communityOPPORTUNITY

PLEASE MEET KEITH:

In the winter of 2019 Keith Hughes began a makeshift Warming Shelter in West Seattle for those living outside. He didn’t have the experience or knowledge to be doing this, he just did it. He couldn’t stand to see folks wet and cold with no place to go and warm up.

One of the many responsibilities Keith has taken on in life is being President of the West Seattle Veterans Center. In doing so it presented him with an opportunity. He will tell you, “It has always bothered me to see buildings with empty space while people struggle outside in the wet and cold. Now that I manage the Veterans Center building, I can do something about it.”

When Keith first opened the doors to those in need it was the only Warming Shelter in West Seattle. It still is. When the community heard what he was doing they responded immediately with cots, blankets, clothing, and food. It was overwhelming and beautiful.

Now in his 4th winter of giving care to those struggling in the cold, Keith needs our help. He’s in his 70’s and is exhausted. In addition to the folks he is serving, he’s been remodeling the building to meet code requirements for the kitchen and bathrooms, often dipping into his own 401K. To meet the growing need he needs us now. He needs volunteers and funds.

If you can help with either or both, please do. Keith is a doer, but he can only do so much.

If you want to get involved please email pecharalala@gmail.com. There is lots to do so please let us know time availability and what you would like to offer in terms of labor and services. Tomasz will get back to each person to pre-screen them for Keith.

If you would like to donate funds you can do so here - https://gofund.me/1daf9797. We are hoping to raise $6,000.00 to help cover utility bills. Contributions are tax deductible as the West Seattle Veterans Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Keith believes in the strength and compassion of the community stepping forward to be there for each other. When the BLOCK Project was first putting homes in backyards for the homeless Keith donated an uncountable number of hours through his company West Seattle Electric & Solar to install the electrical and solar systems. That’s just the kind of person he is.

So much LOVE for you Keith. A heartfelt THANK YOU for all that you do for our community!

West Seattle Neighborhood | Rex
*For additional stories please visit https://www.facebook.com/goodoldlistening

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!
#facinghomelessness #TheBLOCKProject #windowofkindness

spiritHEALING

PLEASE MEET GIZMO:

Several months ago our friend Gizmo lost his RV home and his dog Happy to a fire, he was devastated.

He wants to express sincere gratitude to those that reached out in kindness and support. Folks donated supplies, including (2) large tarps, and Kay Barckley gave her flute of 12 years to help lift Gizmo's spirit.

So much LOVE for how this community reaches out time and time again with compassion for those they don't know but hear are in need. LOVE.

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!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness Crosscut KING 5

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!