Showing posts with label nuhsa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nuhsa. Show all posts

How Middle Housing HB 1110 will affect the City of Shoreline

Saturday, May 25, 2024

By Pam Cross

On May 14, 2024 NUHSA hosted a very successful Affordable Housing 101 Lunch & Learn in recognition of Affordable Housing Week 2024. The event featured a presentation by the Housing Development Consortium on the regional landscape for housing, as well as updates from each of the five North King County cities.

As part of the event, NUHSA introduced its Housing and Homelessness Glossary as a resource for facilitating community conversations. The event hosted nearly 90 participants and ended with community Q/A.

The recording of this event and the glossary are now available to community members for circulation HERE.


In 2023 the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1110, known as the Middle Housing bill.

On May 16, 2024 the Planning Commission discussed  what this bill might mean for Shoreline and its Comprehensive Plan. Because it is a new bill and will require broad changes statewide, the Commission outlined a “high-level preview of code updates to come.” This was not intended to be a comprehensive analysis.

Initial Code Updates

Our current zoning for residential properties is defined on density of housing units. The R-6 zone allows 6 units per acre, for example. The proposed rezoning will move away from density-based development to “form-based” development. Housing regulations will be based on building form, site design, housing type, lot coverage, as well as landscaping/open space and tree retention. This will require the Development code to be updated to the new language.

Graphics from Planning Commission report May 16, 2024

(Note: since the new Neighborhood Zones are conversions from density based zones, density does not disappear as a consideration. Only the name has changed. However, going forward the City will undoubtedly redefine the NR zones to bring the new housing regulations for “form-based” development.)

(Note: R-6 can be converted to either Neighborhood Residential 1 or 2, as shown above. This is important to know because allowable density in NR1 is twice the density of NR2. R-6 represents the greatest number of zoning lots in Shoreline as seen below.)

(Source: zoneomics.com)

HB 1110 Middle housing requirements


Source: Planning Commission May 16, 2024

HB 1110 Middle housing requirements for cities are based on city population and cities are assigned to a tier.

Shoreline’s population of approximately 61,120 designates it as Tier 2. However it is possible to move to a Tier 1 designation in order to avoid have to change everything as our city continues to grow. Should Shoreline adopt Tier 1 status now?

Staff recommends staying with Tier 2 for a variety of reasons including anticipated time to reach Tier 1 status (estimated 12 years), allowing more time to scale up, as necessary, public works, fire department and utilities, and infrastructure..

HB1110 - Standard or Alternative Compliance?

In addition to the new base requirement for middle housing, Alternative Compliance options are available. 

The City is taking a close look at the multiple Compliance options as it works to draft a middle housing code. The alternative options consider:
  • Risk of Displacement utilizing sociodemographic assessment (equity),
  • Redevelopment Attractors from Amenity Factors (access to parks, schools, transit, business locations)
  • Physical displacement (evictions, foreclosures, tenant relocation assistance applications),
  • Critical Areas (wetlands, areas with critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water)
  • Fish and wildlife habitat
  • Geological hazardous areas
As you can see, much more study is needed and future legislation is coming.

HB 1337 ADUs

Another newly passed bill HB 1337 addresses ADUs. This does not really work well with HB 1110, since ADUs are not “starter houses” purchased by first time homebuyers, but rentals existing on a homeowner’s property. Coordination of these two bills adds another dimension.

Newly built multiple homes on one lot will not result in Middle Housing (“starter homes”) if developers maintain ownership and use them as rented multifamily homes.

Implementation of these new state bills will greatly change Shoreline as the population grows over the next 20 years. And once changes to the Comprehensive Plan are adopted, it is time consuming and difficult to amend them.

It is important to read the Planning Commission report and/or listen to the Planning Commission 5/16 meeting to get a rudimentary understanding of the changes. We are going to hear a lot more about this over the next months and years.

Get a good start so you have at least a basic understanding so you can follow along with this journey into the future.

5-26-2024 Text is the same, but major revisions to arrangement of graphics. Links added.

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Silje Sodal recognized with Dorrit Pealy Award at Center for Human Services annual gala

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Silje Sodal with the Dorrit Pealy Award
Photo courtesy NUHSA

Center for Human Services held its annual gala on May 4, 2024 celebrating with a Kentucky Derby theme and raising funds for its essential services.

During the program, NUHSA Executive Director Silje Sodal was recognized with the Dorrit Pealy Award for Outstanding Community Support.

She has been with NUHSA since 2018 and is a longtime volunteer in the community, currently the Chair of the Board of Directors of Third Place Commons

Affordable Housing operator Housing Hope was also recognized for their efforts in providing affordable housing and tailored services to reduce homelessness.


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NUHSA meeting Wednesday April 24, 2024 features speakers on youth supportive services

Monday, April 22, 2024

NUHSA focus on youth services April 24
NUHSA members and community partners!

Please join us next Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 9 - 10:30am via Zoom for our next member and community partner meeting - all are welcome!

Our speakers this month will focus on youth supportive services, and we are thrilled to welcome Friends of Youth, Lambert House and the Y Social Impact Center to share about their programs and services in our north-end communities.

