rentTRAP

PLEASE MEET TERRY:

How do we define homelessness?

Is it the tents you see in the in-between spaces? The man with a beard at the freeway off-ramp flying a sign, or the woman sitting in an alley with a blanket wrapped around her?

Yes. And more. LOTS MORE. Homelessness includes the 'un-sheltered" and "sheltered", the 'seen' and 'un-seen'.

Un-sheltered: An individual or family whose primary residence is a public/private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

Sheltered: An individual or family living in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living arrangement.

But there is more. LOTS MORE. There's a frightening number of people struggling with rent, an increasing population in a vulnerable process of negotiating how not to be evicted. The stress of living day to day with this is also homelessness.

Terry is 43 yrs old, graduated from Garfield High School. He loves everybody, smiles easily. He loves bowling too! Basically Terry is as nice as the day is long!

He currently works at the Dollar Store, makes up to $1,300 a month when healthy. That's the problem. He has a host of health issues, right now it is his kidneys. He just had a biopsy done, awaiting the results.

Terry rents a 10x12 room, pays $650 a month. Months back he was in a room with no window but the doctor wrote a note, saying he needed one due to his asthma. The landlord moved him to a room with a window.

Terry is behind in his rent, several months. He is stressed out to the maximum. Hoping we can help him cover one month.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=4H6D4BYWCQ9QU&source=url

TRUTH: It's not right that so many among us are spending their life energy just trying to find stable housing.

White Center neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness

selflessMOM

PLEASE MEET OURAYA:

When Ouraya, her husband, and daughter arrived in Seattle this last June from Selma, Alabama they thought they were coming to what was promised help, that didn't happen. They lived four months in their car until it was broken into and everything stolen, including all of their identification.

Ouraya was able to get a job as a Medical Receptionist at a small clinic where she works full-time. I asked how she got a job without ID, she said, "I'm a good person, I guess my personality." She's also a hard worker, going to school on-line at night, studying to be a medical coder.

Now the three of them and Ouraya's brother-in-law and mother-in-law all live in a hotel. Between Ouraya's wages and her mother-in-law's income, who works at Walmart, they barely make it month to month.

They are hoping to get into an apartment but first, last, and damage deposit is just beyond their reach. Let's raise $1,600 for a month's rent and help them move forward. It would be a game-changer for them!

UPDATE: The Paypal link has been pulled in that our goal of raising $3,200, two months rent, has been reached with $4,256.34 donated, wowWOW!!! I already know this is a life-changer moment for this family! So much gratitude!!! All the funds will be paid directly to the new landlord. No funds go to Ouraya or family directly and, as is always the case, no funds at all go to Facing Homelessness. THANKS SO VERY MUCH!!!

I asked Ouraya what she loves most about herself. She told me most of her life she's been picked on, that she had to find a best friend to survive. She said, "I learned to really like myself. I'm my best friend."

I asked Ouraya what she loves most about her daughter. She instantly said she loves how happy her daughter is. Then she paused and began to cry, saying "She just doesn't know how hard things are, how I do all my crying early in the morning before she gets up."

Auburn neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness #Kindness

withandWITHOUT

PLEASE MEET COLE:

Another rainy Seattle afternoon. Another industrial street. Another panorama of political and social failure. There’s a line of dilapidated RVs, tents, and tarps. Left-behinds of the Great Society. There’s graffiti and city evacuation notices. Anxiety and an upcoming sweep. Trucks blast by inches from the troubled tents and tarps. Generators drone. The mud plank walkways always lead to the dark backside entrance. By the blackberry bushes, chain-links, and razor wire. An outsider’s welcomeness here is quickly discerned. All routine, except for Cole. We’d never met. I knocked on the door.

Cole is 25. A Washington native, born to abusive parents. An alcoholic mother. Cole was taken into foster care at age 6. His home would change constantly until age 18. He hated it. The tall fit young man opened the RV door, crouching as he stepped out. Soft spoken but confident, our conversation started awkwardly. “I’m a generous and kind man. People take advantage of that. I’ll fight if I have too. But I’m not a fighter.” At age 7 his caregivers believed he was possessed by spirits. An exorcism was performed. “To this day I am horrified of things like ghosts or scary movies.” Cole doesn’t smile much. But his spirit is warm. His words are from within. Cole is a spiritual man. Our conversation moved from awkward to comforting. Cole’s voice is soft. His words thoughtful. His eyes clear and honest. Cole is a gentle man.

