Community engagement with local residents and businesses has been an essential part of Plymouth Housing’s work in preparation for opening a new permanent supportive housing building in Redmond that will house 100 individuals. As we approach groundbreaking, here are insights from three Redmond community members — a small business owner, a faith leader, and a public administrator — about how they anticipate this project will improve community well-being.
The fibers that bind us
In 1999, Kyra Stewart started a business renting out her personal collection of 500 used costumes out of her condo. Over 20 years, her passion transformed into A Masquerade, a shop of theatrical quality pieces that found its current home in downtown Redmond in 2016. Not surprising for a costume expert, Stewart likens the Redmond community to the “fibers that bind us,” and she sees Plymouth’s new permanent supportive housing project as a critical part of that tapestry.
“The residents of Plymouth’s new building will get a chance to put on their own metaphorical ‘oxygen mask’ and can then share their own contributions with the community. We can all participate more fully in community when our own basic needs are met.”
Kyra Stewart outside her costume shop in downtown Redmond
Planting roots
Austin Ashbrenner, Pastor at Redmond Presbyterian Church, agrees that helping new community members meet their basic needs is mutually beneficial for everyone. Ashbrenner said he is looking forward to getting to know his new Plymouth neighbors.
“This model allows us to all grow together and to assist each other in building a healthy community for everyone in Redmond,” he said about permanent supportive housing.
Austin Ashbrenner this spring at the Redmond Park and Ride
Something Ashbrenner appreciates about Redmond is how the rapidly growing community blends values of the past with an embrace of new possibilities that come with expansion. This is particularly relevant as Redmond transforms from a “suburb to a city” due to increased transit options, as described in a recent Seattle Times article.
Both people who have lived here for decades and newcomers alike have so much to be grateful for in Redmond: community events, outdoor spaces, and all the fun traditions that give this community a unique identity, explains Ashbrenner. “When neighbors and strangers are able to build these healthy connections, a community begins to flourish.”
Live and grow
Tisza Rutherford echoes Ashbrenner’s emphasis on welcoming newcomers to the city. From her perspective, the type of housing Plymouth provides is essential for helping people find stability and healing.
“Permanent supportive housing is one way that individuals who are exiting homelessness can continue to live and grow in the community they are already receiving services in,” she said.
Tisza Rutherford providing services to one of Redmond’s safe parking guests
As Homeless Outreach Administrator for the City of Redmond, Rutherford’s primary role is collaborating with regional outreach teams to connect unhoused community members with resources such as shelter, safe parking, and housing.
In this context, “safe parking” refers to Redmond’s program designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness who rely on their vehicles for shelter. Safe parking provides designated parking areas where people can safely park overnight without fear of harassment or trespassing violations.
Rutherford loves that Redmond is focused on supporting all of its residents. “Community means partnership, with all participants engaging and contributing meaningfully to make our neighborhoods inclusive and safe,” she said.
Visit this webpage to learn more about Plymouth’s new building in Redmond.