We'll also welcome Tambi Cork, Kenmore's Housing & Human Services Manager, who will provide a sneak peak of the preliminary human services needs assessment results that the city is conducting and will finalize later this spring - don't miss it!

Register here. And feel free to bring your organization's updates and announcements.


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2023 NUHSA Human Services Awards to be presented at public ceremony on December 13, 2023

Thursday, December 7, 2023


The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) is proud to announce its 2023 Human Services Award recipients and nominees! All have made a significant contribution to the health and welfare of our North King County community and have supported or advocated for a strong and accessible health and human services system, strengthening our community through their initiative and leadership.

Recipients and nominees will be honored at NUHSA's 2023 Human Services Awards celebration on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Shoreline City Hall 17500 Midvale Ave N.

To join this community celebration, please RSVP by emailing staff@nuhsa.org.

NUHSA’s Annual Human Services Awards have been celebrating the accomplishments of local individuals and organizations since 2008. 

NUHSA is an alliance of non-profit agencies, faith communities, city and county leadership, school districts and members of the community who advocate for a strong and accessible health and human services system in North King County, encompassing Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville. Through partnership and collaboration, 

NUHSA supports providers, funders and the community to enhance existing resources and build our capacity to effectively respond to community needs.

Human Services Champion

Bill Bear
A longtime Shoreline community member and advocate, Bill Bear is deeply invested in Shoreline and the health and well-being of its residents. He is a Celebrate Recovery and Shoreline Community Court Resource Center Navigator volunteer and a member of the Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR) Community Advisory Board. He also leads Shoreline Community Care, an all-volunteer faith-based organization that has been helping Shoreline residents with rent and utility bills for over twenty years. Particularly during the pandemic, Shoreline Community Care played a vital role in distributing gas and grocery cards and other assistance. Bill also works with United Shoreline Organized Against Racism with The Peoples’ Supper, bringing about healing of divisions in Shoreline, and volunteers with the Power of One in a first-grade class.

Nominees:

Brittany Miles
Brittany Miles is an effective advocate for people with behavioral health conditions, and specifically for those who experience high-acuity crises. As a mother of a teen with early onset schizophrenia, she has tirelessly fought for system improvements and elevated the voice of individuals experiencing these systems. As a skilled writer, Brittany shines a light on how systemic racism and systemic failures have impacted people with behavioral health conditions, especially those with marginalized identities. Her work has appeared in the Seattle Times, PubliCola, Seattle Child and NAMI blog, and she serves on the Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR) Community Advisory Board, which supports mental health crisis de-escalation. Brittany also serves on the Technology subcommittee for the Washington State Legislature's HB1477 implementation of the national 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline and connection to care. She and her daughter live in Bothell with their feisty pet chihuahua.

Tanya Laskelle
Tanya Laskelle is the Family Support Department Director for the Center for Human Services (CHS), an area behavioral health and family support non-profit agency that strengthens the community through counseling, education and support to children, youth, adults and families. With local roots and over 20 years’ experience and leadership at CHS, she has been an extraordinary advocate for the health and well-being of youth and families and has been a persistent voice in urging increased funding for CHS and all north-end human services providers. Whether it is conversation with local, county or state officials and funders, Tanya’s clear, constructive messaging effectively makes the case for increased focus and funding for the human services infrastructure in North King County, and through her work, helps build the capacity to serve residents and create healthier, stronger communities.

Bryan & Christie Streit
Bryan and Christie Streit, owners of Woodinville’s Pizza Coop & Ale House, have been deeply involved in supporting families in need for many years, including hosting an annual fun run and a very popular annual golf tournament to help fill the Woodin Elementary Summer Food Bank; coordinate and provide gifts during the holidays with a Giving Tree; and host Shop with a Cop, giving local kids the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts at no cost to the child or family. Their compassion and kindness significantly affect the community, and through a newly established foundation, they are able to grow in their reach and impact.

Sally Yamasaki, Donna Hawkey & Michael Troyer
Over the last four years, Lake Forest Park residents Sally Yamasaki, Donna Hawkey and Michael Troyer have led a grassroots effort to explore Community Land Trusts (CLTs) as a viable tool for increasing housing diversity and affordability in Lake Forest Park and throughout our north-end communities. Working in partnership with Homestead Community Land Trust, this dynamic trio has presented to city planning commissions and city councils, hosted a very successful bus tour of area CLTs, and as active NUHSA members, provided a presentation during Affordable Housing Week. Through their advocacy, CLTs are now more broadly recognized as not only an option for creating permanently affordable housing, but also as a way to build generational wealth and stability and ensure families may live and work in the same community.

Outstanding Human Services Program

Northshore Nourishing Networks
In 2010, Nourishing Networks was created through Hopelink as an intriguing new model of engagement and action to address hunger. Local volunteer networks brought together people from diverse sectors and cultures to leverage resources and serve the community in new and deeply personal ways. In 2012, Nourishing Networks became an independent entity and now serves seven communities in north and east Puget Sound. Terra Droney and Elise Harris are the Conveners in Bothell/Kenmore and Woodinville. Through monthly virtual meetings, they connect dozens of volunteers and advocates with specific needs in the community - filling food pantries, assisting families in times of crisis, promoting human services events, and creating collaborative partnerships to address immediate and emerging needs in our community. Through the Nourishing Networks framework and with the dedicated local leadership of Elise and Terra, a strong web of providers and advocates has been created to effectively address hunger and other needs, such as diapers and school supplies. They have become the go-to place in Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville to fill in the gaps and reinforce the safety net.

