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

Conversations on homelessness: Skid Road with Josephine Ensign - lessons from our past to inform our future

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

 

NAVIGATES is a NEW and FREE speaker and conversation series where we will be exploring the complex, interconnected issues around homelessness and learning more about what we can do as individuals and together as a community.

Our first speaker is a UW Professor of Nursing and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies, Josephine Ensign.

She has recently written and published a book called “Skid Road: On the Frontier of Health and Homelessness in an American City.”

This conversation, happening on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30pm, will explore Professor Ensign’s timely research and book about the historical and present-day challenges Seattle faces in this crisis.

Please join us and be ready to ask questions! This event will take place over Zoom. No registration is necessary.



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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open Friday night

Friday, February 25, 2022

Severe Weather Shelter at St. Dunstan's
The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open and activated Friday night, February 25, 2022, from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th St in Shoreline.

The shelter will be open for those seeking a safe and warm place to be.

Details in previous article



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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter open Wednesday night

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Shelter at St. Dunstan's
The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open and activated Wednesday night, February 23, 2022, from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th St in Shoreline.

The shelter will be open for those seeking a safe and warm place to be.

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Shoreline Severe weather shelter will be open Tuesday night

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Severe weather shelter at St. Dunstan's
The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be Open and Activated Tuesday night, February 22, 2022, from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th St in Shoreline.

Details in previous article.



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Severe weather shelter open Monday night through Thursday night at St. Dunstan's

Monday, February 21, 2022

The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be Open and Activated Monday night, February 21, 2022, from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th St in Shoreline.

Severe Weather Shelter staff and volunteers plan to continue to activate and open for a few days after that, 

Check the hotline 206-801-2797 or Facebook daily to confirm it will be open before trying to access the Shelter site.

Other resources for people in need of shelter:
  • King County Crisis Line: 866-427-4747 Connects people to the most up-to-date shelter options during severe weather.
  • For families with children: Families can access help by calling the King County Emergency Family Shelter Intake Line at 206-245-1026. 
  • Information about Severe Weather Shelters and Day Centers and other resources call 2-1-1 or visiting this website: https://www.crisisconnections.org/get-help/community-resources-online/
St. Dunstan's is a beacon in the darkness
The St. Dunstan’s Church Severe Weather Shelter is a Congregate Shelter Space. People using the space will have access to a mat on the floor, (physically distanced), and access to a blanket and / or sleeping bag. 

This Shelter practices COVID-19 Prevention Protocols, including taking a temperature reading, asking questions about potential symptoms or contact with someone experiencing symptoms or who has tested positive for CoVid-19 disease. 

Hand sanitizer is available, and access to restrooms. Limited drinks and snacks are available during the stay. No vaccinations required to access the Shelter. No vaccine cards required. Masks should be available if people are in need of a mask. 

Someone who appears to be dealing with COVID-19 type symptoms may get assistance to access a Quarantine and Isolation Site, if they are looking for that support.

There is no religious element or requirement to access and use this shelter.

Updated 2-23-22

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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter at St. Dunstan’s will be open Tuesday night

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter at St. Dunstan’s Church will be open Tuesday
Photo courtesy St. Dunstan's

The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be Open and Activated Tuesday night, February 1, 2022, from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th Street in Shoreline.

The threshold for activation is generally a prediction of four-plus hours of temperatures at or below 33 degrees overnight or snow accumulation of two or more inches. Activation is determined on a daily basis by 9:00am. Call the shelter hotline at 206-801-2797 for activation status or check the Facebook page here.

Other resources
  • King County Crisis Line: 866-427-4747 connects people to the most up-to-date shelter options during severe weather.
  • Families with children can access help by calling the King County Emergency Family Shelter Intake Line at 206-245-1026.
  • A complete and continually updated list of Severe Weather Shelters and Day Centers can be found on King County Regional Homelessness Authority's website.
  • Call 2-1-1 for more information.


