The Washington State Housing Trust Fund is a vital funding source in our state and we are at risk of losing this fund. We are re-posting information from the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance and urging you to write to your Senator.
Just before the end of the regular session, the House of Representatives approved the Senate Capital budget with an amendment to fund the Housing Trust Fund with $50 million. An investment of this size will create at least 1,500 jobs, generate $10.3 million in taxes for local governments, and bring in $28.7 million in income for local businesses. Now is a critical time to contact your Senator to urge support for this critical investment.
It is your advocacy that will ensure the Trust Fund is funded at $50 million. Many of the projects that are "in the pipeline" and ready to begin will build housing for those who can least afford it - families and individuals struggling with or leaving homelessness, the disabled, and seniors on fixed incomes. Many of these individuals and families only source of income is the small $339 per month cash grant from the GA-U program. This tiny amount allows these Washingtonians to afford the basics like housing and food.
The Housing Trust Fund is essential to providing housing for those who need it the most. The Senate needs to know that the Trust Fund not only creates jobs, but also creates a path out of homelessness for thousands of people throughout Washington.
Contact your Senator today!
Read more from other organizations: YWCA Action Alert, Building Changes, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
First Place Graduate makes National Headlines
Breaking News!
First Place graduate, 11-year-old Marcelas Owens, has been advocating for health care in honor of his mother since he lost her in 2007. In the past year, Senator Patty Murray has been telling his story to advocate for better healthcare and has shared his story twice in front of President Obama.
His story is now being heard and seen by thousands of individuals through news coverage on MSNBC and CBS Evening News.
Today, March 10, is an important day for Marcelas as he speaks in Washington DC in front of Congress - it is also his eleventh birthday.
Read local stories on Marcelas: KING5, Q13 Fox, Seattle Times.
Hear Marcelas' story in person!
Marcelas will be speaking at our Annual Fundraising Breakfast on Wednesday, April 28, 2010.
RSVP today to hear this inspirational young man share more of his experiences and how First Place was a catalyst for his advocacy.
Learn more about the Annual Fundraising Breakfast.
Marcelas Owens (left) with Tod Leiweke (right) at the 2009 Breakfast.
First Place graduate, 11-year-old Marcelas Owens, has been advocating for health care in honor of his mother since he lost her in 2007. In the past year, Senator Patty Murray has been telling his story to advocate for better healthcare and has shared his story twice in front of President Obama.
His story is now being heard and seen by thousands of individuals through news coverage on MSNBC and CBS Evening News.
Today, March 10, is an important day for Marcelas as he speaks in Washington DC in front of Congress - it is also his eleventh birthday.
Read local stories on Marcelas: KING5, Q13 Fox, Seattle Times.
Hear Marcelas' story in person!
Marcelas will be speaking at our Annual Fundraising Breakfast on Wednesday, April 28, 2010.
RSVP today to hear this inspirational young man share more of his experiences and how First Place was a catalyst for his advocacy.
Learn more about the Annual Fundraising Breakfast.
Marcelas Owens (left) with Tod Leiweke (right) at the 2009 Breakfast.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Unsung Heroes Rick Teegarden, TOPS School, and Ann Borwick
First Place really appreciates the generosity of our Seattle-area friends. We recently received several great donations that took a lot of planning and care by their organizers.
High school senior Rick Teegarden from Bellevue coordinated a drive that brought in over 2500 coats, a good number of which came to First Place. These coats will keep our clothing bank stocked for a good, long while. We really appreciate the time and efforts of caring community members like Rick. It’s especially inspiring to see the support from young people for their peers at First Place. 
Rick was in 7th grade when he first began the coat drive. He was active with Bellevue Youth Link and its Teen Closet which at that time, he says, was woefully under-stocked for the winter months. So he took the idea of a coat drive to his middle school and got to work. Now he partners with several city shelters and justice organizations to make sure kids have the ability to stay warm during the chilly winter.
Our long-time friend Ann Borwick also sewed 60 pillow cases for the kids to take with them when they left for mid-winter break. The cases went into treasure boxes made by the TOPS 8th graders, with lots of other fun things inside like arts and crafts supplies.
Each pillow case is made from a different, colorful, kind-of zany pattern. First Place has received some great gifts from Ann in the past, such as aprons for the Griffin Early Learning Program to use when they practice painting and other crafts.
And don’t tell, but word is that Ann’s next project will be pillows and cases for preschool nap time. The kids will be excited when those arrive!
High school senior Rick Teegarden from Bellevue coordinated a drive that brought in over 2500 coats, a good number of which came to First Place. These coats will keep our clothing bank stocked for a good, long while. We really appreciate the time and efforts of caring community members like Rick. It’s especially inspiring to see the support from young people for their peers at First Place.
Rick was in 7th grade when he first began the coat drive. He was active with Bellevue Youth Link and its Teen Closet which at that time, he says, was woefully under-stocked for the winter months. So he took the idea of a coat drive to his middle school and got to work. Now he partners with several city shelters and justice organizations to make sure kids have the ability to stay warm during the chilly winter.
Our long-time friend Ann Borwick also sewed 60 pillow cases for the kids to take with them when they left for mid-winter break. The cases went into treasure boxes made by the TOPS 8th graders, with lots of other fun things inside like arts and crafts supplies.
Each pillow case is made from a different, colorful, kind-of zany pattern. First Place has received some great gifts from Ann in the past, such as aprons for the Griffin Early Learning Program to use when they practice painting and other crafts.