Nominees:

Shoreline PTA Council Mental Health Committee
Since its inception in early 2022, the Shoreline PTA Council Mental Health Committee has steadily raised awareness of mental health issues and resources within the school district and broader community and reduced negative stereotypes and stigma around mental health for families and students. Under the leadership of Missy Liu and an active Steering Committee, the group has created and distributed a comprehensive mental health resource list, provided education through in person and virtual speakers and community meetings, and created a grant program to promote mental health initiatives in the schools. The Committee has also advocated for increased mental health support and funding at the local and state level, and most recently, hosted a regionwide Mental Health Symposium that elevated student voices and shared resources. Success for this group is defined by a school culture where students feel safe when talking about their mental health and know how to seek solutions – and through its many efforts, the Committee has made great strides in achieving this goal.

Center for Human Services Board of Directors
With a recent study showing wage gaps of 30% or more between human services workers and those in non-care industries, the Center for Human Services (CHS) was the first in North King County to respond and significantly raise wages for staff. Last year, a $4.00 an hour salary adjustment was implemented for all positions, in addition to annual raises, and a $1,500 (net) bonus was provided for all employees. The Board of Directors and staff leadership then implemented another 6% raise per employee, plus an across-the-board bonus of $1,500. This fall, the Board approved an additional 5% raise across the board effective January 1st, beating inflation significantly. Turnover has reduced notably - from over 30% a few years ago to a rate now below 10% - and that is good for both business and for clients. As turnover falls, pay increases may no longer be largely covered by increased productivity, so increasing contract reimbursement rates will be critical in ensuring organizations can pay well enough to entice workers to stay in the human services sector. Regardless, the CHS experience demonstrates that adequate wages are essential in maintaining an effective service delivery model that reduces staff turnover, increases morale, and provides more stable, high-quality services for clients.

Lifetime Achievement Award Rob Beem (see previous story)


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Rob Beem to be presented with NUHSA Lifetime Achievement Award

Monday, December 4, 2023

NUHSA Lifetime Achievement Award
Rob Beem
As one of NUHSA’s founders and a staunch advocate for human services funding and support in North King County (NKC), Rob Beem leaves a legacy of extraordinary leadership and impact on our north-end communities. 

Throughout his 20 years at the City of Shoreline (and in the first few years of his retirement), Rob has worked tirelessly to engage local and regional partners in addressing human services needs and building the capacity to fund and support services for North King County’s residents. 

This work involved bringing North King County’s voice to many King County planning and review panels, building local capacity through the Community Public Health and Safety Network, representing North King County on the United Way Board, and joining with other cities to coordinate funding processes. 

His gracious ease in bringing together people, agencies and governments who were ‘doing human services’ also saw him engaging with schools and local service clubs, as well as other cities and funders.

Seeing a need for a regional alliance of human services providers and governments, Rob was critical in the formation and ongoing operations of NUHSA, pulling together local agencies and leaders to connect people engaged in human services work and to expand agencies’ presence and services in North King County. 

Under Rob’s leadership, NUHSA grew from an informal lunchtime all-volunteer networking group to the organization it is today which represents all of North King County and is a sought-after partner by agencies, governments and funders.

Over a career in service to the human services community, he has had the opportunity to champion and/or lead the development of numerous initiatives, services and organizations. 

These include:
  • NUHSA
  • Shoreline and Bellevue’s human services and affordable housing programs
  • Northshore Shoreline Community Network
  • Shoreline’s DEI program
  • Bellevue YouthLink
  • ARCH (A Regional Coalition for Housing)
  • Ronald Commons
  • Hopelink’s permanent presence in Shoreline
  • United Way North Community Council
  • NE Funders
  • It’s About Time for Kids
  • King County Human Services Roundtable
NUHSA staff, Board of Directors, members and partners are deeply grateful to Rob and the tremendous work he has done to benefit residents and communities throughout King County. His wisdom, humor and gracious leadership will be missed and NUHSA wishes him well as he embarks on a new chapter.

NUHSA is an alliance of non-profit agencies, faith communities, city and county leadership, school districts and members of the community who advocate for a strong and accessible health and human services system in North King County, encompassing Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville. 

Through partnership and collaboration, NUHSA supports providers, funders and the community to enhance existing resources and build our capacity to effectively respond to community needs.


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NUHSA is seeking nominations for its 2023 Human Services Awards

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Is there an individual or organization that has gone above and beyond in contributing to the health and welfare of our community? 

Nominate them today and give them the recognition they deserve!

NUHSA is seeking nominations for its 2023 Human Services Awards in three categories:
  • Human Services Champion of the Year
  • Outstanding Human Services Program
  • Youth Human Services Leadership Award

Nominees and winners will be honored at NUHSA’s 2023 Human Services Awards celebration on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 (5-7pm). First review of nominations will take place on Friday, October 13, 2023.

