UPDATE:
We have some serious bigBIG NEWS!
An anonymous donor generously offered to MATCH the next $75,000 donated during this campaign! wowWOW!!
https://www.classy.org/campaign/2019-end-of-year-campaign-or-facing-homelessness/c256387
We've already raised $25,000, and WE NEED YOU to help us raise the next $75K to unlock this matching gift. If you have already contributed, THANK YOU! If you're still waiting to give, please make it happen today!
What this all comes down to is asking YOU to get involved.
Yes we need your funds to help us continue this work, but we need more, we need YOU. We need you to pledge that today is the day you are going to join the effort to end the suffering in our city. Today is the day that you begin to use your voice to speak up for those in need and less privileged.
Please share our ASK and your PLEDGE of speaking up for those in need. Share this with your circle of friends and family on Facebook, at the coffee shop and yes, even in the elevator! We can do this, but only together!
https://www.classy.org/campaign/2019-end-of-year-campaign-or-facing-homelessness/c256387
Wondering how a matching gift works? Our matching donor believes in Facing Homelessness, and wants to support the work we do while also encouraging others to give. They've made a very generous commitment to give, if you do too.
Let's create the needed HOPE, right here, right now for those suffering through homelessness and for those that are held captive watching it unfold.
THANK YOU from the Facing Homelessness staff and board!
allNEIGHBORS
WE ARE ALL NEIGHBORS:
Today we share a third coreBELIEF that informs our work and inspires the culture of KINDNESS and JOY that is the Facing Homelessness community.
"We are all neighbors."
If we are to end homelessness we must bring those in need closer to us rather than push them away. We must see the person rather than be overwhelmed by the issue.
When we build relationships the barriers of fear come down, trust is built, and hope found. And hope is everything for those that have nothing.
This is what we can do for each other.
We know this because this is what our BLOCK Project is doing for neighborhoods across our city. This sustainable solution is bringing people closer and providing opportunities for everyone to be a good neighbor!
Bobby is 76 years old, First Nation Cree. He lived for ten years on the streets of Seattle but now lives in his own BLOCK Home with a kitchen, bath, bed, covered porch and a garden, all in Kim & Dan's backyard on Beacon Hill. He's lived there for over two years now. Their lives and so many others involved in the BLOCK Project have profoundly changed because of these new beautiful friendships!
We now have (9) BLOCK Homes built and placed in Seattle backyards and we are just getting started! By taking part in this fundraiser you are confirming our coreBELIEF that we are all neighbors and that together we can do anything!
https://www.classy.org/campaign/2019-end-of-year-campaign-or-facing-homelessness/c256387
Kim shared, "We gave up a little piece of our backyard and received a whole new world in return." Not a bad trade!
If you believe in the work Facing Homelessness is doing with the 'BLOCK Project', our 'Window of Kindness', the 'Just Say Hello' campaign, and the 'Community CleanUPs', then please support us in this daily journey of KINDNESS and JOY!
https://www.classy.org/campaign/2019-end-of-year-campaign-or-facing-homelessness/c256387
THANK YOU from the Facing Homelessness staff and board!
whereyouLIVE
WHERE YOU LIVE DOES NOT DEFINE WHO YOU ARE:
Our goal for the first day of our fuundraiser was to raise $20K and WE DID IT with $23,211.00 donated, wowWOW!! A heartfelt thank you to everyone that reached out in support. WE LOVE YOU!!!
We still have a long way to go.
https://www.classy.org/campaign/2019-end-of-year-campaign-or-facing-homelessness/c256387
To begin our second day of the fundraiser, we want to share another coreBELIEF we hold important to our work, one that reminds us daily to meet people where they are at, to come openly to each person without judgment.
"Where you live does not define who you are."
Our friend Dzy has lived in the Ballard, Fremont and Wallingford neighborhoods for years. Most of that time he's spent surviving nights in a tent and days playing guitar for folks on the sidewalk, busking for what little he lives on.
It would be easy to pass judgment on Dzy. To see him come out of a tent and say to yourself, or out loud, "Get a job."
But come closer. Spend time with Dzy. You'll learn he not only is a phenomenal musician, but that he is funny, and kind, and good, and someone you become grateful to know.
