createCONNECTION:
“In a world where we’re increasingly polarized, reactive, and can feel unsafe, the BLOCK Project provides physical, mental, and emotional space and support to nurture and navigate relationships and build community.” Roselle, BLOCK Project Companion
As participants of the Companionship program for over a year, Roselle and Peter (a BLOCK resident) have worked closely with Facing Homelessness’ staff and, most importantly, have built a strong companion relationship with each other.
“From the beginning, I’ve felt that my companionship with Peter was part of and supported by a larger community. Getting to know Peter and other members of the BLOCK Project community helps me remember how complicated, vulnerable, valuable, and important each of us are,” says Roselle.
In Peter’s own words, “Through my conversations with Roselle, I’ve come to learn and appreciate different aspects of another generation, how their experiences and unique challenges helped shape them, and found that any perceived gaps between us are much smaller than they appear.”
A companion relationship can look like many things. Grounded in mutuality and founded in the belief that companions walk alongside one another, meeting each other where each is at in their own journey, Companionship is a way for people to connect without judgement or agenda. For some, it is a weekly brunch outing, or a walk near Greenlake, friendly and light, fun. For others, especially during the time of COVID, it has been consistent and lively Zoom calls, spiced up by deep conversations and a willingness to learn.
Roselle shares that “Each Zoom call is an adventure with Peter—his enthusiasm and curiosity are infectious. In our weekly conversations, I’m regularly fascinated by how deeply he dives into topics ranging from his stint working for an air taxi company in Alaska to explaining the implications of the “right to repair” to me.”
Companion relationships, though initially fostered by Facing Homelessness through the connection of two individuals, are free to blossom naturally as the companion pair form their own organic and authentic connection. According to Peter, the Companionship Program “seeks to restore balance and build trust” and has even “helped facilitate one of my most rewarding friendships.”
Facing Homelessness recognizes that all relationships work differently, that all develop at their own pace, and that each is a worthy endeavor to explore further. If you are interested in becoming a companion with a BLOCK Resident and joining us in our goal to createCONNECTION, we welcome you with open arms and an untapped relationship waiting to become what you make it. And a huge thank you to everyone participating in the Companionship program for leaning in and honoring each other’s journeys.
Liana, Angie, and Phoebe
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
alwaysLOVE
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