*Note: Do not be daunted by a nomination form! If it’s easier, simply jot down your nomination and a sentence or two about why an individual or organization deserves recognition and send it in! We can follow up to gather details.

Questions? Email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626.

Thank you for taking time to recognize those who strengthen our community through their initiative and leadership!


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CORRECTION: Candidate forum for Shoreline School Board election on Monday October 16, 2023

Monday, September 25, 2023

L-R Sara Betnel, Hazim Ghanim, Sylvia Gil, Meghan Jernigan
Candidates for Shoreline School Board

Shoreline, WA – September 2023 – Shoreline PTA Council, which represents 15 PTAs at schools throughout the Shoreline School District, will host a Candidate Forum for candidates in the Shoreline School Board election. 

The forum will be held on Monday October 16, 2023 from 7pm to 9pm in the Shoreline Room at Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155.

The following candidates have been invited to participate in the forum:
  • Sara Betnel
  • Hazim Ghanim
  • Sylvia Gil
  • Meghan Jernigan

We respectfully request the audience be seated and ready to begin at 7:00pm. The structured forum will be moderated by the League of Women Voters. 

Each set of candidates will be asked the same question. Some questions will be provided to candidates in advance based on input from the community. 

To submit questions for consideration, please fill out the online Google Form by 9pm Friday October 6th: http://www.tinyurl.com/SSDForumQ 

Questions will also be selected from audience members during the event. Information about live streaming is forthcoming. The forum will be recorded and shared through public posting following the event.

Hosting this Candidate Forum demonstrates Shoreline PTA Council’s commitment to the PTA mission of being a strong advocate for the health, safety, well-being and education of every child. The goal of the forum is to ensure that all voters can make informed choices in November.

The forum is free and community attendance is encouraged. However, distribution of campaign materials, including the carrying of signs, in the building by candidates, volunteers or members of the public is prohibited.

PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. 

Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information about Shoreline PTA Council, visit www.shorelinepta.org

North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) advocates for human services in North King County (NKC) on behalf of its residents and the agencies that serve them through the promotion of partnerships between communities and providers. For more information about North Urban Human Services Alliance, visit https://www.nuhsa.org

CORRECTION: the original headline said October 1 instead of October 16. The story is correct.

ADDITION: Shoreline PTA Council has created a landing page for the event with updates, links to candidate information, and the opportunity to submit your questions in advance.




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Learn about Community Land Trusts at NUHSA'a online Lunch and Learn

Thursday, April 27, 2023

North Urban Human Services Alliance will sponsor an online session about Community Land Trusts (CLT) as part of Affordable Housing Week on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 12:00 – 1:30pm


Nationally noted Community
Land Trust Advisor

Join us as we learn about CLTs as part of Affordable Housing Week!


Community Land Trusts (CLTs) build permanently affordable homes that build wealth for first time home buyers, including those who have been shut out of ownership due to historic discrimination and gentrification.

CLTs are private, 501c3 non-profit community organizations that work with communities to help preserve their culture/values while also supporting equity and deep investments in environmental sustainability.

Executive Director of Homestead
Community Land Trust
Speakers:

Kathleen Hosfeld, Executive Director of Homestead Community Land Trust and Erika Malone, National Community Land Trust Advisor

The 8th Annual Affordable Housing Week is a series of education and advocacy events highlighting the role affordable housing plays in stabilizing our communities. 

Each year, NUHSA partners with Housing Development Consortium and others to bring together elected officials, city/county staff, advocates and residents to create momentum for investments and policies to ensure affordable, thriving and equitable communities


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Celebrate the volunteers and community partners behind the Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter - Friday March 24, 2023

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

As was previously announced, the Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter has closed for the season and permanently in its current format, that had served the North King for 4 years. 

Join us this Friday, March 24, 2023 at Saint Dunstan’s Church from 5pm - 6:30pm to recognize and celebrate the volunteers and community partners behind the Shelter - and learn how you can get or stay involved in supporting community members struggling with shelter and food insecurity. 

Brief remarks will take place at 5:45pm.

Click here for more information, as well as to RSVP.


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NUHSA: Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter is closing for the season and permanently

Monday, March 6, 2023

A statement from NUHSA - the organizing body for the Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter

A warm and welcoming place in times of
cold weather.
The Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter will close for the season and permanently in its current format on Friday, March 10, 2023. 

This marks the end of services offered through a unique partnership between the City of Shoreline, the North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) and St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church that has provided cold-weather emergency shelter for the unhoused in Shoreline and North King County since 2019.

The Shelter had been a vision for many in our community for some time, and the urgency escalated after severe weather impacted our region in February 2018. 

In response, NUHSA convened a series of meetings with over twenty area community leaders and providers throughout the spring and summer of 2019, and in partnership with the City of Shoreline, created the infrastructure for providing a severe weather response. 

Volunteers were recruited and trained, and during its first season (December-March), the Shelter was activated on 14 nights with 2-11 guests each time.