I am not pointing fingers, I would have to point them at myself first, but damn it, all the judging needs to stop. We must open ourselves to see the beauty that exists in everyone.
"Where you live does not define who you are."
By the end of the day today, to stay on track for reaching a goal of $175K donated in 7-days, we need to raise at least another $15,000.00. Please help us.
https://www.classy.org/campaign/2019-end-of-year-campaign-or-facing-homelessness/c256387
I know we can do it. For almost 10 years this community has met every single ASK on this page for those in need. YES, every single ASK! That is honestly unbelievable to me and gives me hope that this same community will reach out to help us continue this work.
THANK YOU from the Facing Homelessness staff and board!
www.facinghomelessness.org
whenLOVED
WE ALL LIVE BETTER WHEN WE FEEL LOVED:
IF over the last 9 1/2 years you've read a story on this page, one of over 2,500 shared, and it motivated you to come closer with understanding and compassion, then please take this moment to support our work. We need you now.
give.classy.org/fh2019
The truth is that ending homelessness needs everyone. And right now, during our one-time-annual-ASK, we need you to help us continue the work.
Our work is grounded in our coreBELIEFS, which we will be sharing with you over the next seven days. The first belief, the one that informs every story we share and every action we take is:
"We all live better when we feel LOVED."
It is the foundation of our 'Just Say Hello' campaign, our 'Window of Kindness', our Community CleanUPs, and our BLOCK Project!
David and Rondine are friends, they are both homeless. Rondine had just finished telling us that her life was falling apart, she was sobbing uncontrollably. Her usual strong confident self seemed shattered. David gently told her how amazing she is, how brave, how good of a person she is. His words calmed her, his hug reassured her. She felt loved.
"We all live better when we feel LOVED."
Facing Homelessness believes when we come close enough to listen to each other, we can better love each other, and in the process better understand how to be of service.
We are asking to raise $175,000.00 to continue making possible the impact we are bringing to our neighborhoods, for both the homeless and the homed!
give.classy.org/fh2019
We have a GOAL of raising $20,000 today, please help us get off to a bigBEAUTIFUL start on this GIVINGtuesday!!!
THANK YOU from the Facing Homelessness staff and board!
www.facinghomelessness.org
commonGROUND
MEET THE SWEEPS:
THANKSGIVING is a day dedicated to giving thanks. We spend time with family and friends, grateful to be among those we love and those that love us. Life is GOOD!
How about we follow with a day of REACHING-OUT. A day of calling that friend you had a falling out with or a family member you haven't talk to in two years. How about we all make the call that is most difficult for us, putting judgment and hurt aside and give openness and LOVE.
IMAGINE a community spending time listening, loving and ultimately healing. This begins with each of us reaching-out. Facing Homelessness believes we heal community and end homelessness one relationship at a time. We can do this!
So let's talk about City of Seattle SWEEPS.
Let's begin by reaching-out to find common ground. Let's hold these two thoughts: 1.) Sweeps are traumatic for those being swept, and, 2.) Homelessness is traumatic for those with a business or a residence when it comes to bear at their doorstep. These are both truths.
Even though we can agree with both individually we spend much of our time polarized into one of the two camps they represent. We have turned the sweep conversation into 'Should they stay or should they go?'
This means we have not evolved the conversation. The discussion has been reduced to one devoid of creativity and compassion for the homeless, producing cruel and wasteful solutions such as sweeps, fencing, hostile architecture, lack of garbage service, lack of bathroom facilities, and more.
We have also abandoned our business community and certain neighborhoods to take the brunt of a societal breakdown. This is simply not fair. Homelessness should be addressed by all of us, not just the few where it shows up. For those that have received this burden, solutions offered have also been devoid of creativity and compassion, producing hardships across the board for so many.
We must reach-out to each other. We must begin by having all voices at the table. Specifically the voices that have been and are being traumatized on both sides. All as equal voices. We lean into the harder work of an equitable solution by knowing we will need to give to get, finding deeper solutions that answer to both. Anything less just continues the trauma.
Our turn to be homeless could be around the corner, or someone homeless could come to our doorstep. The time to reach-out and have the difficult conversation is now. We must acknowledge that we are all connected, we are all one. Let's get busy finding our common ground.
