Closure Announcement

Dear community,

After exhausting every avenue possible to keep our organization moving forward to fulfill our mission of ending homelessness, we have made the simultaneously difficult and compassionate decision to rehome our programs due to a lack of sustainable funding sources. We are working to place our programs with partner organizations so that the last of our resources can be used to serve our community in need. The Board of Directors of Facing Homelessness has voted to close our programs on the following timeline:

• Window of Kindness - April 2, 2024

• BLOCK Community Programs - May 31, 2024

Facing Homelessness has served the community as a nonprofit since 2014, beginning our work even earlier in 2010 as a Facebook page encouraging each of us to use our unique skills to ease suffering and increase compassion for our unhoused neighbors. Over that time, we have appreciated the support of many loyal volunteers, donors, community partners, and staff. Unfortunately, we are faced with a financial situation that is no longer sustainable.

The past years have been challenging, as we navigated the ongoing destabilizing effects of the pandemic and adapted to a changing economic landscape. Despite our best efforts to pursue our ambitious growth plans and secure alternative funding, we have come to the difficult realization that we cannot maintain the financial stability needed to sustain our operations.

We know this decision is a painful one, for our staff, for our community, and most especially for the individuals we serve. We still firmly believe in the importance of the work and the impact it has on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness and our broader community. We are currently exploring options to rehome our Window of Kindness and BLOCK Project programs, and we hope that these unique services can live on in new forms.

To our dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters: your passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment have been the driving force behind our successes. We are eternally grateful for your contributions and the countless lives you have touched along the way.

To the individuals and families we have served: your strength, resilience, and courage have been an inspiration to us all. It grieves us not to be able to continue to walk alongside you on your unique journeys, but we hope that the connections, support, and resources you have found through our programs will continue to light your path forward.

As we navigate this transition, we ask for your understanding and support. We will be providing updates on the placement of our programs and ways in which you can continue to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

We are in the process of canceling all recurring donations and will stop accepting new donations as of today. Donations already received this year will continue to be used to support the transition or closure of our programs and for the many tasks required to shut down a non-profit. If we have any funds left after completing these tasks, we will donate them to mission-aligned non-profits.

Thank you for being a part of the Facing Homelessness family. Together, we have made a lasting impact, and we trust that our mission will live on through the work of our partners and the compassion of our community.

With gratitude and hope,

The Facing Homelessness Team

How To: Just Say Hello

Ever found yourself at a loss for what to do when you meet someone experiencing homelessness? You're not alone. Picture this: you're rushing into the grocery store, and you notice a person outside, their hopeful eyes catching yours. You want to help, but uncertainty holds you back. It's a common feeling, one most of us have experienced.

But here's the thing: connecting with our unhoused neighbors doesn't have to be daunting. In fact, it can be as simple as saying "hello" with sincerity and empathy.

Over the next few posts, we'll dive into practical strategies on how to “just say hello” with kindness and respect. It all starts with the right mindset – approaching each interaction without judgment and with kindness in our hearts.

Introducing ourselves, offering assistance by asking questions, and keeping essentials like snacks, socks or cash handy are just a few ways we can make a difference by starting small. And remember, safety is paramount – for both ourselves and those we wish to help.

So, join us in this series as we explore the power of a simple "hello" and learn how to brighten someone's day.. Together, let's build a community where everyone feels seen and connected.

Tips credited to Shelli, a former Facing Homelessness Board Member.

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!

Another Best Day Ever!

We had another very successful Best Day Ever Event! We were able to connect with over 140 beautiful faces within 4 hours (the most we’ve ever seen at these events), have heartwarming conversations, provide 60 free haircuts, donate essential clothing items, and share a joy-filled day building community together.

Seeing the smiles light up as people left feeling refreshed and cared for is why we do this. Thank you to all the volunteers who gifted their time and compassion. And to the donors who supplied drinks, meals, snacks, and other critical items that allowed us to serve our unhoused neighbors.

