At Plymouth Housing, we believe that healing from homelessness requires more than just a roof overhead — it requires connection. Every day, we see how meaningful relationships and support systems help our residents recover, rebuild, and thrive. Connection is not just a value we hold — it’s a vital part of our service model. Here are six powerful ways connection helps our residents heal.
1. Connection to Services
Healing begins with stability — and stability begins with support. Every Plymouth resident is paired with a housing case manager who gets to know their needs and helps connect them to services that foster healing and growth. From physical and mental health care to substance use treatment and financial coaching, these services are often available right in our buildings, thanks to strong partnerships. Homelessness is traumatic, and connecting residents to care helps them heal on every level.
Learn more about our permanent supportive housing model.
Residents can manage their health in their home thanks to a partnership with Neighborcare Health
2. Connection to Essentials
Having a home is just the beginning — having what you need to live well is just as important. That’s why Plymouth created the Plymouth Supply Center, a free store where residents can access household items, personal care products, and even small appliances. For resident Christopher, the Supply Center has been life-changing:
“What I like most about the Plymouth store is that everything is free. I get some great products that I could never afford to buy. Like today I got a very nice air purifier. I have asthma and this new purifier is going to be a game changer for me. This store allows me to have essentials and also just nice things like pictures, tables, and even a microwave.”
The Supply Center helps residents feel dignified, supported, and empowered in their homes. Learn more about the Plymouth Supply Center.
A Plymouth resident selects items at the Plymouth Supply Center
3. Connection to Peers
Community is a cornerstone of healing. Plymouth intentionally cultivates a sense of belonging in our buildings through shared meals, group outings, culturally relevant celebrations, and creative activities like open mic nights and art classes. We also offer recovery support groups, which provide a safe space for residents to share their experiences and support one another in their healing journeys. These moments of camaraderie help residents rediscover themselves and feel supported by others who understand their path.
Staff and residents at Kristin Benson Place
4. Connection to Family
Homelessness often leads to estrangement from family — both biological and chosen. At Plymouth, the stability and support residents find can create space for these relationships to heal. Resident Kevin reconnected with his mother after years of isolation. Searetha welcomes her children and grandchildren to her Plymouth apartment.
For many residents, pets are family, too. Their companionship provides emotional support, comfort, and a sense of purpose — like for Bruce and his husky support dog, Kodah. At Plymouth, we recognize the healing power of these relationships and welcome pets as part of our community.
Bruce and Kodah
5. Connection to Passions
With a stable home and abundant support, residents can reconnect with old passions and discover new ones. Kenny, once a world-touring musician, found his way back to drumming after years of struggle. Today, he teaches classes and performs regularly with his band — proof that healing includes rediscovering joy and purpose. Watch Kenny’s story.
Kenny teaching at the Seattle Drum School
6. Connection to the Community
Plymouth’s buildings are hubs of community connection. In the past year, residents received monthly hair and nail services from Vuu’s Beauty School, registered to vote with help from the League of Women Voters, and accessed health care through a partnership with UW School of Medicine. Partnering businesses served meals and hosted game nights. Volunteers lead sewing groups, language classes, and memoir writing workshops. These interactions not only enrich residents’ lives — they also bridge divides, reminding us that healing homelessness is a shared, human endeavor.
Vuu’s Beauty School providing hair care services
Want to support Plymouth’s profoundly healing work?
Join us at Key to Hope: The Power of Connection on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General and a leading voice on connection and public health. He will share insights on how community and connection can transform lives — especially for those healing from homelessness. Learn more and register for Key to Hope.
Register today!