Seattle neighborhoods | 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
communityCLEANUPs
PLEASE MEET OUR COMMUNITY:
Please join us every other Sunday in providing a positive act of KINDNESS and SERVICE to those in need.
Community CleanUP #16 is Sunday, December 1st, 10:30-12:30 at 701 James Street, which is the corner of James Street & I-5.
We are profoundly grateful for all the BEAUTIFUL people that have leaned into this program with courage and LOVE.
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!
#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!
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.
givingTHANKS
PLEASE MEET MATTHEW:
With open overflowing hearts, the Facing Homelessness Board and Staff want to simply say - THANK YOU!
There are endless acts of kindness that go on in this city every single day, one after another. Often they go unseen, but they make a difference. These moments hold us together.
We all know people like that, we can all name who they are in our lives. For me, Matthew Shea is one of those exceptionally kind people. I find him to be simply remarkable!
He was a big-time-chef in NYC before falling into homelessness here in Seattle. Despite his own struggles, he would cook a weekly fancy meal at Gas Works Park for those living without shelter. He gathered food at the Food Bank and asked others to donate when they could, somehow all coming together as a feast!
A heartfelt THANKS to everyone that makes a difference for sharing KINDNESS in our community.
If you are looking for a place to celebrate THANKSGIVING, come out to the 4th Annual Thanksgiving Meal at the Gift of Grace Church in Wallingford. Matthew will be the chef with Power of WE supporting him!
Time: Thursday November 28th from noon to 3pm
Location: Gift of Grace Church in Wallingford
2102 N 40th St, Seattle, WA 98103 (In the basement)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to this big beautiful community!
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
jungleKING
PLEASE MEET FRANCIS:
I’d long avoided the scary shack in the woods near the path. It kind of whispered, “Keep walking.” Like a dark prop from The Wizard of Oz. There was a smoky campfire and contorted junk. A large man with boxing gloves pounded a punching bag that swung from a limb. Sweat ran from his face. His bald head steamed in the cold air. His tattooed body moved with agility and absurdity. As I passed, he would peer though the smoke. Coal eyes and a deadpan look. Yep, just walking here. Think I’ll just keep on walking…
A frail old man lived nearby under a tarp. Sickly, with a handlebar mustache. He liked warm soup and Spam. We talked as the boxer appeared from nowhere. His coal eyes now two feet away. I fumbled. “Ahem, I brought your friend some food.” He looked cautiously at the food, then at the old man, who nodded affirmatively. Then at me. At this point I was pondering escape routes when he said, “God will bless you for taking care of my friend.” I asked if he would like some too. “No thank you. Please give the rest to my friend.” I relaxed, noticing that, without changing expressions, his expression changed from bogeyman to large curious child. “Uncle Francis watches over us.” the older man explained.
I got to know Francis. A notorious fellow with a reputation and a rap sheet. He came here alone from Samoa at age 14. With no family, he took to trouble. Drugs, fighting, guns, prison. He worked on a fishing boat. “But I got fired for hitting a man with a fish.” “A fish?” I asked. “It was a big fish. He deserved it. But I forgave him.” I laughed and tossed another log on the fire. I asked if he needed anything. “Just prayers.” he answered quietly.
Francis was devastated by his mother’s death. A dispute between them went un-reconciled. Francis became depressed, but deeply spiritual. “I’m not a bad man. I’m a good man. People hear only bad things. I get angry when people are disrespectful. But I always reconcile with them.” A scuffle last year left Francis with three bullet wounds. “I forgave the man.” he said.
To know Francis we cannot keep walking. We must stop and look beyond the rumors and reputations. One must talk with Francis. Sit with him. Get smoke in your hair and eyes. Talk about life. Talk with his neighbors who love him. They say they feel safer with Francis nearby. “King of the Jungle” some call him. I once visited Francis in jail. He cried as I left. “I pray for you always my friend,” he said.
Beacon Hill 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 #FacingHomelessness #JustSayHello Crosscut
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
buildingCOMMUNITY
PLEASE MEET BLOCK HOME #9
Today the BLOCK Project made front page of the Seattle Times. We are thrilled to say, READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/more-seattleites-are-housing-homeless-people-in-their-backyards-but-its-happening-slowly/?fbclid=IwAR03SIk6nmNgr5bjeLyr0kydwjtGPchDwcKP69AwS0jhmolVLRrQMj_XE70
We believe that the homelessness crisis is actually a community crisis. This is an important distinction for all of us.