Events like this remind us we are family. We are already counting down until the next Best Day Ever. Our community is strengthened when we take care of one another.

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!

Block Home 16 Open House

We're thrilled to share that we opened the doors of our 16th BLOCK Home, a labor of real community love. It is our tradition each time we open a BLOCK Home to plant flower bulbs for the future resident who will find a home here. With each handful of soil, we shared dreams of stability, comfort, and new beginnings for those who will call this house their own.

Now it’s your turn - comment below to offer your own wishes of what this BLOCK Home will provide.

Huge appreciation to the neighbors who attended and brought a beautiful welcome home basket for this home’s resident. We're also excited that many new volunteers expressed how meaningful seeing the completed home is, and that they look forward to more engagement opportunities with us!

The combined efforts of our staff, volunteers, host, Eliza, and partners have made this 16th BLOCK home a reality. Our community blooms when we take care of our own.

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!

Invisible Needs

Imagine you lose your housing and are suddenly forced to live in your car. You’re desperately trying to hold down your job, but the daily struggles of finding a place to shower, food you can afford, and a safe place to park overnight are beyond exhausting. Now it is winter and you have to choose between sacrificing gas money to run your vehicle to stay warm or shivering through the night in 40 degree temperatures.

There are many people living amongst us who at first glance are not visibly homeless. For every person you see living in a tent, there are many others living in vehicles, bouncing from couch to couch, or cobbling together other temporary forms of shelter.

The Window of Kindness is a resource to folks wherever they’re at. In the scenario above, we would provide a sleeping bag and blankets for insulation and referrals through our Resource Navigation Program to find transitional housing and other supports.

We want every person who visits the Window to have access to warm food, dry clothing, and a non-judgemental listening ear. This is our baseline. But when someone comes to us with other emergency needs, we want to be able to help.

This month, community members like you have contributed $1,670 to our Client Support Fund for tents, sleeping bags, tarps, backpacks, and other life saving supplies. Thank YOU! Let’s keep this ripple of compassion going and get all the way to our $5,000 goal! Just $25 can provide a sleeping bag to someone in need, offering them a bit of comfort and warmth during a difficult time.

Donate today at https://givebutter.com/FHClientSupportFund or if you are inspired what this community can accomplish when we pool our resources, talents, and time, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/compassioncollective and set up a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of this work. THANK YOU!

Facing Homelessness: Re-Introduction

Hey, we see some new faces around here! We thought it was time to formally re-introduce ourselves.

We're Facing Homelessness, an organization working to end homelessness through community engagement and relationship building. Our purpose is to increase connection, belonging, and stability for those experiencing homelessness.

We operate programs like: The Window of Kindness, where volunteers provide essential supplies and a listening ear to our unhoused neighbors. The BLOCK Project builds fully equipped tiny homes in backyards for those experiencing homelessness to have a place to call home. Our Companionship Program connects community volunteers and members of the BLOCK Home community for mutual relationship building and support.

Our mission is to inspire deliberate community mobilization towards ending homelessness by engaging people to be part of the solution. We envision a world where homelessness no longer exists, guided by values of compassion, equity, collective responsibility, accountability, and action.

Now that you know us, we want to get to know you! Introduce yourself below and why you're joining us on the mission to end homelessness.

With So Much Gratitude,

The Facing Homelessness Team

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!

Food Security

Food insecurity is a daily struggle for many of our community members living on the streets. Knowing how essential it is to have access to nutrition, staff at Facing Homelessness do everything we can to make sure we are providing a warm meal to all of our Window of Kindness visitors every day we are operating.

Recently we’ve acquired a partnership with India Bistro on Roosevelt Way, which makes a big difference to our ability to distribute meals every week. India Bistro has agreed to share a veggie and chicken curry, as well as naan bread with us every Wednesday. If you are hungry and would like a nutritious meal, you can visit us at The Window of Kindness Tuesday-Thursday, 2-4pm, and Friday’s 1-4pm.