Cole and his partner were expecting a child when he began a jail sentence. The anticipation of being a father provided Cole with purpose and optimism. Perhaps, for the first time, he saw a path forward. Upon his release, he learned that a child was no longer in his future. This drove Cole into deeper depression. He began using meth and heroin. “I began doing things I shouldn’t have.” With no family or community support, his situation worsened. Cole became homeless. Cole has been clean from heroin for 3 years but still struggles with meth. He left a treatment program early due to a bone infection which still needs major surgery. He wants to work. To live a normal life. His bone surgery will require months of recovery. He wants to resume treatment. “I sincerely try to move forward. Something always sets me back.“ As I left, a large rat hopped from a nearby baby stroller.

Cole is temporarily living with friends in their RV, a situation which needs to change. Cole is a big guy and could use a 6 person tent to accommodate his bike and belongings. If you can help, please dropOFF or shipTO: Facing Homelessness c/o Cole, 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105.

Georgetown neighborhood | Damian

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness

motherFIRST

PLEASE MEET FALE:

Fale greeted me outside her home in High Point. She was standing next to her boyfriend Terry. Before we could really say hello, her daughter, a junior in High School, came out the front door, hugged her, said I love you, and was off just like that. I was invited to come inside.

As Terry reached for the front door it suddenly opened and a young man in a hurry ran out, said thank you and something about not wanting to be late for school. Fale looked at me and said, "My home is kind of a safe place for lots of kids to spend the night when they need to."

It's hard to explain how beautiful both Fale & Terry are, they have a calmness and openness that is easily and instantly felt. All the more remarkable considering the circumstances.

Fale came to Seattle 19 yrs ago with her children, leaving an abusive husband in American Samoa. She found her sobriety here 13 yrs ago and for the past 12 yrs has been living in her home. She also had been working at the Seattle Indian Health Board until she experienced a work related traumatic event. She was let go while waiting for her L&I case to be approved. Eventually she was able to receive benefits and the care needed. Rather than sit-back, Fale went-back to school. She's two-quarters away from completing her Chemical Dependency degree at Highline College!

All looked good. Then the perfect storm hit. For reasons unclear, and being looked into by her attorney, her L&I benefits stopped. At the very same time her Section 8 funds stopped. The renewal form had been sent to the wrong address and was never processed. In the confusion, she fell 3-months behind in rent, at $1,600.00 per month. Seattle Housing Authority is requiring her to pay $1,600.00 immediately. At this point, I began to tear up. Fale said, "Oh, don't you start, you'll have me going."

Let's raise two months rent for Fale. I know this woman will create ten-fold return for her family and community!!

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NZ6XNN5KJBZ74&source=url

I asked Fale what she likes about herself. She said, "I am a mother first. I am beautiful and strong. I am a hardworking woman of God. I fight for what I believe in no matter what comes in my way. I am not afraid of failing."

West Seattle neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!

oneVOICE

PLEASE MEET AUNTIE:

Nobody should go hungry.
Everybody deserves a home.
Nobody should feel unsafe.
Everybody wants law and order.
Nobody should face addiction alone.
Everybody should have health care.
Nobody likes litter and needles.
Everybody should be loved.
Nobody should feel unwanted.
Everybody wants to end homelessness.

Believe that we are all oneVOICE.

We all want the same thing. However, we are spending vast amounts of time, dollars and energy spinning our wheels, arguing how best to address the issue of homelessness.

And while we bicker back and forth over who has more compassion, or is smarter, or more informed, or knows what is best, and on and on, the homeless remain homeless.

I am not religious, but Jesus said, "And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand."

It is time for all of us to come closer to each other with open hearts and minds, to LISTEN, LEARN and LOVE. We need to look inward and question our own fears, assumptions and prejudices. We need to ask what is keeping us from stepping forward and when ready, how can we contribute, even if that means having a little less for ourselves. Anything less in the face of this humanitarian crisis is shameful.

It is not enough to share at dinner parties how hard it is to walk past people living outside, or how terrible it is to see so much garbage in our city. We all know this conversation, it is time to help those suffering.

