What’s New
Resident spotlight: From homelessness to property management
Binet* came to the US legally from Gambia in 2013. She couch-surfed until she was literally thrown out onto the streets with her infant son. It was at that low point that she found The Family Shelter and was welcomed as a resident. It was at the Shelter where she and...
“I’m grateful for friends, family & a roof over my head.”
"I'm grateful for friends, family and a roof over my head." - resident of The Family Shelter Whether temporary or permanent, a safe and healthy place to call home is important to all of us. In that spirit, it's the season for maintenance at The Family Shelter! We are...
Single mom success story
"A network of people kept me sane," said a single mom of a six-year-old living at The Family Shelter. I felt like a failure. Here I am a single mother being evicted after trying so hard. I didn't know what was next. The first night we were homeless we slept at a...
A Place of My Own: Tami’s Story
Tami had been homeless on an off for several years, was 4 months pregnant and had a young daughter. She was in a transitional housing program with her husband and daughter until it ended after one year. She was attending Everest Community College for her Medical...
Starting School With Confidence
A new school year can be daunting for any child. New classroom, new teacher, new friends. Starting the school year while living at a homeless shelter often means added anxieties: do I tell my teachers where I'm living? What about my friends? Will I stick out if I...
Planting Snacks – Mr. Tim’s Garden Helpers
There is nothing like the satisfying crunch of fresh snap peas on a hot summer day. Or carrots, or green beans or corn on the cob. "Mr. Tim" has been the lead volunteer at our shelter garden for a number of years. When he is around, you can always expect to see a few...
Two Congregations Rally in Support of Shelter Residents
[highlight]Stanwood United Methodist Church: Welcome Boxes[/highlight] A plastic file box can go a long way toward making someone feel comfortable in a new place. This is the goal behind the Welcome Box Project at Stanwood United Methodist Church. Families often come...
Home & Kitchen Items for Resident Pantry
Families often have very few personal belongings when they come to the shelter. Basic household items can be very helpful when they later transition into a new home! Our Resident Pantry is stocked with Home and Kitchen supplies. So that families can help themselves to...
A Window Into Learning Hour
“I like science best. We’re learning about rocks,” the girl declares as she settles into a chair. Her smile reveals two front teeth waiting to grow in. She is in the first grade and has lived with her family at the shelter for several months while they search...
Living & Dining Room Revitalization
With forty or more people living under one roof, you can imagine our furniture starts to look a little ragged after awhile. The tables and chairs in our communal living and dining rooms have been in need of a face lift for quite some time. With generous funding from...