Varinder, who is the manager/owner of the Indian Bistro, shared with us that it is important to their whole family and staff to address food insecurity in our community. They want to contribute towards this cause, because it fills their hearts to make even a small difference.

If you love Indian food as much as all of us do, and you live in the area, we encourage you to support this family owned restaurant. They just reopened their buffet and have many options to choose from. Let’s continue to support small businesses who are making a difference in our community.

India Bistro 6417 Roosevelt Way NE

https://www.indiabistroroosevelt.com/

With So Much Gratitude,

The Facing Homelessness Team

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!

Join The Conversation

Join Intiman Theatre and The Seagull Project for a special post-show talkback with Phoebe Anderson-Kline, Director of Community Programs at Facing Homelessness! Join Phoebe after the 2/11 matinee of The Lower Depths at the Erickson Theatre in Capitol Hill.

Maxim Gorky's timeless play explores the thin line between being housed and unhoused - how little divides those seen as human from the invisible. Phoebe will share perspectives on what pushes people into poverty and keeps them there, the struggles still faced by those experiencing homelessness, and this story's contemporary resonance.

Find more information about this production at https://www.intiman.org/depths/.

Let's keep the conversation going long after the curtain closes!

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!

Thank You Ling Shen Ching Tze!

Just before the holidays, the Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple donated over $5,000 of essential clothing, food, and supplies to help our unhoused neighbors stay warm. This generous donation included over 70 winter coats, 50 sets of thermals and blankets, 100 packs of socks and underwear, and other crucial cold weather gear.

For the last three years, the Redmond Buddhist temple has given thousands of items to assist Facing Homelessness in caring for the unhoused community during the winter months. We are truly grateful to partners like Ling Shen Ching Tze who mobilize compassion into action when the need feels greatest.

Thank you for your big hearts! We encourage other community organizations to consider hosting donation drives as well to help our unhoused neighbors get essential items they need.

Learn more about how to host a donation drive: https://facinghomelessness.org/host-a-donation-drive

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!

December Reflection

The Window of Kindness served a record number of visitors in the days leading up to the Christmas holidays. Seeing more than 70 individuals experiencing homelessness per day reaffirmed for our staff and volunteers the necessity of the Window as a space of care and connection.

Our volunteers distributed donated winter survival essentials–gloves, hand warmers, coats, blankets, and gift cards; and for our holiday meal, we were able to share cheer with favorites such as baked ham, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese.

We had over 210 points of contact with unhoused neighbors who stopped by seeking compassion and essentials. Thanks to many small acts of generosity from our community, we were able to meet some of their most pressing needs for warmth, food, and friendly conversation.

Our community continues to prove that we won’t leave our neighbors behind. The Window stands ready to meet anyone in need with empathy and action. Here’s to spreading more compassion in 2024.

Sweeps In Seattle

Sweeps continue, but shelters are full.

As Seattle persists in conducting sweeps of homeless encampments throughout the city, unhoused residents are stripped of vital shelter. In the past month, temperatures have plummeted to well below freezing, making living outside incredibly dangerous.

This cold impacts everyone, but some cannot escape it.

Facing Homelessness is requesting donations of winter clothing, tents, sleeping bags, or funds to help. Even small donations can make a big difference to our unhoused neighbors. Not sure what to give? Check out our website for needed items. Compassion and community support can save lives at this time of year, thank you for helping if you can.

https://facinghomelessness.org/donate-supplies

Volunteer Orientation

Our recent January 4th orientation brought 12 new folks excited to volunteer with the Window of Kindness. We're thrilled to onboard more dedicated team members to help at The Window during this ongoing harsh winter weather.