Auntie is living with her dog "B" in a make-shift tarp tent in SODO. She is among others living in tents and RV's that are all there for various reasons, but all suffering, and all now scheduled to be swept this coming week.

Auntie could use a warm sleeping bag, a warm medium size coat, a small tent, a good flashlight, and triple A batteries. If you can, please dropOFF or shipTO: Facing Homelessness c/o Auntie 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105. Thank you.

If you want to learn more about how we can all come closer to address the issue of homelessness, please contact Facing Homelessness. www.facinghomelessness.org

So much LOVE and ADMIRATION for you Auntie.

SODO neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness Crosscut

friendANN

PLEASE MEET ANN:

Back in April of this year you all did something veryVERY beautiful for Ann. Life-saving actually. Her phone and utilities were in the process of being shut off and she had already received the feared eviction notice. It was only a matter of time before she would have been homeless.

Enough funds were raised to pay the bills and keep her housed in her apartment through the end of the year. It meant the world to her.

Over these last 8 months a host of people, including case-managers, have met with Ann to help her navigate next steps. Sadly, she's been unable to act upon the advice. It's hard to say why. Whether it is the emotional hurdle of leaving a home, fear of the unknown, a strain of stubbornness, perhaps a decline in awareness, or whatever, she is now again a month away from receiving an eviction notice.

To make matters much worse, Ann suffered a stroke three days ago. She's lost control of her left leg and some in her left arm. She's hopeful to regain full use of both, saying, "I'm going to work very hard to get back to living!"

I'm sharing because there are many of you that have reached out to Ann, including Faith Cooley who navigated all the bill paying and early searching for case-management help, and the group that came to clean her apartment a few months back, and others! I know you all would have wanted to know.

Regardless of Ann's path forward, she is going to need additional funds. I'm hoping together, with everyone pitching in, even a small amount like $10, we can create an emergency fund that will make another big difference for her.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=733DT4R57ULSS&source=url

As is always the case on this page, no funds will go to Facing Homelessness. Every penny will help cover Ann's expenses.

A heartfelt THANK YOU.

Fremont neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness Crosscut

ifONLY

PLEASE MEET KIRK & RUSS:

Kirk and Russ spent the night in a friend's tent along the freeway. They have nothing to their name, all was lost when their camp was swept.

No tent. No sleeping bag. No way to stay warm. Nothing.

Kirk graduated from Bothell High School in 2003, played football there, it was a big deal. His Junior & Senior year they were KingCo Champs. In 2003 they went 11-1 making it to the state quarterfinals.

Kirk brightens up sharing about those times. He breaks into a big smile and says, "Yeah, I always slept with my football through those years." I asked if he wanted a football now and if he would still sleep with it? "Heck yeah!" He replies, "I would love that!"

Russ moved to Seattle from Los Angeles a year and a half ago. He worked as an EMT because he loves helping people. He pauses, then shares, "Unfortunately, that is all gone now."

Standing with Kirk and Russ I'm struck with how comfortable they are, how real and aware they are, how smart they are, and because of all that, how beautiful they are.

As they both tell how drugs have robbed them, how powerless they feel to get out of it, a big heavy blanket of sadness falls over the conversation.

I'm hoping this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between them and all of you. I'm hoping&hoping&hoping for that, believing it will lead to a path out of addiction. A path created by the extensive knowledge and endless compassion of this community and the inner strength and beauty of both Kirk and Russ.

They could both use sleeping bags and a good 4-6 person tent. Russ needs a warm coat - size L, shirts - size L, and boots - size 11. Kirk needs a warm coat - size XL.

I asked what would bring a smile to their face. Russ said a guitar and Kirk said a football. Now I was smiling.

If you can help, please dropOFF or sentTO: Facing Homelessness c/o Kirk or Russ 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105. A heartfelt THANK YOU!!

International District neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #FacingHomelessness #JustSayHello Crosscut

watchOUT

PLEASE MEET TREVOR

"So much time has passed. I tell people falling into homelessness to watch out, that suddenly you'll look back and years have gone. I've been homeless now for over 12 years."

Trevor is a gentle soft spoken man. His smile and calm way hide an ocean of suffering. His life is sleeping in doorways and parks, finding cover where he can, living with nothing. He wants to get into housing.

