PLEASE MEET ALEXIEL:
Sometimes we don’t have the answers, sometimes we don’t have any idea how to move forward, and sometimes all we have is our passion and hearts to lead us in the right direction. Today we would like to share the amazing talent of Miranda Sheh and how she built a beautiful connection with a BLOCK Resident, by sharing her unique skills and offering to create “Memory Art”.
After attending an FH orientation Miranda shared, “As you mentioned in the orientation, a big component is people feeling invisible, and I know through my portraits, people feel deeply seen...”
Miranda generously offered her skills and Facing Homelessness staff connected her to Alexiel, a BLOCK Home Resident.
Alexiel shared with us “My partner and I have been through quite a lot since moving to Seattle... This portrait represents us remembering who we are and what drove us to become the people we are today!”
It’s these types of interactions that lead us in that right direction. We may not know where we’re heading, but at least we know it is done with the right intention, and as long as LOVE is at the center of our hearts, we will always be headed where we’re intended to go.
“My work aims to bring people from all walks of life and backgrounds to the same table, a table where we each have the opportunity to offer our invaluable voice from our unique lens and leadership. Doing so allows us to experience the gifts and healing light within each of us. Come be seen, come be.”
BIG thanks to Miranda for reminding us of the importance of connection, of being seen, and what it means to contribute in a way that feels meaningful and meets us all where we are. And to Alexiel and their partner for sharing your beauty with this community.
Karina | University District
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 gift that is meaningful to you--even a “monthly recurring” donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#justsayhello #facinghomelessness #TheBLOCKProject #kindness #windowofkindness
thankYOU
THANK YOU!
Just over a week ago we wrapped up GiveBIG 2021 and with BIG BIG BIG thanks to 112 extremely generous Facing Homelessness donors we raised over $13,589!
We've said it before and we'll say it again, this community makes all we do at Facing Homelessness possible. When we set a goal, you say YES and push us over the finish line and beyond. Together we are building the world we want to live in. One BLOCK Home, one Window of Kindness shift, one conversation or smile at a time. Thank you.
The Facing Homelessness team| University District Neighborhood
Jennifer, Berns, Phoebe, Karina, Tomasz, Lisa, Ariel and Caroline
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 gift that is meaningful to you--even a “monthly recurring” donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#justsayhello #facinghomelessness #kindness #TheBLOCKProject
the Justice Of Accountability
THE JUSTICE OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Today, the staff and board of Facing Homelessness pause in our thoughts, work, and lives to recognize and consider the implications of the guilty verdict in George Floyd's death. We hold, with mixed and deeply held emotions, that today marks the end of a trial, but it does not end the work, or the conflict, or the need for hearing what is true for the other. Ahead of us lies the still-unrealized need to honor, liberate, and serve the other.
The trial has ended but the march for justice has not. Let's keep walking together.
". . . it is accountability which is the first step towards justice, and now the cause of justice is in your hands." -- Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
U-District Neighborhood| Sue
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 gift that is meaningful to you--even a “monthly recurring” donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#justsayhello #facinghomelessness #kindness #TheBLOCKProject
windowFACES
PLEASE HEAR KARINA:
Karina answers the phone. “I’m obviously concerned,” she breathes into the phone. “This whole week we’ve heard that it’s supposed to snow. It has me worried.” Karina runs the Window of Kindness and sees firsthand how the needs among our unsheltered friends and neighbors become more acute as the temperatures drop. New faces, longer lines, and hectic service hours are all symptoms of the pandemic, and they are increasing. She knows our supplies are in demand and decreasing. At the window, life-saving supplies are given to neighbors living outside. People also come for conversation, a kind face, deep compassion, and someone who knows their name. Karina is all of these things, and she’s under pressure with winter’s harsh arrival.
“Somebody was recently hospitalized because of frostbite. Their toes were amputated.” There’s a pause again. “It’s going to happen even more in the weeks to come. It’s making me sad. We need more supplies. I feel helpless.” Now, it’s my turn to inhale.
“Seeing people freezing, barely able to move their hands, shivering out in the cold . . . it’s really impacting me. I see people suffering. It’s not that I hear people complaining. It’s just seeing it with my own eyes. No one has to say anything, I can tell from their faces.” Karina holds so many stories. “People are getting sick from the cold. Emotions have been intense this week. We lift spirits, but we haven’t had blankets. People are getting discouraged when we don’t have sleeping bags. It’s harder to say no and see their reactions.”
This, friends, is why we ask you to come closer. COVID limits proximity, but that hasn’t applied to the window, or to Karina. She’s been here, every week, throughout the entirety of the pandemic. Karina knows the look of suffering in someone's eyes when they smile, thank her, and turn to brave another cold night in frost-bitten Seattle. Now, we need you.
