Mural Credit: Gallery Nathaniel - Do you already know this mural? (We’ve shared it once before!) You’ll find it on Dock Street along the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma.
We get by with a little help from our friends. We all make it through life because others are also making in through alongside us. There doesn’t always seem to be a balance between give and take, need and plenty, especially if we take a short view. But over time, we all have something to give and a deep need to receive. So take the long view, and take a close look at this list of ways to give that supports neighbors and people who may never be known to you in our city, our county, and across Washington.
If you’re not able to give support this month, tuck some of these ideas away for a time when you can. The list of groups and organizations working toward housing stability and food security extends far beyond these 5; we’ll be back with more ways to support community in the coming months.
Image from Emergency Food Network
1. Support Food on All Tables in Pierce County - Emergency Food Network
Emergency Food Network’s Mission: “Our mission is to provide Pierce County with a consistent, diverse and nutritious food supply so that no person goes hungry.”
According to the Emergency Food Network, 1 in 9 people in Pierce County face hunger. Good thing EFN can turn $1 into 5 meals. We can’t do that on our own, and they can’t either. Give funds, food, or your time and energy. And use the EFN “Find Food” tool to locate a meal site or food bank near you.
Image from Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity
2. Support Affordable Housing & Aging In Place in Pierce County with Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity’s Vision: “Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity’s vision is to build and foster a community where everyone has a decent, affordable place to live.”
Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity may be most known for its homeownership program in which new homeowners participate in building their homes, putting in sweat equity alongside volunteers. But they do more than create new homes to increase access to affordable housing. Habitat also offers programs in housing counseling, home repairs, and foreclosure prevention. Habitat programs focus on aging in place and permanent affordability. You can help by volunteering at a home site or Habitat (Re)Store, giving money, or attending special events.
Image from Feed253
3. Support Year Round Meals & Thanksgiving Dinners with Feed253
Feed253’s Mission: “Our mission is to help end hunger in the 253. Feed253 is a year-round operation, serving as part of the YWCA's meal program and providing supplies for direct aid meals for our houseless Hilltop neighbors 3 days/week since Feb. 2020. We continue to work to fill the gap for local charities that serve our community every day.”
Feed253 started out as a group of friends rounding up turkeys to support places like the Tacoma Rescue Mission in their efforts to provide a celebratory holiday meal. Over the years Feed253 has grown into a nonprofit that supports local organizations in providing regular meals. And the thing is, they really need community help to continue both their holiday meal support and year round meals. Consider sending some funds their way. Learn more and give to Feed253.
Image from Mercy Housing Northwest
4. Support Affordable Rents & Senior Housing in WA & ID with Mercy Housing Northwest
Mercy Housing’s Mission & Values: “Mercy Housing’s Core Values of respect, justice, and mercy guide everything that we do — from our daily work, to who we partner with and how we serve communities. We believe that housing justice is social justice, which informs our approach to affordable housing, allowing us to help more people and more communities. From project financing and housing development to community outreach and long-term resident services, everything we do is in service of our mission to create stable, vibrant, and healthy communities.”
Mercy Housing Northwest operates 54 properties in Idaho & Washington. One of these properties is Hillside Gardens family apartments in Tacoma’s Hilltop Neighborhood. Hillside Gardens is a 26 unit building where rents are offered at 30%, 50% and 60% of the Pierce County Median Income. Mercy Housing operates several senior housing buildings in Tacoma as well. Learn more about ways to give to Mercy Housing Northwest.
Image of Kaitlyn and Melo from Windermere Abode
5. Support Thanksgiving Meals for Tacoma Families with Windermere Abode
This one is close to our hearts because it’s an 8 year tradition at the office where we work! Headed-up by Melo Hogan and Kaitlyn Marty, all of us at Abode come together to raise funds, collect and decorate boxes, shop for groceries, assemble meal kits, and deliver those Thanksgiving meal kits to Tacoma Public Schools around the city where school counselors make sure they get into the hands and homes where support is needed in this year’s celebration. And you can be part of it.
Last year the Windermere Abode team sent over 150 meal kits out into Tacoma. This year our goal is to deliver 200 dinners. A meal kit for one family is $50, but any amount of financial support is valuable and appreciated! Learn how you can help or donate here.
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