Emotionally he's tired, physically he's exhausted. Ulcers cover his legs. Beyond the pain, which he describes as someone constantly putting a cigarette out on his legs, there is a deep sadness in the way he feels he's treated. He talks about the humiliation of homelessness.

On Methadone for over a year, Trevor shares there is no pleasure in it. He stays on it so he can endure the chronic pain.

To make matters worse, Trevor has body-lice. He needs to use the shampoo treatment and get new clothes - pants 34Wx36L, shirts L, warm coat XL, shoes 15, underpants, socks, and sleeping bag.

Please dropOFF or shipTO: Facing Homelessness c/o Trevor 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105. THANKS so much.

We'd also like to raise $300.00 for 3-nights hotel stay so Trevor can use the lice treatment, shower, and find some peace and quiet.

UPDATE: We've pulled the Paypal link because our goal of raising $300 has been reached with $1,264.89 donated, wowWOW!!! I told Trevor this morning and he was overcome with gratitude, shocked by the extreme kindness. A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone!!! Funds will be used to purchase hotel stay and needed treatment shampoo. No funds go directly to Trevor and as is always the case, no funds go to Facing Homelessness. If there are left over funds for any reason they will go to someone in a like condition. LOVE.

Just as Trevor was leaving he said, "Hey, Dzy wanted to say hello." I smiled, I told him I love Dzy, that he's such a good man. Trevor nodded, "Relationships are so important to us living homeless."

Wallingford neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#JustSayHello #FacingHomelessnes #Kindness Crosscut

everythingBEAUTIFUL

PLEASE MEET GIZMO:

Gizmo invites me into his RV home. I don't ask where to sit as there's only half a chair seat available. While he talks I find myself scanning the dimly lit space. Everything, I mean every little thing stuffed into the RV, including Gizmo, is different and interesting. I nestle in getting comfortable.

Gizmo enjoys talking. It's clear he's smart and has opinions to go with. He asks if he can light up his pipe and smoke some weed. I nod because he hasn't stopped talking for me to say yes. He talks between puffs, which makes me smile.

Someone knocks at the door, comes in, says hello to me, and then asks Gizmo if he needs some food. I'm touched by the kindness of the moment. I instantly want everyone in Seattle to be inside this RV, to hear the genuine care shared amidst the obvious struggle of homelessness.

Gizmo is 57 yrs old and chronically homeless. He has real character to him, you can see it in his kind eyes and hear it in his stories. He loves people, which includes his dog. Those that know Gizmo love him too.

Despite all these good feelings, Gizmo's life has been difficult. He battles depression, gets overwhelmed easy, which makes the day to day task of homelessness a full time job. Then there are the sweeps. Beyond all the personal processions lost, including his solar panels this last time, it is his piece of mind and hope that gets taken with each round of sweeps.

The only way sweeps work is if we refuse to see the person as a real person. Someone with worth, feelings, and beauty. Sweeps are a process of dehumanization and then looking the other way. Yes it is complicated, but sweeps represent a primal response, devoid of creativity and compassion. We as community can do better than sweeps.

Gizmo has immediate RV needs. Most pressing is that the vehicle-tabs are about to expire. The heater is also broken among other electrical issues. We are hoping to raise $500.00 for tabs and auto-parts.

UPDATE: The Paypal link has been pulled in that the goal of raising $500 has been reached with $698.38 donated, wowWOW!! I know this will mean a great deal to Gizmo, giving some needed peace of mind. All funds will be used to help purchase tabs and auto-parts. No funds go directly to Gizmo and as is always the case, no funds go to Facing Homelessness. If there are remaining funds not used by Gizmo, they will go to someone else with a like need. A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone that reached out to make this happen!!!

If you have mechanic's knowledge, Gizmo would love to get your advice on his RV, a 1988 Chevy Travel Master Class A.

Thank you Gizmo for so very beautifully being you.

Harbor Island neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #FacingHomelessness #JustSayHello

importantQUESTION

PLEASE MEET JOSHUA:

A few days ago Joshua received a bundle of new socks, new waterproof boots, a big dry warm winter coat, and a sturdy new backpack, all from folks in this community.

With winter weather here, these things are a big deal for Josh. You should have seen him smile, so much gratitude for all the kindness.

Watching him try everything on, amid his comments of both surprise and appreciation, I found myself feeling emotional.

