As Camp Second Chance, West Seattle's tiny-home village on Meyers Way, attests: It takes a community to build a village. Since 2016 when the first residents moved in, a community of dedicated people has built it into a safe, supportive, and effective waystation on the road out of homelessness.
On July 15, a barbeque at the camp thanked that community of people, including representatives from the Low-Income Housing Initiative (LIHI), Sound Foundations NW, Fauntleroy Church, camp staff and residents, and members of the camp's Community Advisory Committee.
They had several recent transformations to celebrate: new tiny homes (now 70 in total), new bathrooms with sewer service and cisterns, a spacious resource center with new appliances, storage trailers for donations, asphalt walkways, and outdoor gathering areas graced with flower and shrub planters.
Also worth celebrating was completion by our Homelessness Task Force's shoe-buying project. Because of generous donations to our giving tree, plus the support of Big 5 Sporting Goods in Westwood Village, we were able to equip 21 residents with new shoes that fit both their feet and lifestyles. "Cathy Phillips conceived this project and persevered with store manager Kendall Fischer to make it happen," said Joan Gregory, who assisted Cathy in scheduling residents to come to the store. "Big 5 clerks were extremely considerate and helpful with residents, several of whom had foot issues and personality quirks that required extra time and patience." The store provided a 10% discount to supplement giving-tree donations that paid about $45 per resident. The store also equipped camp staff with 20% discount coupons to help residents who come in on their own.
For help with the shoe project, as well as above-and-beyond dedication to the camp, the Homelessness Task Force recently presented Manager Scott Harris and Case Manager Marjorie Johnson with gift cards to spend in relaxing ways. Marjorie's response: “I am at a loss for words! Thank you so much. I do this because everyone deserves a home and a pleasant face to greet them when they come here. The camp really appreciates you and I appreciate you.” Noting that this month's barbeque came together on short notice, Joan said that our task force expects to host another in the fall, when many more of us can visit and appreciate all the improvements.
