Let's Talk: Another service opportunity

Through networking with service providers, our Homelessness Task Force has become aware of another concrete way we might assist.

With Covid relief funding depleted, the rent freeze eliminated, and basic apartment rental approaching $2,000/month, many households are getting "pay or vacate" notices. Local providers receive an average of 60 requests/month for assistance, making this one of the most economically distressed areas in Seattle.

Responding to financial requests is just part of a complex picture, however. To stabilize long term, many families have needs beyond those a check can meet. St. Vincent DePaul offers professional case management but clients can wait many weeks in the queue to access that service.

Our Lady of Guadalupe parish has developed a practical way to shorten the wait, when warranted, by enlisting volunteers to respond to the human dimension of housing crises. Working in pairs, they visit clients to collect the basic information that case managers will need to connect them with available resources.

Our Homelessness Task Force will host an informational meeting about this potential service opportunity on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 11:30 in the sanctuary. Guests will include Bob Bucci, president of the local Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and at least one care-team volunteer.