I was for sure happy for him. Happy for the immediate difference it made and even more happy for the feelings of community support.

But mostly, I was feeling sad.

Over 8,000 people living homeless in Seattle. Standing next to Josh I had to tell myself to not start crying.

A few days ago I met with Delbert Richardson, who just won a Crosscut Courage in Culture Award for his "Unspoken" Truths American History Traveling Museum. We were talking about needed change in society. Delbert said, "If you want change, what are you willing to give up for it?"

What are we willing to give up to end homelessness?

Thank you Josh for your courage and the immediate friendship you have extended to this community. You are all beautiful my friend.

Downtown Seattle neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#JustSayHello #Kindness #FacingHomelessness Crosscut Delbert Richardson

doingBETTER

PLEASE MEET AUNTIE:

Just to let everyone know, Auntie is doing much better! She's been reunited with Mr. B, her adorable sweet dog, and she's been staying at DESC's Crisis Solutions Center, which honestly was a life-saver for her with winter temperatures!

Next on the list is to get her pain-management pump replaced. Enough was raised by this generous Facing Homelessness community to clear her past bills, all systems go!

A bigBIG community LOVE to you Auntie and to Mr. B!

First Hill neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness #Kindness DESC

somethingMORE

PLEASE MEET JOSHUA:

Joshua is 45 years old. He's a good looking man with a really good smile and very kind eyes. You might have seen him, he holds a sign that reads "FOOD Please".

He also looks able bodied. On your way to work you might have thought he should get a job or maybe you've wondered if he's running some sort of scam, gettin by free.

The problem with those thoughts, is that there is something more going on for every person living outside than the two-second snap judgment we make. A lot more going on.

Joshua never had a stable home, he went to 30 schools. His step-father physically and sexually abused him his entire childhood till he was kicked to the streets at 17 years old.

He'll tell you that nobody taught him how to act, how to be a man. Out on the streets he fell into drugs. His life spiraled out of control till somebody told him to hitchhike to the Grateful Dead concert, which he did, and it saved his life. For years he followed them around the country, the song lyrics becoming his education and the Deadheads his family.

After Jerry Garcia's death he followed other bands for awhile, eventually ending up in NY City, eventually being with a woman that helped him find his sobriety. His last drink was on September 7, 2013.

He says, "Since that day I've been making better and better choices, one of which was moving to Seattle." Joshua is now enrolled in computer classes at Goodwill with a hope to go to college. With Richard's help at the Seattle's Union Gospel Mission he found a place to live at Compass Housing Alliance!

If you would like to help Joshua further he could really use the following: Hiking boots that are water-resistant, size 11; winter coat with a hood that is water-resistant, size 2XL; large size backpack that he can go back and forth to school with. Please dropOFF or shipTO: Facing Homelessness c/o Joshua 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105.

Joshua will tell you that his homelessness and then spiral into drugs was a direct result of the abusive childhood he suffered through. Taking drugs was a way for him to cope and quiet the memories that play over and over in his head. Being sober has brought challenges, "It's really hard with my PTSD memories, sometimes I want to give up. Talking and sharing about it helps me, it is a form of therapy." Then he sincerely thanked me and all of you for listening.

Downtown neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness

bigCOURAGE

PLEASE MEET DONNA & LIA:

Donna asked, "Do you think you could find somebody to watch my dog while I go into treatment?" I immediately made an assumption, "Is it heroin?" No she said, "It's mental health".

Donna is a veteran, she served from 1988-92, both in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She's hoping to receive treatment at the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard. She would be there for 4 months but needs to first find a place for her loved dog Lia.

I told Donna I don't need to tell why she needs dog-care, that there are so many dog-lovers that just asking would be enough. Donna replied, "No, I want to share what I am going through, nobody talks about mental health even though the results of it are going on around us all the time."

Donna has experienced a great deal of it going on around her. Her father was an alcoholic, took his own life when she was 11. In her 30's she lost her sister to cancer and 4 years ago her husband divorced her. She said that at that point in her life she just turned off and shut down.

Turning off and shutting down led Donna into homelessness, she's been living in her car for the last six weeks.

Donna shares that she suffers from depression and anxiety. As we talk she tries hard to explain the feelings of PTSD, telling me that the emotions of the moment, are not just what is going on at that point in time, that with it come all the emotions of the past, right to the forefront, feelings going from nothing to overwhelming.