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Last night for Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter is Thursday, December 30

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Seattle Mennonite Church in Lake City
Thursday, December 30, 2021 will be the final night of this storm that we will be able to offer a Severe Weather Shelter at St. Dunstan's in Shoreline. 

There is a plan in place on Friday, December 31 to be able to either put folks up in hotels or transport people to Seattle Mennonite Church (which has capacity at their temporary Severe Weather Shelter) through our outreach team (Walt and Carrie at Lake City Partners). 

We've had a pretty consistent 5-7 people at the Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter and are communicating with them about their options for Friday evening. 

This is always a great link for severe weather day and shelter sites that is updated frequently.


Seattle Mennonite Church is located at 3120 NE 125th St, Seattle, WA 98125 in Lake City.


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Shoreline severe weather shelter to be open Monday

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Overnight shelter at St. Dunstan's
The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will be open on Monday. Please advise anyone in need of overnight shelter to go to St. Dunstan's church Monday evening, December 27, 2021 at 8:30pm.

St. Dunstan's church, 722 N 145th St. | Shoreline, WA 98133

For shelter help, 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.

Additional Severe Weather Shelter and Warming Centers information

Bothell United Methodist Church
18515 92nd Avenue NE in Boethell
425-486-7132
Through December 30
Open 9:00am to 4:00pm

God's Lil' Acre
12521 33rd Avenue NE in Seattle
Monday - Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

King County Crisis Line: 866-427-4747
Connects people to the most up-to-date shelter options during severe weather.

For families with children: Families can access help by calling the King County Emergency Family Shelter Intake Line at 206-245-1026.

A complete and continually updated list of Severe Weather Shelters and Day Centers can be found on King County Regional Homelessness Authority's website. You can also call 211 for more information.



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Weather and Severe Weather Shelter update for December 26, 2021 - City of Shoreline

St. Dunstan's Severe Weather Shelter

Weather and Severe Weather Shelter Update for December 26, 2021 - City of Shoreline

Conditions forecast

The real issue will be the cold temperatures over the next week. Temperatures are predicted to be dangerously low, particularly for anyone unhoused or without heat. Please see the information below about severe weather shelters.

Snow, ice, and cold temperatures can make for dangerous driving conditions. Please stay off the roads if you do not need to be out.

For the latest weather forecast go to National Weather Service.

What to do when the power goes out

Shoreline Emergency Severe Weather Shelter

The Shelter will be open tonight December 26 from 8:30pm until 7:30am at St. Dunstan's Church, 722 N 145th Street in Shoreline.

The threshold for activation will generally be a prediction of four-plus hours of temperatures at or below 33 degrees overnight or snow accumulation of two or more inches. Activation will be determined on a daily basis by 9:00am. Call the shelter hotline at 206-801-2797 for activation status. When activated, the shelter will be open from 8:30pm to 7:30am. Facebook page here.

Shelter information

Additional Severe Weather Shelter and Warming Centers information

Bothell United Methodist Church
18515 92nd Avenue NE in Boethell
425-486-7132
Through December 30
Open 9:00am to 4:00pm

God's Lil' Acre
12521 33rd Avenue NE in Seattle
Monday - Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

King County Crisis Line: 866-427-4747
Connects people to the most up-to-date shelter options during severe weather.

For families with children: Families can access help by calling the King County Emergency Family Shelter Intake Line at 206-245-1026.

A complete and continually updated list of Severe Weather Shelters and Day Centers can be found on King County Regional Homelessness Authority's website. You can also call 211 for more information.

Snow Removal

Shoreline street crews are plowing primary routes. They will continue to work primary routes until the snow stops. Once snow stops and the primary routes are clear, they will then move to secondary routes. Only after primary and secondary roads are clear will we start plowing neighborhood streets.

Please stay off the roads if you can to give crews a chance to clear them.
For more information: Snow and Ice Control Plan

Road Closures

Depending on conditions, the City may post road closure signs on some of our known danger spots. You can see where those are on the Snow Event Closure Map. The City may also need to close other roads due to conditions.