Since then, and as word has spread, the number of guests has increased, along with the number of nights meeting activation criteria. 

The threshold for activation is 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. 

During this past season (November 1 through March 6), the Shelter has been open 25 nights and served up to 14 guests each time. Incredibly, 168 individuals have been served at least once by the Shelter just this winter.

This season, however, a larger share of guests have presented with more behavioral health and medical challenges, a likely result of the shifting landscape with fentanyl. 

Experience indicates that a successful shelter requires a higher level of paid, professional staffing than can be provided strictly with volunteers. 

With the creation of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA), there is an opportunity to address emergency shelter in a more systemic and coordinated way that also more adequately serves our homeless neighbors. 

NUHSA looks forward to supporting KCRHA, along with our North King County cities, in developing a more robust and sustainable severe weather response for the 2023-24 winter season and beyond.

The following individuals and organizations were instrumental in the creation and success of the Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter and deserve significant recognition: 
  • Colleen Kelly and Bethany Wolbrecht-Dunn, City of Shoreline; 
  • Lisa Surowiec, Volunteer Coordinator and former NUHSA Board Member; 
  • Rev. David Marshall and the congregation at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church; 
  • Pastor Kelly Dahlman-Oeth, Ronald United Methodist Church; 
  • Carrie Czarnecki, Ian Williams and Stanley Machokoto, current and former Outreach Leads for Lake City Partners; and 
  • Silje Sodal, Rob Beem and Heidi Shepherd of NUHSA. 
The community also stepped up in important and powerful ways, spreading the word and donating sleeping bags and other necessities.

Most importantly, the 45 current and former volunteers who graciously and generously donated their time to make the Shelter a reality deserve our deepest appreciation. 

Volunteers came from many different backgrounds - retired and working, parents and singles, male and female. They endured sleepless nights and demonstrated extraordinary interpersonal and de-escalation skills, all the while expressing gratitude for being able to meet and help our unsheltered neighbors. These wonderful individuals displayed immense compassion and made it possible for others to be comfortable for a few short hours.

St. Dunstan's church provided a warm and welcoming place

Each activation night, two volunteers arrived in the evening to set up the shelter space, welcome guests, offer hot coffee and cocoa, along with some snacks, and then oversee the shelter until morning. An Outreach Lead from Lake City Partners assisted for a couple of hours in the evening and again in the morning to connect guests to resources and distribute bus passes and other materials.

In the end, the Shelter is not about numbers, agencies or buildings – it’s about people. 

The guests served were diverse – young, old, male and female. Working and not. With and without disabilities. With possessions and with nothing. The one thing they had in common was a desire to get out of the elements (or vehicles) and into a warm, dry and welcoming space for the night – and within the warmth of the Shelter, they were able to, even just for a short time, share resources and stories, chat, sleep and rest.

A reception will be held in the coming weeks to recognize our volunteers and partners and celebrate four years of successfully providing shelter for our unhoused neighbors. More details to come soon!

For further information, please contact Silje Sodal, NUHSA (staff@nuhsa.org) or 206-550-5626.


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2022 NUHSA Human Services Awards

Monday, January 30, 2023

Ronald Commons (above) and Hopelink (below)
Photos courtesy NUHSA
The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) held their 2022 Human Services Awards program and celebration on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Ronald United Methodist Church (17839 Aurora Ave. N. Shoreline).

The annual NUHSA Awards recognize those individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond in ensuring the health and well-being of our North King County residents.

New this year is the Building Bridges Award, recognizing the extraordinary effort of our north end cities in forming the Regional Crisis Response Agency that will provide community mobile crisis response services across all of North King County (NKC).

Emily Gallagher and Emily Carey (of Compass Housing Alliance and Hopelink, respectively) provided informative and comprehensive tours of Ronald Commons and Shoreline Hopelink prior to the awards program. both located behind Ronald United Methodist Church (RUMC) where the event was held.

Several years ago RUMC partnered with the City of Shoreline and created this innovative and unique community development which provides housing, essential human services and fellowship.

Outstanding Human Services Program

Grounded photo courtesy NUHSA

Grounded
Award accepted by Darnesha and Erwin Weary, Haben Haileslassie and Diana Muuru

Grounded serves primarily black youth in Shoreline and throughout North King County, offering school tutoring, mental health therapy, workforce training, career planning, and opportunities to exercise the body and mind through dance, radio and art. Housed at Black Coffee NW in Shoreline, Grounded is the nonprofit arm of this successful coffee shop that has since its inception two years ago seamlessly blended business with activism and community outreach.

Nominees:


BoPop (Bothellites for People-oriented Places)
Award accepted by Cary Westerbeck, Founder

This all-volunteer group elevates affordable housing issues in Bothell and advocates for middle housing and other housing options. Most recently, BoPop hosted a walking tour and provided a community forum on the state of housing in Bothell with community members, city staff, city council members and partner organizations.

Bothell Kenmore Chamber
Award accepted by Danah Abarr, Executive Director

The Bothell Kenmore Chamber prioritizes inclusion and support of nonprofit organizations as part of its focus on strengthening community and civic connections. Nonprofit organizations/agencies receive a 50% discounted membership rate, and through the Cultural Development Committee, the Chamber strives to bring diversity to its membership and leadership and offer more equitable and diverse programming.