We shared a long hug and agreed to be life-long friends.

If you think you might want to foster Lia for four months, please comment below and then private message me on this page with any questions. We want to make sure it's a good fit!

A bigBIG community size HUG to you Donna for your courage. Please know that you have so many people reaching out to you with support and love!

Fremont neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness

controllingPAIN

PLEASE MEET AUNTIE:

I met Auntie 10 days ago, she was sitting on the bumper of Buddy's RV, head bent down, groaning and holding her wrist. Buddy, also homeless and a friend to many, shared that the person she was staying with beat her up. It was clear she needed to go to the ER.

While on I-5 Auntie needed to throw up. We got the window down just in time, a good deal of it finding the side of the car. She couldn't stop apologizing. I couldn't stop thinking how horrible to be 68 yrs old in such pain, getting a ride to the hospital from a complete stranger.

Yesterday we met again. She was feeling better, lots of smiles. Her wrist had not been broken, still swollen, but healing. When I asked where she'll be sleeping, Auntie put her hand on the seat, said, "Right here". I looked at the darker sky forming over West Seattle and asked "What if it rains?" She looked at me like I was stupid, replying, "I'll get wet."

We had a long talk. Conversation that included her growing up in Seattle, her mom dying when she was 16, her father trying to rape her, and lots lots more. Too much to tell. I asked what her plans were. Not just for tonight but for her future. She said, "Getting housing, but that seems all but impossible."

In 2000 Auntie had a pain pump surgically implanted. Without medication she couldn't even walk due to the pain in her legs from an auto-accident. It worked great till 2016 when they cut off giving meds because she owed $280.00. She turned to heroin to control the pain.

I asked if she were to get the meds again, would she get off heroin? Auntie looked squarely at me and said, "In an instant".

UPDATE: The Paypal link has been pulled in that our goal of raising $280.00 has been reached with $494.92 donated!!! With these funds we will cover the cost of getting Auntie's meds started again. Remaining funds will be used to give care to Auntie. No cash goes directly to her and as is always the case, no funds whatsoever go to Facing Homelessness. A heartfelt THANKS to everyone that reached out with support and LOVE!

There are a good many challenges in front of Auntie, but she is a fighter, a tough survivor. It feels like this could be a good start for her, giving her a chance to get back on her feet. Let's raise the $280.

A bigBIG COMMUNITY LOVE to you Auntie!!!

SODO nieghborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#JustSayHello #Kindness #FacingHomelessness

realCHANGE

PLEASE MEET LISA:

"Ever since my dad died at the end of May I've been behind on bills. I thought I was finally catching up, but again not. I've also been cut out of social security and food stamps. When I appealed for food stamps they were going to give me $16 for a whole month. Living in Seattle that goes really quick."

As Lisa shares my heart sinks. I've known her for years, known how hard she tries, known the courage she brings daily to her journey. A past Real Change Vendor of the Year, Lisa's six year anniversary of selling the paper is coming up on November 8th. It's been a way for her to survive AND create community. She shows up at 4th & Union, rain or shine for her customers, greeting everyone with a smile of kindness.

Lisa goes on, saying, "This point in my life I still like to learn new things. I found out my family members have a long line of electricians but there hasn’t been a female. I am waiting to hear back on an apprenticeship program to become one!"

On October 23rd Lisa turns 33 years old. She's $250 behind on her rent, hoping we can surprise her by paying off that burden, I know it would relieve so much stress for her.

UPDATE: The Paypal link has been pulled in that our goal of raising $250 has been reached with $2,184.38 donated, wowWOW!! I know this will allow Lisa to focus on her dream of becoming an electrician! She is going to be blown away by the kindness and support! No funds, as in cash, go directly to Lisa. All funds will be paid directly to her landlord. Also, as is always the case, no funds whatsoever go to Facing Homelessness. So happy for you Lisa Sawyer, this community clearly loveLOVES you!!!

You are BEAUTIFUL Lisa through and through, sending a community size LOVE to you and to all your co-workers at Real Change!!!

South Park neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#JustSayHello #Kindness #FacingHomelessness Real Change News RealChange VendorProgram #RealChangeNews

warmthSAFETY

PLEASE MEET DZY:

I've seen what it looks like for Dzy to live through numerous winters in a tent, makes my heart hurt for him, the hurt getting worse over the years, as our friendship got closer and his beauty of person clearer.

