Cheryl Strayed delivered the keynote address at Key to Hope 2026
Thank you for another successful Key to Hope! On September 23, more than 1,100 members of our community gathered at The Westin Seattle for our annual luncheon. To everyone who contributed to Key to Hope, thank you for supporting Plymouth’s work to address homelessness in our region. Together, we raised over $1.5 million!
Please watch and share our powerful new video that shows the everyday moments that turn housing into home: Care, friendship, community, and people choosing to show up for one another.
Home Changes Everything
At this year’s event, best-selling author Cheryl Strayed delivered a resonant keynote on the power of home to change a life. Reflecting on her own experiences with housing insecurity, she invited the audience to consider the times they had to begin again and what helped them move forward. It was an inspiring afternoon rooted in reflection, resilience, and compassion.
Plymouth resident Thomas Ii shared his gratitude for his home and the Plymouth community before picking up his ukulele and performing for the room.
Thomas Ii shared his music and gratitude
Lead Behavioral Health Case Manager Astro Pittman spoke about the true meaning of hope and how Plymouth helps create the conditions for people to reclaim it.
Plymouth CEO Karen Lee also underscored why Plymouth’s work is so urgent today. She reminded us that housing is the foundation from which recovery can begin. “Dignity is not something you earn once your life is finally in order,” Karen shared. “It is something every human being deserves, especially when life is hardest.”
CEO Karen Lee spoke about Plymouth’s enduring impact
With Shari Leid returning as our emcee, the program also included welcoming remarks from Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and heartfelt reflections from event Co-Chairs Andrew DeVore of Amazon and Ruby Love of Love Resource Development Group.
We are honored by and grateful for the generosity of our community. Each of us can help make a difference, and it takes our combined efforts to build the future of our region together.
Get involved
The energy of Key to Hope doesn’t end with the event. Whether or not you joined us this year, you can help more people move out of homelessness, find stability, and thrive.
Make a gift, explore volunteer opportunities, donate goods to the Plymouth Supply Center, or stay connected with Plymouth’s work.
Together, we make it possible for more people to find housing and build the future they want.