Bothell Urban Project
Award accepted by Pastor Kristin Joyner

Led by a team of congregants from Bothell United Methodist Church, the Bothell Urban Project aims to create more affordable housing alongside resources and support that build a strong and supportive community. With proceeds from a portion of the Church’s property, the group is working to purchase land in downtown Bothell for multi-use housing that may include on the first floor a workforce training café, community court, and human services resource center.

Utsav
Award accepted by Arun and Seema Sharma, Founders

Led by and serving South Asians in Washington, Utsav organizes to promote equitable access to culturally competent and linguistically accessible services, focusing on mutual aid, education and advocacy. Founded in Bothell in 2015, Utsav strengthens its cross-cultural community through events, youth leadership opportunities and community-specific assistance. During the pandemic, Utsav also provided critical food aid, distributed thousands of masks and supported area businesses.

Human Services Champion:

Camp United We Stand photo courtesy NUHSA

Bill Leon and Rev. Alan Christensen, Camp United We Stand Board Directors

Through Bill and Alan’s compassionate and steady leadership, Camp United We Stand (the only authorized encampment in North King County) has remained active throughout the pandemic, serving up to 35 campers each year.

Bill and Alan spend an inordinate amount of time managing the camp, attending weekly meetings, adjudicating situations that arise, counseling campers, fundraising and seeking new locations. Bill has facilitated a new site beginning early 2023, and Alan serves as treasurer and has even provided shelter in his own home to a former camper in need.

Nominees:

Nominees for Human Services Champion
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Saba Berhe, Family Support Lead


Canopy Scholars provides tutoring and STEM programs to students who have emigrated from Central America, Eritrea and Ethiopia. When students experience community – a sense of belonging and connection – they are empowered to thrive, and the same is true for their parents. While students receive tutoring, Saba gathers mothers in an adjacent room for coffee and conversation, building a sense of safety and confidence and empowering them to navigate a multitude of obstacles where each day can be a challenge academically, financially, mentally and socially.

Carrie Czarnecki, Outreach Specialist

With immense compassion and skill, Carrie of Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness provides outreach to our unhoused neighbors in Shoreline, many with complex needs, and connects them to critical resources and services. She ensures case management, facilitates admittance to The Oaks (North King County’s only enhanced shelter), provides essential support to the Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter, and is a constant presence at Shoreline District Community Court.

Donna Hawkey, Community Advocate

A longtime resident of Lake Forest Park, Donna is an exceptional community advocate who was one of the first to be trained as a Navigator for the Shoreline District Community Court in 2020, providing weekly resource referral and support to participants. As stable housing is a constant challenge, she became inspired to explore long term solutions and actively participates in affordable housing and land trust committees. She is also a contributor to the Shoreline Area News, often focusing on human services organizations and efforts.

Rob Karlinsey, Kenmore City Manager

Rob has gone above and beyond in providing visionary leadership around a set of values that place people and systems change at the center of a city’s operation by boldly addressing the impacts of systemic racism and counteracting the impacts of the pandemic on its residents. This is seen in steps to protect residents from eviction, address housing affordability, allocate Cares Act funding to support families, and imbed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) in city policies and procedures. He has fostered a climate in which this work can flourish - and produce results.

Nicolie Simonson, Community Advocate

When the pandemic closed schools in 2020, Nicolie created the Shoreline Caring Facebook page to help provide meaningful help for residents. Through this informal but extremely effective forum, those experiencing hardship could ask for and receive help with rent, utilities, car/medical/pet needs, diapers and much more. The site grew to over 1,500 members, along with several admins, and became the go-to mutual aid group for Shoreline and the surrounding communities until it merged with Shoreline Stands by Me in 2021. Nicolie continues to raise funds for holiday meals and local needs while parenting four young children.

Building Bridges Award

Building Bridges honorees
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

City Managers/Assistant City Managers of Bothell, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Kirkland

In late 2021, city leadership began collaborating to pursue a dual-tracked mission of expanding the North Sound RADAR program and creating a mental health triage center that would serve North King County. 

In November, the City Councils of these 5 cities adopted a partner agreement to form this new Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR), which will begin formal operations in early 2023 and be jointly governed and funded by the partner cities with additional funding from King County and the State of Washington. The RCR Agency will have ten Mental Health Professional Community Responders, which will enhance public health, safety and emergency response services, including crisis response awareness, support and resource referral for community members experiencing behavioral health issues across the five-city region.

About NUHSA       

NUHSA’s Annual Human Services Awards have been celebrating the accomplishments of local individuals and organizations since 2008. NUHSA is an alliance of non-profit agencies, faith communities, city and county leadership, school districts and members of the community who advocate for a strong and accessible health and human services system in North King County, encompassing Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville. Through partnership and collaboration, NUHSA supports providers, funders and the community to enhance existing resources and build our capacity to effectively respond to community needs.