Three days ago Dzy went from living in a tent to living in a van. A world of difference just in warmth and safety. A big beautiful heartfelt THANK YOU Lydia, Kristen and Landon for your kindness!

To hear about their genuine KINDNESS, please read the post before this one, it will make your heart sing!

New tabs and change of ownership cost $233.50. Hoping this community can help cover the cost. Thank you so much.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZWCCLH9QCDJ3A&source=url

There are over 12,000 people experiencing homelessness in King County. That should make all of us stop in our tracks and ask, what are we making more important than each other.

Here is part of what Lydia said in the previous post, it is worth taking to heart. "We come from the Suquamish tribal community and an important part of our culture is the potlatch. Potlatch is a ceremony where we share our abundance with our community, our neighbors, our family and friends. In our Coast Salish tribal way, wealth is shown by what you give, not by what your keep for yourself. Being good hosts in our traditional lands is one of our cultural values and that's why it's important for my community to give back to those experiencing homelessness. Our tribal communities know what it is like to live in poverty and we want to lift up our most vulnerable neighbors and show them that they're loved."

I want to live in a world where we make people more important than things. We can do this. We can just begin with the person next to us, and then, the next person, and the next.

Wallingford neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness #ChiefSeattleClub Chief Seattle Club

culturalVALUES

PLEASE MEET LYDIA:

Two weeks ago we made the long-shot ASK for a used van for our friend Dzy who experiences chronic homelessness. He's worried about the approaching nasty winter weather.

Almost immediately Lydia Sigo let us know her sister Kristen and her brother-in-law Landon had decided they wanted to give Dzy their van, just like that, wowWOW!!

Lydia drove the van from Bainbridge Island to meet us early Saturday morning at the University License Agency. When Dzy saw the van he smiled soBIG! Lydia had sewn curtains for the windows, put a mattress and blankets inside and included a little buddy heater with about (6) propane bottles and a carbon monoxide sensor. Oh yeah, they also installed a new car battery, just cuz!

You know when you meet those people in your life that you can tell instantly they are pureKINDNESS, even before they lift one little finger, that is Lydia! She's honestly totally WONDERFULLY KIND!

Lydia and her friend Bryna also come to Seattle regularly to do outreach, handing out clothing and food collected from their community to give to those struggling on our streets.

I asked her how it is that she has so much compassion for those in need? Lydia replied, "We come from the Suquamish tribal community and an important part of our culture is the potlatch. Potlatch is a ceremony where we share our abundance with our community, our neighbors, our family and friends. In our Coast Salish tribal way, wealth is shown by what you give, not by what your keep for yourself. Being good hosts in our traditional lands is one of our cultural values and that's why it's important for my community to give back to those experiencing homelessness. Our tribal communities know what it is like to live in poverty and we want to lift up our most vulnerable neighbors and show them that they're loved."

A heartfelt THANK YOU Lydia, Kristen and Landon for your beautiful act of kindness towards Dzy and your beautiful loving message of lifting up our most vulnerable neighbors.

University District neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #FacingHomelessness #JustSayHello Chief Seattle Club

heartBROKE

PLEASE MEET JEANIE:

While visiting Dee, who lives in an RV with Devin in the SODO neighborhood, I learned their friend Jeanie was having a really difficult time. We walked two blocks to the U-Haul she was living in, she was sitting in the front seat staring ahead.

When I came up to her my first thought was how kind her face was. I asked, "How are you doing?" She looked at me and started to cry, she said, "Not very good."

For an hour she cried, telling about the mess she's in. For 12 years she took care of her mother, then 10 months ago her mom died and everything went downhill. She rented a car to get a job with Lyft to pay for a room in a house and also pay off her mom's burial expenses. All was going well until a car crashed into her, wrecking the rental. At first the guy was nice, apologizing, next minute he took off, before Jeanie could get information. She lost her job, then her room, that was in June.

Up until two weeks ago she was sharing space in an RV, learning to live homeless. She was a wreck, missing her mom, trying to adapt, when the guy kicked her out. She rented a U-Haul on September 15th to move her stuff into storage, planning on returning the vehicle the next day.