We'll hold our next Window of Kindness orientation on February 1st for anyone eager to learn more about this volunteering. Whether you can commit weekly or occasionally, we have openings to fit different availabilities. Sign up at https://facinghomelessness.volunteerhub.com/vv2/

It takes a crew of caring volunteers to keep the Window of Kindness running as a reliable source of support this time of year. That's why we feel enthusiastic about continuing to expand the team with passionate Seattleites.

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!

Thank You!

 Gratitude Overflowing! 

As we embrace the new year, our hearts are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support in our recent fundraising journey. Your generosity not only helped us meet our $250,000 stretch goal but together you surpassed it with an incredible additional $7,233.

Your belief in our mission empowers us to provide essential services and sustainable homes for our community, and we can't thank you enough.

Here's how you can continue being a part of our journey in 2024:

 Visit the Window of Kindness and witness the direct impact of your support.
 Join a volunteer shift at the BLOCK Shop or on our build sites to see how your contributions lead to the construction of homes in backyards throughout our region.
 Stay connected on our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and our Newsletter to see your support in action.

Your kindness creates a lasting difference. Wishing you a beautiful start to the new year!

With heartfelt appreciation,
The Facing Homelessness Team

Allie's Stor

Transformative Connections: Allie's Story 

“My first shift at the Window of Kindness was also the first conversation I ever had with a person experiencing homelessness – it completely reshaped my understanding of homelessness. By swapping stories and learning more about our clients’ individual journeys, I was prompted to face a fear of the unknown, challenge stereotypes, and dismantle my assumptions. My experiences at the Window have helped me grow as a person, but at the end of the day, it’s all about building community and treating people with the dignity everyone deserves.” - Allie, Window of Kindness volunteer

Allie’s journey gets to the heart of what makes Facing Homelessness unique. We believe genuine human connections transform lives, not just for those we serve but also for volunteers like Allie. This is how we start a movement where each of us plays a role in ending homelessness.

https://givebutter.com/FacingHomelessness2023

Imagine a world where giving kindness is the norm. With just one day left, our community has raised $241,058. That means we have just $8,942 left to hit our $250,000 stretch goal – by midnight tomorrow.

Your donation isn’t just money; it's an investment in creating a compassionate community where stereotypes are shattered, assumptions are dismantled, and love guides us. Your generosity allows us to continue building bridges and making a tangible difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

With your help, we can provide essential resources, supportive permanent housing, and, above all, a sense of belonging to our unhoused neighbors.

With your support, we will hit our goal and start 2024 ready to continue serving our unhoused neighbors. Now is the moment to take action - donate to Facing Homelessness before time runs out!

With gratitude,
The Facing Homelessness Team

Please meet Alexie

All of us at Facing Homelessness wish you good health, warmth, safety, connection, and the love that each of us deserve this holiday season.

“Because of the BLOCK Project and Facing Homelessness I have been able to gain control over my life for the first time… And I have hope for a future.” - Alexiel, BLOCK Home Resident

Alexiel's words showcase the profound impact we can have when we choose to care for each other. As the year winds down and we plan for the next, be a beacon of hope in someone's life, just as you've been for Alexiel and many others.

A job loss, an injury, a rent increase - for many, just a little bit of bad luck can lead to the harsh realities of homelessness. But imagine a future where individuals like Alexiel, who faced adversity, can reclaim control and dare to dream again. Your support of the BLOCK Project and the Window of Kindness is the key to building that hopeful future.

Let's come together this holiday season and make real change in the lives of our neighbors who, like Alexiel, just need a new chance for a better tomorrow.

https://givebutter.com/FacingHomelessness2023

With gratitude and warmest wishes for the holiday season,

The Facing Homelessness Team

P.S. We still need to raise $15,389 to reach our $200,000 goal and unlock our full match. Your generosity matters.

Window of Kindness

"I don't know what I would do if you all weren't here. coming to The Window is what I look forward to every week. I am really, really grateful for you guys. Please don't ever leave. Sometimes this is the only mean I get and probably the most interaction too. It feels like home here." - A Window of Kindness Guest

We run the Window for this- making sure our unhoused neighbors have somewhere safe and welcoming, somewhere they can count on a warm meal, somewhere they can come to connect.