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Classifieds: Shoreline City Council Attendance - NUHSA 2022 Human Services Awards Program and Celebration

Saturday, January 14, 2023

Shoreline City Council Attendance at 
NUHSA 2022 Human Services Awards Program and Celebration
Date: 01/19/2023 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Ronald United Methodist Church
17839 Aurora Avenue North
Shoreline, Washington 98133


You are hereby notified that a quorum of Councilmembers will attend the North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) 2022 Human Services Awards program and celebration on Thursday, January 19, 2023.

The annual NUHSA Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond in ensuring the health and well-being of our North King County residents.



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2022 NUHSA Human Services Awards

Friday, December 16, 2022


The North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) is proud to announce its 2022 Human Services Award recipients and nominees! All have demonstrated a significant contribution to the health and welfare of our North King County community and have supported or advocated for a strong and accessible health and human services system, strengthening our community through their initiative and leadership.

New this year is the Building Bridges Award recognizing the extraordinary efforts of city council and staff leadership in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Kirkland as they collaborated to form a new Regional Crisis Response Agency that will provide community mobile crisis response services across all of North King County.

Recipients and nominees will be honored at NUHSA's 2022 Human Services Awards celebration on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Ronald United Methodist Church in Shoreline. The program (5:30-7:00pm) will be preceded by an optional tour of Ronald Commons (Compass Housing) and Shoreline Hopelink (4:00-4:30pm) and social time with appetizers (4:30-5:30pm).

To join this community celebration, please RSVP here or email staff@nuhsa.org.

Outstanding Human Services Program

Grounded

Grounded serves primarily black youth in Shoreline and throughout North King County, offering school tutoring, mental health therapy, workforce training, career planning, and opportunities to exercise the body and mind through dance, radio and art. Housed at Black Coffee NW in Shoreline, Grounded is the nonprofit arm of this successful coffee shop that has since its inception two years ago seamlessly blended business with activism and community outreach.

Nominees:

BoPop (Bothellites for People-oriented Places)

This all-volunteer group elevates affordable housing issues in Bothell and advocates for middle housing and other housing options. Most recently, BoPop hosted a walking tour and provided a community forum on the state of housing in Bothell with community members, city staff, city council members and partner organizations.

Bothell Kenmore Chamber

The Bothell Kenmore Chamber prioritizes inclusion and support of nonprofit organizations as part of its focus on strengthening community and civic connections. Nonprofit organizations/agencies receive a 50% discounted membership rate, and through the Cultural Development Committee, the Chamber strives to bring diversity to its membership and leadership and offer more equitable and diverse programming.

Bothell Urban Project

Led by a team of congregants from Bothell United Methodist Church, the Bothell Urban Project aims to create more affordable housing alongside resources and support that build a strong and supportive community. With proceeds from a portion of the Church’s property, the group is working to purchase land in downtown Bothell for multi-use housing that may include on the first floor a workforce training café, community court, and human services resource center.

Utsav

Led by and serving South Asians in Washington, Utsav organizes to promote equitable access to culturally competent and linguistically accessible services, focusing on mutual aid, education and advocacy. Founded in Bothell in 2015, Utsav strengthens its cross-cultural community through events, youth leadership opportunities and community-specific assistance. During the pandemic, Utsav also provided critical food aid, distributed thousands of masks and supported area businesses.

Human Services Champion of the Year:

Bill Leon and Rev. Alan Christiansen, Camp United We Stand Board Directors

Through Bill and Alan’s compassionate and steady leadership, Camp United We Stand (the only authorized encampment in North King County) has remained active throughout the pandemic, serving up to 35 campers each year. Bill and Alan spend an inordinate amount of time managing the camp, attending weekly meetings, adjudicating situations that arise, counseling campers, fundraising and seeking new locations. Bill has facilitated a new site beginning early 2023, and Alan provides bookkeeping services and has even provided shelter in his own home to a former camper in need.

Nominees:

Saba Berhe, Family Support Lead

Canopy Scholars provides tutoring and STEM programs to students who have emigrated from Central America, Eritrea and Ethiopia. When students experience community – a sense of belonging and connection – they are empowered to thrive, and the same is true for their parents. While students receive tutoring, Saba gathers mothers in an adjacent room for coffee and conversation, building a sense of safety and confidence and empowering them to navigate a multitude of obstacles where each day can be a challenge academically, financially, mentally and socially.

Carrie Czarnecki, Outreach Specialist

With immense compassion and skill, Carrie of Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness provides outreach to our unhoused neighbors in Shoreline, many with complex needs, and connects them to critical resources and services. She ensures case management, facilitates admittance to The Oaks (North King County’s only enhanced shelter), provides essential support to the Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter, and is a constant presence at Shoreline District Community Court.

Donna Hawkey, Community Advocate

A longtime resident of Lake Forest Park, Donna is an exceptional community advocate who was one of the first to be trained as a Navigator for the Shoreline District Community Court in 2020, providing weekly resource referral and support to participants. As stable housing is a constant challenge, she became inspired to explore long term solutions and actively participates in affordable housing and land trust committees. She is also a contributor to the Shoreline Area News, often focusing on human services organizations and efforts.