Jeanie is disabled, has had 25 knee operations, she moves slow with a cane. While unloading the truck two men came up from behind and knocked her down, hit her again and then stole her purse and money. At first they tried to drag her into the bushes but she screamed and fought back, eventually getting into the back of the U-Haul, where she stayed for two days, fearful of coming out.

Every day that passed Jeanie became more stressed, freaked out that she could not pay U-Haul the rental fee. She wrote a four page letter to them, explaining what happened, hoping it would make a difference. I read it and was overwhelmed.

I told her this community would try to raise the funds to pay the nearly $1,000 owed. I was going to make that post asking all of you to help. But between meeting Jeanie yesterday and now, the police and U-Haul showed up, put everything of hers on the street and took off. I asked the U-Haul person if they could wait one more day, that we would raise the funds owed. He said no chance of that happening.

Tonight Jeanie and all of her belongings are outside. I want to scream. Not at U-Haul. Not at the police. But at who?

Let's raise $750 for a week of hotel stay for Jeanie, giving her some peace of mind just for a bit to help figure things out.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr…

LOVE to you Jeanie, you are a beautiful strong woman!

SODO neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness #Kindness

gentleSOUL

PLEASE MEET JOHN

John's way is a quiet one. You feel it immediately, slipping into his calmer space. You'll also feel a gentle smile of gratitude for his respectful view of life. He's a really good man.

John grew up in New York, came to Seattle in 1983, worked on oceangoing freighters and tugs for years, has been through the inside passage to Alaska more than 140 times.

Western Pioneer, which has closed down, was his favorite company to work for, was there for about 15 years. Just talking about the memories brought a beautiful smile to his face. Long trips taking cargo north and bringing frozen fish back to Seattle, including spending many Winter Solstices on the polar icecap. You could instantly see a change come over John when sharing about those moments, he said, "You can't believe how beautiful it is up there, the light, the scenery, the wildlife, everything really!"

After years of work, John's ankles gave out, couldn't hold up to the demands. That was 14 years ago, he's been homeless since, living all of that time in his van.

During fruit picking season he heads to Eastern Washington, works as much as he can, saves every penny to make it through the off-season. By living with nothing he's able to stretch the dollars through the year.

One hardship he has is having to move his van every 72 hours to avoid impound. When in Seattle it's the only time he drives, it's the only reason he needs to purchase gas. For everything else, he walks.

John is hoping to head back to Easter Washington for a last pick of the year, he could use gas-money for the trip. We are hoping to raise $200 for him to purchase gas-cards. Please help if you can.

UPDATE: The Paypal link has been pulled in that our goal of raising $200 has been reached with $595.23 donated, wowWOW!! John will be blown away and ever so grateful. THANK YOU to everyone that has reached out with this love and support! No funds go directly to John in the form of cash, all funds will be used for gas-cards for John. As is always the case, no funds go to Facing Homelessness. So much LOVE to you John!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you John for your friendship and your beautiful way in the world, sending a community size LOVE to you.

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #FacingHomelessness #JustSayHello

beautifulPERSON

PLEASE MEET DZY

Over the last week I must have heard ten times something about summer being over, comments like, "You can feel the season changing, it's in the air, summer is gone, winter will be here soon." Or simply, "How was your summer?"

For the homeless this is no small thing. It adds a serious layer of complexity to surviving. In the chronically homeless you can feel it, they begin to hunker down, they know what's coming. Wind and rain. Storms that soak everything through and through, including the cold ground. Wet socks are worn for days. Then there is the darkness. People that shared a smile on warmer days, now rush past without saying hello, without looking up. The cold is everywhere.

Dzy is chronically homeless, he lives in a tent but is having a tough time imagining another winter. For the first time I can see he's worried.

I love Dzy, for lots of reasons. He has a warmth in his voice and also in his views of the world around him. He's always kind, even in the middle of his suffering. There are times when I ask him difficult questions and I'll say, "I hope you don't mind me asking?" He'll reply with something like, "No, not at all, I know you love me."

I am making an ask of our community for a beat-up broken down van, one that Dzy can live in through the winter. It just has to be able to move a block or two every 72 hours to avoid impound. I know this would mean the world to him, to have some shelter going into the approaching winter.

A big community size LOVE to you Dzy, you are a beautiful person through and through.

Fremont neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness