by Kelli Larsen, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Seattle residents bear witness to the crisis of homelessness every day. While walking the dog, driving to work, dropping off the kids, or going to lunch, we see people struggling with much less than us.
The One Night Count in Seattle and King County found 4,505 people staying outside. There are 10,688 people experiencing homelessness in our region, including those with and without shelter. The scale of this tragedy can be overwhelming. Many people are asking why this has happened and how we can make it better. In fact, a conversation on the topic is being held today on social media.
We need big solutions to address this vast inequality.
But, we have a big solution before us right now: the opportunity to support the Seattle Housing Levy – Proposition 1. The Seattle Housing Levy will support Plymouth and our partners as we continue building more affordable homes for our neighbors who are in need. The permanent supportive housing that Plymouth provides is one of the big solutions we offer to address the crisis of homelessness in our region.
Today, with the support of the Seattle Housing Levy, Plymouth is breaking ground on a new building that will provide 77 permanent homes to people experiencing homelessness. This building will open in 2017 at the corner of 7th & Cherry, and will enable us to deepen strong partnerships with other service providers, such as Harborview Medical Center, REACH, and NeighborCare, to provide the support our tenants need to achieve stability.
These new homes provide hope and stability for people who have been without for many years.
Given the scale and severity of this crisis, it is important to bear witness and sit with the discomfort of this significant inequality in our city—but it is also important to take a closer look. Just say hello to men and women experiencing homelessness. Embrace the work that Plymouth does every day: look at the miracles that happen in our buildings, see the change in just one person who moves into their own apartment after years outside.
Plymouth served over 1,000 people last year in permanent housing. Each person has a story.
We could share over 1,000 beautiful stories at Plymouth every day.
Every person who lives at Plymouth, works at Plymouth, and supports Plymouth—we all bring our stories and histories together in this place. We set our intention and take action in large and small ways every day.
We ask all of our neighbors to contribute to this effort:
- Support the Seattle Housing Levy
- Vote Yes for Homes
- Advocate with your elected officials for more affordable housing
- Volunteer
- Just Say Hello
- Learn more about Plymouth Housing First
- Engage with a service provider in your neighborhood
Take action because you are concerned about the crisis of homelessness in our region.
Take action because thousands of our neighbors are sleeping outside.
Take action because you care about that one person whose life is better now that she has a roof overhead and community inside.
Support the thousands of people that now live in permanent supportive housing in Seattle and support the thousands more that need housing.
Take action because you care.
Every person has a story—including you. Share your story, share your passion, add your voice to the cause. One voice can make a difference.