Rob Karlinsey, Kenmore City Manager

Rob has gone above and beyond in providing visionary leadership around a set of values that place people and systems change at the center of a city’s operation by boldly addressing the impacts of systemic racism and counteracting the impacts of the pandemic on its residents. This is seen in steps to protect residents from eviction, address housing affordability, allocate Cares Act funding to support families, and imbed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) in city policies and procedures. He has fostered a climate in which this work can flourish - and produce results.

Nicolie Simonson, Community Advocate

When the pandemic closed schools in 2020, Nicolie created the Shoreline Caring Facebook page to help provide meaningful help for residents. Through this informal but extremely effective forum, those experiencing hardship could ask for and receive help with rent, utilities, car/medical/pet needs, diapers and much more. The site grew to over 1,500 members, along with several admins, and became the go-to mutual aid group for Shoreline and the surrounding communities until it merged with Shoreline Stands by Me in 2021. Nicolie continues to raise funds for holiday meals and local needs while parenting four young children.

Building Bridges Award

City Managers/Assistant City Managers of Bothell, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Kirkland

In late 2021, city leadership began collaborating to pursue a dual-tracked mission of expanding the North Sound RADAR program and creating a mental health triage center that would serve North King County. In November, the City Councils of these 5 cities adopted a partner agreement to form this new Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR), which will begin formal operations in early 2023 and be jointly governed and funded by the partner cities with additional funding from King County and the State of Washington. The RCR Agency will have ten Mental Health Professional Community Responders, which will enhance public health, safety and emergency response services, including crisis response awareness, support and resource referral for community members experiencing behavioral health issues across the five-city region.

NUHSA’s Annual Human Services Awards have been celebrating the accomplishments of local individuals and organizations since 2008. NUHSA is an alliance of non-profit agencies, faith communities, city and county leadership, school districts and members of the community who advocate for a strong and accessible health and human services system in North King County, encompassing Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell and Woodinville. Through partnership and collaboration, NUHSA supports providers, funders and the community to enhance existing resources and build our capacity to effectively respond to community needs.

For more information, email staff@nuhsa.org or call 206-550-5626.


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Join the virtual community conversation to discuss the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy

Sunday, April 3, 2022

Save the Date and Register Today!

You are invited to join a virtual community conversation to discuss the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy!

This year, the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) is partnering with community groups from across King County to host a series of community conversations to help inform plans for 2023. 

Each conversation will focus on a specific community and offer:
  • A brief update on the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy
  • Opportunities to share what you think is going well with the VSHSL
  • Discussion on what parts of the VSHSL may need improvement going forward

Join us!

North King County Conversation:
Thursday, April 7 from 5:30-7pm

With a focus on communities along North Lake Washington including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, and Woodinville.

Register on Eventbrite!

What is the VSHSL? Read more here and here.

The levy community works to support veterans, service members and their families, older adults and their caregivers, and the diversity of our resilient communities throughout King County. The VSHSL is focused on achieving results in five areas, each of which features a suite of strategies and programs: 
  1. housing stability, 
  2. financial stability, 
  3. healthy living, 
  4. social engagement, and 
  5. service system access and improvement.
This meeting will be accessible in American Sign Language (ASL) via interpreter and closed captioning. To request free-of-cost language access services during the community conversations, please make a note during registration. Questions? Email VSHSL@kingcounty.gov or staff@NUHSA.org



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NUHSA to hear from Unite Us at meeting Wednesday morning January 26

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Gracious Gamiao with Unite Us
The first NUHSA Member and Community Partner Meeting of the year on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 (9-10:30am) will feature Unite Washington, a coordinated network of health and social service providers that are connected through a shared technology platform.

Gracious Gamiao, Senior Community Engagement Manager with Unite Us, will share how to send and receive electronic referrals, help address needs and improve health across communities. 

Unite Washington participates as part of the regional Community Information Exchange, Connect2 Community in King County. 

NUHSA is also a proud partner in this free network.

Register in advance for this and all of our upcoming meetings HERE!



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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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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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Social Services Champions: Shorecrest Interact Club

Monday, December 6, 2021

The Shorecrest Interact Club celebrates their NUHSA award

On December 1, 2021, NUHSA (North Urban Human Services Alliance) held its annual Human Services awards, recognizing organizations and individuals doing outstanding work in our community.

Youth Human Services Leadership Award went to the Shorecrest High School Interact Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park.

Throughout the pandemic, president Lacy George and her team of 60+ students at Shorecrest High School created weekly COVID-safe service projects. 

These inspiring young people led food drives, cleaned up parks, wrote letters to the elderly, connected with veterans, got out the vote, made masks, and even made felt blankets that were then donated to the Shoreline Severe Weather Shelter and Mary’s Place.

They volunteer with partner organizations, like Hopelink and North Helpline, and volunteer hours with activities like Special Olympics. Every week it is a new and and impactful activity to support and build our community!

Rotary Club of Lake Forest Park is a sponsor of the club. Have questions or service opportunities? Check here.

Lacy said, “We hope that these projects can help strengthen our sense of community both within the club and beyond. It was really hard to feel connected to others during the pandemic, so doing little things for the people around us was a really nice way to stay involved.”
The future is bright with these young leaders!



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