If this speaks to you, we hope that you'll consider donating to our End of Year Campaign to keep Facing Homelessness and The Window of Kindness strong and reliable in 2024. https://givebutter.com/FacingHomelessness2023

Please meet Eli

SAVE THE DATE - Saturday, December 30th, 11:00-1:00PM.

Please meet Eli. He's about as easy a person to talk with as you will find. With his soft voice and quick smile, you feel like friends just five minutes into the conversation.

I asked Eli if I could take his picture, to which he replied, "Yeah, that's okay, just don't tell me, I don't want to freeze up!" When we were done, he then showed me a B&W photo of his dad, one that was in Ebony magazine, back in the day. It's beautiful!

Eli went to Ballard High School. Currently he lives in a tent along Leary Way NW, in Ballard. His tent is one of the 32 lined up on the parking strip, inches from traffic.

SAVE THE DATE - Saturday, December 30th, 11:00-1:00PM.

This week our friend Bruce Drager will be going from tent to tent asking what folks want for Christmas. On Christmas day I'll make a post on this page, listing all of the asked for presents, to see if each of us can claim one of the gifts to purchase and then gift to those living in this encampment. It is going to be veryVERY BEAUTIFUL!

The idea is that we all show up from 11:00-1:00PM and take part in a street CHRISTMAS PARTY for folks the holidays usually pass by. More information to follow, but please SAVE THE DATE!

LOVE.

Please meet Grayson

Grayson is currently living out of his van with his dog.

It's been a rough struggle for him to keep moving in the right direction, earning enough money with his music to climb out of poverty and quite frankly the despair he feels.

While living back east, Grayson was making a name for himself playing music with his band. Things changed, as things do, and Grayson ended up in Seattle. He will tell you, "Moving to Seattle has been a nightmare for me." When he was with his band they had recorded an album, things were good, he wants to get back to all of that, of moving forward with his music and his life.

Here in Seattle, he's had his van vandalized, his dog taken for awhile, and then there are the medical issues. Right now Grayson's right arm is half paralyzed, which keeps him from playing his guitar, which means he can't make money busking.

With no money, Grayson is now in danger of having his van/home impounded. When that happens, it's gone. He needs to raise $300 for license and tabs to make sure it is safe.

If you can help out, even just a little, please Venmo directly to Grayson. @Grayson-Connelly. If you donate, please let us know in the comments below. I'd like to post when the $300 has been raised. A heartfelt THANKS in advance!

Grayson is a good person. He wants to head back home, back to family and friends where he is intent on getting needed help. I hope we can come through for him on this.

LOVE. 

Please meet Sinaed

Meet Sinaed, a BLOCK Project Volunteer:

“I love volunteering with the Block Project as it allows me to do something that directly impacts the life of another person. I know that through donating my time and money I am helping someone take a step forward in making a new life for themselves.”

Can you imagine yourself as the solution to homelessness? Trick question. You already are the solution.
When you share our posts, you humanize those living on the streets and advocate for compassion. Volunteer with us? You’re creating connections…or even building a home.If you donate supplies, you might even be saving a life.

Donate money, and you're doing all of the above. givebutter.com/FacingHomelessness2023

Your donation today means:
Someone gets the hot meal, tent, or case management they need at the Window of Kindness.
A new BLOCK Home is completed, giving someone a place to rest, grow, and heal.
Our community transforms as we connect deeply to the plight of our neighbors and are inspired to take action.

Today, we are 51% of the way to our 2023 Year-End Campaign goal. Your gift today can be matched 100% by another community member.

Donate TODAY and help us build a world without homelessness. One smile, one hot meal, and one home at a time. Let's keep making a difference. givebutter.com/FacingHomelessness2023