Our friends need sleeping bags, tents, tarps, blankets, and hand-warmers. Can you commit to sending something for next week? And maybe the week after? A steady stream of supplies will save lives. Drop off or mail to: 4001 9th Ave NE Seattle, WA 98105. Thank you.
University District Neighborhood | Barron
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 #TheBLOCKProject #yesinmybackyard
bigTHANKS
PLEASE MEET DAVID GUARDIPEE:
Beginning our shared journey nearly 10 years ago, you ALL have stepped up, at every corner, to help push the community work of Facing Homelessness forward. You have said overANDover again, that the answer is LOVE!
With the just finished two-day Seattle Foundation giveBIG campaign, you exceeded our goal of raising $10K with $10,786 donated, wowWOW!!! Thank you so much!
This is David Guardipee, of the Black Feet Nation. His other name, given by his mother, was Snow Ball. He was an artist. Lived homeless with extreme dignity and beauty.
If you read "Fools Crow", by James Welch, which is an incredible can't-put-it-down read, you will learn about David's people, many of the names in that book are from his family. When I told David how much I loved the book, he said, "You should then read, "The Sun Came Down, The History of the World as My Blackfeet Elders Told It", by Percy Bullchild." Percy is David's uncle.
David sadly passed away September 2018. He was so very loved by those that knew him. Still so very missed.
That's the thing. He was so very loved by those that knew him. This is the work of Facing Homelessness. Asking all of us to get to know each other. Each person living on the street, like David, is worth getting to know. When we do, we find the beauty in that person. LOVE follows.
A heart felt THANK YOU to the seventy-six people that gaveBIG to Facing Homelessness. Your belief in us helps connect us together in community. Thank you. LOVE.
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 #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness Crosscut KING 5
lastingKINDNESS
PLEASE MEET OUR COMMUNITY:
Facing Homelessness is building healthy community through the BLOCK Project, a community funded, community built and community supported project that places sustainable housing in backyards for those in need. It is beyond beautiful!!!
www.the-block-project.org
The reason it is beyond beautiful is because of all of you, because of people like those in The University Congregational Housing Association (UCHA)!!!
Over the years UCHA has had projects to develop affordable housing and helping others do the same. A year ago they voted to retire its nonprofit organization. It had been active for about 30 years, wowWOW!! They owned three residences and two apartment buildings providing help to those in need. After accomplishing the gifting of three of the properties and two transfers, the joyous task was to spend the remaining money in their Treasury.
The money was raised at fundraising events and through generous donations from their supporters. The Block Project was chosen to receive a check for $40,000.00 to help accelerate the process of building Block Homes!!! The UCHA is thrilled that their mission continues!
Facing Homelessness is thrilled and ever so grateful to receive this generous donation and continue the important and beautiful work of UCHA!
The gift is from John Davis, Carol Christoferson, Sue Hall, Marcia McCracken, Mary Elizabeth Maltman, Kate Nelson, Claudia Patton, Ryan Schultz, Martha Tucker and Gail Winberg!!!
A very heartfelt THANK YOU to UCHA for believing in the BLOCK Project and stepping forward with such generous support!
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 #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness Crosscut KING 5 www.the-block-project.org
givingCAMPAIGN
AT THE CORE OF FACING HOMELESSNESS:
Our End of Year Giving Campaign is just around the corner!
We have a goal to raise $175,000 for our critical work together in 2020 – where we foster kindness and connection through meaningful stories, provide key resources to people living outside, and build community through The BLOCK Project and a variety of other programs.
Who: You and all your family and friends!
What: Facing Homelessness End of Year Giving Campaign!
When: December 3-7, 2019 here on Facebook!
Why: To help us build healthy community!
Please put a BOLD REMINDER in your calendar to come visit us here on Facebook during our End of the Year 7-day Social Media Giving Campaign, wowWOW!!
A heartfelt THANK YOU for your belief in the work we do!
Facing Homelessness Staff & Board.
tellSOMEONE
PLEASE MEET OUR COMMUNITY:
Homelessness here in this city, in this country, is a humanitarian crisis unfolding beneath our very eyes.
We ALL know that.
If that doesn't touch you, please stop for a moment to ask yourself why. If you have a ready set of excuses, that keep you from reaching out, please look closer and deeper into your truth.
Our TRUTH is - nobody chooses to be homeless. For that reason we should all be rushing forward to be of service to our brothers and sisters.
If you are interested in learning more about the issue of homelessness, contact Facing Homelessness. Through our various programs we provide simple easy entry points into learning about the truth of people living outside.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone that came out to participate in our 14th Community CleanUP!!
https://www.facinghomelessness.org/
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 #JustSayHello #WindowOfKindness #CommunityCleanUp #TheBlockProject
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
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