When we talk about the homelessness crisis, we often talk about those people over there. However, when we talk about a community crisis, we include ourselves. In this moment we join the solution for ending homelessness.
We measure success for the BLOCK Project by the thousands of activated minds and hearts for our brothers and sisters living on our streets. Talk to anyone that has contributed to this community building project and you will be moved by their excitement and compassion.
A big beautiful THANK YOU Audrey & Keith Baedke for saying "Yes in my backyard to BLOCK Home #9!" Your family is all goodness and kindness! Thank you for showing us how to better live together!
A heartfelt thank you Jeff & Meredith Browand family & friends for your never-ending belief in this project and for raising $35K to make this home possible!
A heartfelt thank you Kenner, Jeff, Cheryl and staff at Architectural Nexus in Salt Lake City for not only building this home & shipping it to Seattle but also pushing for Living Building Challenge certification!
While there are so many in this community that have contributed above and beyond, see more names in the comments, I want to give a heartfelt THANKS to each person on the Facing Homelessness staff and board and to the BLOCK Architects staff. Each and every person on this extended team shares a joyous steadfast belief in this community building project!!!
I'll end by sharing a quote from today's article. Sara Rankin, professor of law at Seattle University and founder of the Homeless Rights Advocacy Project, shares that she sees the BLOCK Project as “one of the few bright lights in the way we talk about homelessness and housing and communities.”
Smiling for all the beautiful people in this community who are reaching out to make a difference for those in need. LOVE.
Seattle neighborhoods | Rex
www.the-block-project.org
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
atCROSSROADS
PLEASE MEET MICHELLE:
The Jungle is a city designated Emphasis Area where, “Encampments have become consistent problems.” The Mayor’s office clarifies, “The City makes determinations based on the totality of the circumstances.” It’s all the same to Michelle. Because generally, and in totality, the emphasis of Emphasis Areas is you’re getting swept. She was setting poles at her new camp when I arrived by the mud trail. “You brought some of your wife’s bread, right?” I asked how her new place was working out. “It’s ok actually. There are fewer rats.”
Michelle was an RN. She’s patient. A caring woman who enjoys conversation on a nice day and hates being cold. She loves her family, blood-wise and otherwise. She has the demeanor of… an RN. So what drove Michelle to homelessness? Why would an RN live here? Maybe it started when her mother shot her in the back as a kid, leaving a bullet lodged in her kidney. Or maybe a subsequent traumatic experience lodged deeper in her mind and heart.
Michelle describes her childhood as horrid. Her mother was bipolar. Schizophrenic with multiple personalities and a drug habit. Against odds, Michelle finished high school and a BS degree in nursing. She went on to become a mom with visions of an MSN degree. But things went bad. Perhaps childhood stresses caught up. “I snapped. I don’t remember everything. I did some real bad things to someone.” Michelle intended to protect her sister, but in doing so committed a serious crime. She hid, and became homeless. Evading the law and working secretly for a travelling carnival for two years. The carnival ended with a five year prison sentence. Followed by a meth habit. And more homelessness.
Michelle is honest. She owns her situation. She places no blame. She keeps no score. She has a vision of escaping homelessness. She’s ready, but cautious. What does her vision look like? A long pause, “I, don’t know.” For now homelessness is a conscious decision recognizing the risks and fears she has of sheltered living. A precautionary approach that protects herself and others. She feels safe in her tent in the woods. “I can feel sounds and movement outside my tent. I can distinguish between a rat and an intruder.”
Why is Michelle homeless? “I’m afraid. Afraid of snapping again. Of depriving others. Afraid of change after being outside for so long.” Counselors have suggested that Michelle suffers from Schizoaffective Disorder. She has tried to get help. “If I could get the help I need I would be there with bells. I’d be out of here. Something will work out. I just don’t know what.” We love Michelle.
As I prepare to leave Michelle hugs me. A pickup slows down on the nearby onramp. An angry man shouts, “Get a job ya piece of crap!”
Beacon Hill 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!
#JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness #Kindness Crosscut KING 5
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
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
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