist church is located at 510 NE 175th St, Shoreline, WA 98155. 206-365-9303

If you know of a church or organization that would be willing to host the Camp, please contact the President of the Board of Directors of CUWS, Beverly Hawkins (email address) or by cell 206-992-3479. 

Please visit our website: https://campunitedwestand-tentcity.org 


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