Give Love

What warms your heart on the coldest winter day? For us at the Window of Kindness, it's the chance to spread compassion and care to those in our community.

This Valentine's Day, we're asking you to give LOVE and help us provide vital supplies like hand warmers, hot meals, and other essentials to our unhoused neighbors. Donated funds also allow us to help with “big ticket” items like tents, sleeping bags, tarps, and backpacks that our clients need for shelter from the cold and wet.

If you’ve never seen The Window of Kindness in action, it’s important to know that it is also a welcoming space for uplifting human connection - where judgments are left at the door, hearts are warmed through conversation, and spirits are lifted with the simple gift of being seen and heard. In a world where many avert their eyes when they pass someone living on the street, the chance for connection the Window offers is so needed.

You can share LOVE today by giving the gift of dignity and care. Donate today at https://givebutter.com/FHClientSupportFund to help us continue providing vital resources and emotional support to unhoused members of our community. Even the smallest act of love makes a difference!

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!

alternateFORTUNES

PLEASE MEET HALEY AND MARK:

Rumbling freeway ramps wind above the dirty Seattle thoroughfare. Motorists pass in all directions. Flowing in steady streamlines as the city breathes. A man sits on the curb. His static wiry figure contrasts with the rhythm. His head between his knees, he flicks an expired butt and spits at the pavement cursing his luck. A woman sleeps in the gravel. A dated floral table cloth is her blanket. A bible is her pillow.

Nearby, Mark and Haley share a small tent near an overflowing dumpster. Mark is an unemployed chef. He’s worked in prestigious restaurants and trained under Richard Nixon’s personal chef. He escorts Haley gently from the tent, holding her hand. He speaks of their journey. Ever conscious of her presence, his respect for her runs deep. She speaks softly in the background. Randomly. Out of sequence and context. Mark acknowledges her along the way. Thoughtfully encouraging her participation while respectfully metering her inputs with gentle nods and eye contact. All without breaking dialogue. He speaks of their struggles. Their ongoing recovery from heroin, his love for Haley. Her mental illness, and the constant attention she needs to stay safe. Rioting crows steal rotting garbage from the dumpster.

Mark pauses, “Your turn Babe.” But Haley’s voice was weak behind the whine of bus engines and the thunder of passing freight trains. Listening hard, I envisioned darkness. Her confinement in a psychiatric ward. Her father, who abused her as a child. I saw the grim faces of her two children whom she loves, but sadly accepts must be apart from her for now. “I’ll have to leave my body before all this is over,” she said. She spoke of her love for Mark. I could discern no more.

Mark explained that Haley hears voices. She is schizophrenic and exhibits multiple personalities. “She simply cannot be left alone,” he explains. “The women pick on her at the shelters. Men abuse her on the streets. She cannot take care of herself. When we met four years ago, I was struck by her braids. Her tanned skin and tattoos. Her soft voice and smile. My feelings haven’t changed. And though I am unable to care for her and work, Haley is my priority. She is worth more than money.”

Back at the dumpster a stumbling man urinates in the shadows, unfazed by the rat snooping near his bare feet. There’s a dead cat. The stink of diesel exhaust mingles with smoke from a nearby garbage can fire. A shouting match ensues from the tent next door. Then silence. Mark looks at Haley, then at the ground. “I need to get her out of here,” he said softly.

SODO 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!
#facinghomelessness #justsayhello #kindness #yesinmybackyard #theblockproject 

deepGRATITUDE

PLEASE MEET CHIAKA:

Ten years ago I met this man. His name is Chiaka. He's a prolific genius artist. He forever changed my life.

While his artful way impacted me greatly, what mattered most was the friendship he openly invited me into. He shared his journey of homelessness, both his struggles and successes. He trusted me to see him, to know him, exactly as he is. Nothing more, nothing less.

What I discovered over these last ten years, beginning and running this page, is that Chiaka's invitation to come closer, is not unique. Every one of us, living inside or out, at some level, wants to be seen as we are. Nothing more, nothing less.

This is what we owe each other. To break down the barriers of separation and 'Just Say Hello'. To come closer and see for ourselves the person standing in front of us. To not judge. To not control. To just be and feel and love.

Facing Homelessness is asking of all of us to journey creating relationships as a means for building healthy community. And what is beautiful about that, is that healthy community does not accept homelessness.

With overflowing emotions, I want to share that on July 1st I am stepping down at Facing Homelessness. It would be impossible to convey how important these last ten years have been for me, getting to come closer with all of you.

The decision to leave is similar to the reason for why I began. And that is, because my heart tells me it is time.

Facing Homelessness is in this beautiful place of having transformed itself into a vibrant advocate for those in need. It is supported by many thousands of people all putting LOVE first as the foundation for ending homelessness. That is no small thing, in fact, it is a bigBIG THING!!

Its programs of 'Just Say Hello', 'Window of Kindness', 'Community CleanUPs', and the 'BLOCK Project' are thriving with a dedicated staff, board, and community to go with!

I look forward to all the beautiful future conversations I get to have, now as a volunteer!!! A heartfelt THANK YOU to every single person that opened their heart on this collective journey.

At Facing Homelessness we often say, 'Our personal journey defines the direction of this org, not the other way around.' This includes all of you. We are all in this together!

Feeling so much LOVE.

Seattle neighborhoods | Rex

needSOCKS

WE NEED SOCKS: 

Regardless of where each of us are in life, we all deserve to be seen and appreciated for the beauty we hold.

We can quiet the judgment of negative stereotypes by connecting to our shared humanity. When we connect, we bridge over the negative and find LOVE in others.

Each and every sock handed out the Facing Homelessness 'Window of Kindness' by volunteers strives to build this bridge. An abundance of care and LOVE is given to each person.

Our office is full of LOVE but right now we are short on socks. We have about (3) weeks worth left. Can you please help?

Last time we made an ask for 1,000 pairs you all sent us 1,400 pairs, wowWOW!! We are asking for 1,000 again.

You can shipTO: Facing Homelessness 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105. If you have questions, please ask in the comments below. A heartfelt THANK YOU.

BTW - If you are interested in purchasing other items you can find a WISHlist here at http://amzn.to/2kskWky

. If you purchase through Amazon, please use this account http://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-2376967

.

Socks are like GOLD for those living on our streets, they are connected directly to health and happiness.

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!
#JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness #Kindness KING 5 Crosscut