Shoreline Parks

Parks are open; however, we encourage visitors to use caution. Wet, heavy snow can cause tree branches to snap and trees to fall. Please stay out from under trees and avoid forested park areas.
Public Transit

For information about potential delays or changes to services, visit Metro's Service Advisories website or Community Transit's Rider Alerts.

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Shoreline Emergency Severe Weather Shelter

Thursday, December 23, 2021

The cold weather shelter at St. Dunstan's
The Shoreline Emergency Severe Weather Shelter anticipates opening this weekend, if expected cold temperatures materialize.

The threshold for activation will generally be a prediction of four-plus hours of temperatures at or below 33 degrees overnight or snow accumulation of two or more inches. 

Activation will be determined on a daily basis by 9:00am. 

Call the shelter hotline at 206-801-2797 for activation status or check the Facebook page.

When activated, the shelter will be open from 8:30pm to 7:30am. 

The shelter is held at St. Dunstan's Church 722 N 145th Street, Shoreline. It is run by the volunteer consortium NUHSA. 

There is need for more volunteers to help staff the shelter. Information about the shelter and volunteering is here Shelter information



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Sen. Frockt: Washington Dept of Commerce grants make historic investments in affordable housing

Monday, December 20, 2021

Sen. David Frockt
OLYMPIA — Upon the announcement today by the Washington Department of Commerce of $131 million in grants to 40 affordable housing projects around the state, Sen. David Frockt (D-46), vice chair for the Capital Budget on the Senate Ways and Means Committee and lead sponsor of the budget’s new Rapid Housing Fund, released this statement:


“When we established the new rapid housing fund this year, our goal was for the state to partner with local governments, non-profits and the private sector to make units available at the pace we need them – not in three or four years but within months. I am pleased that these grants do just that.

“These grants will allow the rapid acquisition of 184 affordable housing units in Seattle through projects by the Chief Seattle Club, Plymouth Housing, and Sea Mar Community Health Centers. Those units will very soon be making a difference for people living in parks, tents, under bridges and in other unsheltered spaces in our cities.

“We are also working to increase the supply of affordable housing in the longer term. Another 702 rental units and 78 homes will be built in Seattle and King County using Housing Trust Fund grants awarded today.

“But there is still more to be done. Commerce received more proposals than could be funded, and another 124 units in Seattle are on the wait list. That’s why this year’s supplemental capital budget needs to make another bold investment in affordable housing, as I have been calling for and as the governor’s proposed capital budget would do.”

Sen. David Frockt, D-Seattle, represents the 46th Legislative District, which includes Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lake City, Pinehurst, Northgate, Wedgwood, Windermere, and Laurelhurst.


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Social Services Champion: Beverly Hawkins, Board President Camp United We Stand

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Beverly Hawkins, Human Services Champion
At its annual Human Services awards meeting on December 1, 2021 NUHSA (North Urban Human Services Alliance) awarded Beverly Hawkins, Board President of Camp United We Stand its Human Services Champion award.

With a tireless commitment to help those who are unhoused, Beverly oversees an itinerant camp of up to 35 individuals, coordinating funding and logistics while also working one-on-one with campers to provide assistance and a connection to resources. 

And she does all of this while in a second-round battle with bone cancer and single-handedly raising her nephew while working full time.

One nomination noted, “Her sense of oneness with all the campers is boundless, and as a black woman helping campers who are mostly white, she also teaches them how to ignore the differences in people and focus on what they have in common – a need for safety, security, and at least minimal comfort, dignity, respect and a sense of community. This is her focus daily – not for herself, but for others.”

Her challenge now is to find the next host for the camp, which must move in early January. Camp United We Stand (CUWS) is a small tent city which moves every three - six months to a different host location. Hosts, usually churches, provide a place to pitch tents and bring in services such as water and electricity.

CUWS is in a dire situation because it does not yet have a host church, county or city land, or a commercial parking lot to move to on January 12, 2022. 

The CUWS Board implores all reading this to look at all properties they own or control or know about and tell us if there is a possibility for CUWS to put its camp there for 3 to 6 months – now or sometime in the next two years.

To comply with local laws, the space should be 7,500 sq.ft. (although can be less in some cities) and should have access to water and electricity. CUWS can pay for all other needs and services.

If you know of any potential sites, please contact:


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Massive Health Through Housing measure approved by King County Council

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

The former Holiday Inn America at 13300 Aurora was
previously purchased with Health Through Housing
funds and is in operation now. Photo courtesy King County.
The King County Council has passed an implementation plan for King County’s Health through Housing program, which aims to house up to 1,600 people experiencing chronic homelessness.

Health through Housing is a regional approach to homelessness that will purchase facilities with single-occupancy units (such as hotels and nursing homes) and turn them into emergency supportive housing and permanent supportive housing.

It is funded with a 0.1% sales tax that the King County Council passed in 2020.

In 2021, Health through Housing expenditures went to purchase nine properties in Seattle, Renton, Redmond, Auburn, and Federal Way. 

King County anticipates acquiring three additional locations. The implementation plan passed on Tuesday will govern expenditures of Health through Housing dollars from 2022 to 2028.

The paramount goal of the implementation plan is the creation and ongoing operation of 1,600 units of affordable housing with related services for households in King County that are experiencing chronic homelessness or are at risk of experiencing chronic homelessness. 

In addition, it will reduce racial and ethnic disproportionality among people experiencing chronic homelessness in King County and it will create and operate a mobile behavioral health intervention.

“Health Through Housing is a game changer and an investment in making major progress toward combating our county’s homelessness crisis,” said King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles.

 “Not only does this program show our communities we are taking thoughtful and cost-effective action, but goes beyond that by providing actual housing with dignity. A kitchen, a bathroom, a quiet and safe living space — along with supportive services — are all essential to promoting safety and support for houseless individuals as they exit out of the brutal cycle of poverty.”

The plan anticipates expending $333.7 million for capital financing and site improvements, $309.5 million for emergency and permanent supportive housing operations, $67.2 million for behavioral health services outside of Health through Housing sites, $3.7 million to build capacity of agencies who represent communities disproportionately experiencing chronic homelessness, and $5.5 million for evaluation and performance measurement.

It establishes the Health through Housing Advisory Committee, which will advise the Executive and Council on Health through Housing related matters, advise DCHS on Health through Housing implementation, review performance data, and report annually on the expenditures, accomplishments, and effectiveness of Health through Housing. 

The Advisory Committee will also collaborate with program staff and providers to establish performance measures, which will be shared publicly through an online dashboard.

The Council passed the measure unanimously.



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Volunteer opportunities at The Oaks

Monday, December 6, 2021

The Oaks photo from Google maps

The Enhanced Shelter at The Oaks has been in operation for about 6 months. We have 60+ participants, including couples and pets, that have also been availing of our in-house case management services.

Some folks have been attending to their medical needs and are recuperating, thanks to our public health nurse on staff. A few residents set up a vegetable garden in the summer in the building courtyard with help from staff and Diggin' Shoreline volunteers. A couple of residents are participating in regular cleanups of the building surroundings. Folks are acquiring ID's, securing jobs, and two couples recently moved into housing.

If you would like to receive email newsletters from Lake City Partners, please visit https://lakecitypartners.org, scroll toward the bottom of the page until you see "Join our Mailing List". Enter your email address and click "Submit". Or, email chitra@lakecitypartners.org

Here are a few opportunities to volunteer

Companionship Hosts: This opportunity is for those interested in getting to know our residents and assisting in providing a welcoming environment. This role will consist of working in four hour shifts in the foyer of The Oaks, sitting with residents in companionship. 

Volunteers will make coffee, maintain the coffee bar and assist our Shelter Navigators with light cleaning of the space. We ask that volunteers interested in this position commit to one shift every 10 days. A consistent presence and welcoming attitude will enrich the space greatly.

Cleanup for Fall/Winter: We are inviting a group of volunteers on the outside property of The Oaks for a single or series of clean up events. Tasks will include sweeping up leaves, helping to prepare the garden for winter and beautifying the courtyard. A great opportunity for an organization or family.

Gift Making: We are requesting donations of materials to make handmade gifts as well as time assisting residents in crafting their gift. Some gift ideas include card making, painting or jewelry making. We are open to suggestions of any ideas that volunteers would like to facilitate at The Oaks.

Gift delivery assistance: For the winter holidays, many residents will want to send a gift either locally or across the country. We are requesting that volunteers sign up to help a resident (or a few!) to send their gift to a friend or family member. This will include picking up the gift, donating shipping costs and getting it in the mail.

The North King County Shelter at The Oaks is a King County housing project run by Lake City Partners. It is located in Shoreline at 16357 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline WA, 98133.

Contact Lake City Partners contact@lakecitypartners.org



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Health Through Housing: first residents move in this week to a former Seattle hotel in north Seattle

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

The Mary Pilgrim Inn will house 100 people
Photo courtesy King County

The first residents will move in this week to a former Seattle hotel re-opening with a new purpose: providing safe and secure homes for people exiting chronic homelessness, as a part of Executive Constantine’s Health through Housing initiative.

The first 15 residents are scheduled to move in by the end of this week, and around 100 will be in their new homes by the end of next week. The initial group will include residents moving from an emergency shelter in Renton, as well as unsheltered individuals from the North Seattle area.

“This summer when we announced these properties, some openly questioned our resolve – but now people who have been trapped in chronic homelessness are moving into a safe, dignified place of their own,” said Executive Constantine. 
“In just three months, we’ve gone from purchase to opening the doors and people resting their heads on their own pillows. And while we mark an important milestone today, our work continues. Before we are done, some 1,600 people will have left the streets behind and be on a path to better health, greater stability, and a more promising future.”

As part of agreements with local jurisdictions, Health Through Housing properties will contain units dedicated for local residents of the community surrounding the property. 

In North Seattle, there are ongoing engagement efforts with local residents experiencing chronic homelessness, including at the encampments in the Bitter Lake area, and King County will provide resources to help provide housing to individuals from the community at the two North Seattle properties.

The onsite service provider, DESC, has a long history of providing shelter, housing, treatment, and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness and is a national pioneer in the “housing first” model of serving chronically homeless people.

The agency has partnered with King County for over 25 years. DESC announced that the new emergency housing program will be named the “Mary Pilgrim Inn” in honor of a longtime DESC shelter nurse. Known affectionately by clients and staff alike as “Nurse Mary”, she provided bandages and flu shots hand in hand with compassion and great humor.

Purchased in July 2021 for $17.5 million, the Mary Pilgrim Inn is conveniently located near transportation options, shopping, and other services. It was constructed in 2001 and contains 99 units. 

Meal service will be provided for residents. In addition to their own apartment with a bed, comfortable chair, bathroom and shower, a small refrigerator, and microwave and linens, every resident will also have access to 24/7 case management and a range of other services and supports available onsite.

King County has seven other Health Through Housing properties currently in different stages of development:
  • Seattle: Former Inn at Queen Anne – Catholic Community Services (CCS) has been selected as the onsite service provider. The site is currently in operation as a de-intensified shelter site as CCS and the County prepare for its transition to a Health Through Housing site.
  • Renton: Former Extended Stay America Hotel – Currently in the permitting review and approval process with the City of Renton.
  • Redmond: Former Silver Cloud Hotel – Currently in the community engagement phase in preparation for preparing the Request for Proposal process to select an onsite service provider via a competitive process.
  • Auburn: Former Clarion Inn – King County is working with the City of Auburn to finalize the Request for Proposal process to select an onsite service provider via a competitive process.
  • Federal Way: Former Extended Stay America – Temporarily serving as emergency housing for over 100 refugees from Afghanistan, most likely through the end of 2021. It will become a Health Through Housing site in 2022.
  • North Seattle: Former Extended Stay America – DESC will also serve as operator for this North Seattle location. It is currently in preparation for occupancy and the staffing hiring process is underway.
  • Pioneer Square: Canton Lofts – Final stages of construction are continuing.

The Health Through Housing (HTH) initiative is a regional approach to addressing chronic homelessness on a countywide scale. By the end of 2022, King County will partner with local jurisdictions to create up to 1,600 emergency housing and permanent supportive housing units for people experiencing chronic homelessness. 

By acquiring existing facilities, such as former hotels and other similar properties, HTH quickly creates housing that is dignified, protective, and service enriched. King County is committed to working with local cities and communities to identify suitable properties and will participate in planning and community engagement together.



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King County simplifies and improves Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program

Friday, October 8, 2021

arian malek khosravi on unsplash
King County has simplified and improved its Eviction Prevention and Rent Assistance Program in recent weeks, increasing payments that will keep King County residents safe in their homes and prevent homelessness. 

The number of households receiving rent payments increased for the fourth week in a row, paying $7.7 million last week and reaching a total of $46.3 million in payments in 2021. 

Last week’s $7.7 million in payments is the largest amount processed in one week so far.

A total of 4,656 tenants have had their rent paid, and more than 14,172 tenants have applications being processed. King County has also launched a new program designed to intervene in eviction proceedings. 

This year’s payments are in addition to the more than $37 million distributed in 2020.

“King County is committed to supporting tenants and local property owners alike to get through the financial hardships of this lingering pandemic,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“We moved with urgency to implement new federal rules and reassigned dozens of staff to process a flood of applications. 
"Today, our community partnerships are strong, our data system is working well, and our team is getting millions of dollars out weekly to stabilize both landlords and tenants across the county.”
More information here



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Lake City Partners welcomes new Executive Director

Friday, October 1, 2021

Walter Washington,
Executive Director
of The Oaks
By Diane Hettrick

Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness has welcomed its new Executive Director, Walter Washington.

Lake City Partners provides services to unhoused citizens in the Lake City area, extending up into Shoreline. 

They are the managing agency for the new King County housing facility on Aurora in Shoreline, The Oaks.

The former director, Melanie Neufeld, returned to her home in Canada this summer.

Of his new position, Washington says,

My first month as Executive Director has been a wonderful mix of learning opportunities, healthy challenges, and smiles a plenty. 
Among the highlights has been the first-hand witness of the care and thoughtfulness of our Staff and Board Members. 
Our Lake City Partners team is truly up for the challenge!

The shelter has been in operation for exactly six months and is at full capacity now. 

Shelter residents cleaning up around the facility.
Photo courtesy The Oaks
Washington reports that "People are making progress with their health, some folks are getting their ID’s, and a few are enthusiastically undertaking regular neighborhood cleanups in and around the shelter vicinity."

During August 2021, they hosted two expectant couples and were able to find the resources to get both couples into stable housing before the birth of the children.

The Oaks welcomes community volunteers. 

In its first days, LFP Artist Billy King headed a successful effort to get art throughout the facility. Diggin' Shoreline created raised garden beds for vegetables, and other organizations provided food for the residents.



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Volunteer opportunity at Shoreline Cold Weather Shelter

Friday, September 24, 2021


For the third winter season, the City of Shoreline is working in partnership with the North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) to operate an emergency severe weather shelter. 

Rev. David Marshall and the generous congregation at St. Dunstan’s Church has once again offered space to house this important program at their parish, located at 722 N 145th Street, Shoreline.

To make the shelter successful, volunteers are needed to help staff it during activation.Compassionate and fully vaccinated volunteers must be over 18 years old and be able to commit to being on-call for a certain number of nights each month between November 1st and March 30th.

The threshold for activation will be a prediction of four-plus hours of temperatures at or below 33 degrees overnight or snow accumulation (or expected accumulation) of 2 or more inches. When activated, the shelter will be open from 8:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Volunteers will be provided with training and then will be responsible for welcoming guests and supervising the shelter overnight (partial shifts can be arranged). Volunteers will be paired with another person during shelter activation.

If you would like to volunteer, email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626.

For more information about the emergency severe weather shelter, contact Community Services Manager Bethany Wolbrecht-Dunn at bwolbrec@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2251.



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Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will operate at St. Dunstan's again this winter

Sunday, September 19, 2021

St. Dunstan's houses the Severe Winter Shelter

For the third winter season, the City of Shoreline is working in partnership with the North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) to operate an emergency severe weather shelter. 

Rev. David Marshall and the generous congregation at St. Dunstan’s Church have once again offered space to house this important program at their parish, located at 722 N 145th St, Shoreline.

To make the shelter successful, volunteers are needed to help staff it during activation. Compassionate and fully vaccinated volunteers must be over 18 years old and be able to commit to being on-call for a certain number of nights each month between November 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022.

Shelter guests are warm, dry, and fed for the night

The threshold for activation will be a prediction of four-plus hours of temperatures at or below 33 degrees overnight or snow accumulation (or expected accumulation) of 2 or more inches. When activated, the shelter will be open from 8:30pm to 7:30am.

Volunteers will be provided with training and then will be responsible for welcoming guests and supervising the shelter overnight (partial shifts can be arranged). Volunteers will be paired with another person during shelter activation.

If you would like to volunteer, email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626.

For more information about the emergency severe weather shelter, contact Community Services Manager Bethany Wolbrecht-Dunn at bwolbrec@shorelinewa.gov or 206-801-2251.



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Rapid housing fund contributes to permanent supportive housing in Seattle

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Sen. David Frockt, D-46
Upon the announcement this month by the Washington Department of Commerce of $39 million in grants to five projects that will acquire 307 units of urgently needed housing to address homelessness, Sen. David Frockt (D-46), vice chair for the Capital Budget on the Senate Ways and Means Committee and lead sponsor of the budget’s new Rapid Housing Fund, commented:

“The goal of this fund was for the state to partner with local governments, nonprofits and the private sector more aggressively to make more units available rapidly – not in three or four years but within months. 
"I am pleased that this initial round appears to be moving toward that goal. I think there are likely to be more units rapidly developed in Seattle and King County in upcoming rounds of funding.

“Our state goal needs to be to join with local communities to get people living in parks, tents, under bridges and in other unsheltered spaces in our cities, under a roof with the supports they need.

“The kinds of housing that these grants bring online—temporary housing where people have their own rooms, permanent supportive housing where people can receive the behavioral health treatment they need—are critical. 
"I am under no illusions that this is easy or that every placement is 100% successful for these individuals. But the crisis is right before our eyes in this city and has been for years, and we have no choice but to keep working to improve the situation.

“Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the local governments to use the tools the state has provided, be it direct grants, housing vouchers funds, permanent supportive dollars, and bonding and sales tax authority, to create the housing ecosystem to meet the needs of this population and to improve the quality of life for all the residents of our city.

“The long-term solution to homelessness is to build more supportive housing across our state. But given how much time is needed for construction, we have to take immediate steps to rectify the unacceptable situations that many of our neighbors find themselves in. 
"That is why I am calling for an additional investment of up to $400 million in rapid housing out of remaining federal relief funds when the Legislature next meets.”

Sharon Lee, executive director of the Low Income Housing Institute, which received grants for three projects in King County, added:

“The downturn in the real estate market due to the pandemic made it possible for three newly constructed apartment buildings to be purchased as permanent supportive housing for vulnerable homeless people. 
"Thanks to the State’s Rapid Capital Housing Acquisition program, the Low Income Housing Institute will soon move in 180 people currently living on the streets, shelters and tiny houses into studio apartments. We appreciate the leadership from Governor Inslee and the Legislature in innovating this new program to address homelessness.”

These grants represent phase I of the 2021 Rapid Capital Housing Acquisition (RCHA) program. Phase II is scheduled to open on September 30, 2021. Information can be found at https://www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/housing/housing-trust-fund/.

Sen. David Frockt, D-Seattle, represents the 46th Legislative District, which includes Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lake City, Pinehurst, Northgate, Wedgwood, Windermere, and Laurelhurst.



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