And don’t tell, but word is that Ann’s next project will be pillows and cases for preschool nap time. The kids will be excited when those arrive!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Classical Concert will Raise Awareness about Homelessness
Sing Us Home — A free classical concert to raise awareness about homelessness with 65-voice choir and orchestra.
Please join First Place Sunday, March 28th, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Seattle’s First Baptist Church for an afternoon of hope, community and music sponsored by Seattle First Baptist and The Greater Seattle Council of Churches.
Sing Us Home features an array of top notch musicians and soloists, including 65-singers, an orchestra, and the Lakeside High School Chorale.
The program will feature Henry Mollicone's Beatitude Mass (for the Homeless), written in 2005. Mollicone's music has been compared by reviewers to that of Bernstein, Britten, and Sondheim. His compositions are tuneful, dramatic, lyrical and powerful. The Beatitude Mass intersperses sections of the Latin Mass with texts from interviews with people living in homeless shelters.
This ten movement choral/orchestral work weaves four of the five movements of the ordinary of the Latin Mass with several other texts. The work begins and ends with beatitudes, a literary form which begins with the word "blessed" and, in this case, is applied to the situation of those who are homeless. No doubt this will be a powerful event that you will not want to miss. You can learn more about Henry Mollicone and the soloists here.
This event is free, however, there will be a free-will offering during the concert, but to increase the giving we are encouraging those who are able to purchase a donor pass in advance for $50 which will reserve you a seat. 100% of the donations will go to First Place.
If you are interested in a purchasing a pass you can do so:
Directly following the concert will be an awareness fair with local organizations who work to eradicate homelessness.
If you have any questions about this event, please email Melissa Collett at First Place.
Please join First Place Sunday, March 28th, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Seattle’s First Baptist Church for an afternoon of hope, community and music sponsored by Seattle First Baptist and The Greater Seattle Council of Churches.
Sing Us Home features an array of top notch musicians and soloists, including 65-singers, an orchestra, and the Lakeside High School Chorale.
The program will feature Henry Mollicone's Beatitude Mass (for the Homeless), written in 2005. Mollicone's music has been compared by reviewers to that of Bernstein, Britten, and Sondheim. His compositions are tuneful, dramatic, lyrical and powerful. The Beatitude Mass intersperses sections of the Latin Mass with texts from interviews with people living in homeless shelters.
This ten movement choral/orchestral work weaves four of the five movements of the ordinary of the Latin Mass with several other texts. The work begins and ends with beatitudes, a literary form which begins with the word "blessed" and, in this case, is applied to the situation of those who are homeless. No doubt this will be a powerful event that you will not want to miss. You can learn more about Henry Mollicone and the soloists here.
This event is free, however, there will be a free-will offering during the concert, but to increase the giving we are encouraging those who are able to purchase a donor pass in advance for $50 which will reserve you a seat. 100% of the donations will go to First Place.
If you are interested in a purchasing a pass you can do so:
- On the Seattle First Baptist website.
- Contacting the Seattle First Baptist Music Office at 206.325.6051 ext 27
- E-mailing vicky@seattlefirstbaptist.org
Directly following the concert will be an awareness fair with local organizations who work to eradicate homelessness.
If you have any questions about this event, please email Melissa Collett at First Place.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
"Kids Not Cuts": First Place Students Advocate in Olympia
“Kids Not Cuts!” was the Have a Heart for Kids Day theme this year. More than 4,000 people from throughout the state gathered in Olympia on Monday, February 15th to rally for the issues that are most important to Washington’s kids.
Have a Heart for Kids Day is a yearly lobbying day organized by The Children’s Alliance to bring attention to the issues affecting children who often are not able to advocate for themselves.
House Bills important to our students and parents right now include:
House Bill 3177 Housing Trust Fund & House Bill 1956 authorizing the housing of homeless people on property owned or controlled by a church.
Early Monday morning students, parents, teachers and volunteers loaded buses at First Place to head to Olympia for the annual Have a Heart for Kids Day rally.
In anticipation of the day, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes researched bills the House and Senate are considering right now and wrote letters to their legislators telling how they felt about those bills and whether they should pass. Here are a few excerpts from letters written by First Place students:
Dear Representative Pettigrew,
Dear Representative Chopp,
Dear Representative Orwall,
Student letters also talked about funds for school nurses, support for animal protection laws, and, of course, more time for recess.
During the day Representative Eric Pettigrew and Speaker of the House Frank Chopp took time to meet with First Place students and their parents, and listen to their letters and stories.
Other exciting parts of the day included marching through the capitol campus up to the steps of the Legislative Building, joining a rally of 4,000 people calling for steps toward a healthy economic future for Washington kids. First Place students made and carried signs with slogans like “Kids Not Cuts!” and “Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation” to support programs that are vital to the health and success of kids.
Most importantly, First Place families saw that their stories and presence do make a difference in how legislators think about and respond to issues and they know that their voice is an important one.
Have a Heart for Kids Day is a yearly lobbying day organized by The Children’s Alliance to bring attention to the issues affecting children who often are not able to advocate for themselves.
House Bills important to our students and parents right now include:House Bill 3177 Housing Trust Fund & House Bill 1956 authorizing the housing of homeless people on property owned or controlled by a church.
Early Monday morning students, parents, teachers and volunteers loaded buses at First Place to head to Olympia for the annual Have a Heart for Kids Day rally.
In anticipation of the day, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes researched bills the House and Senate are considering right now and wrote letters to their legislators telling how they felt about those bills and whether they should pass. Here are a few excerpts from letters written by First Place students:Dear Representative Pettigrew,
I am writing in regards to HB 3177.
My family and I live in a shelter. If my parents didn’t find shelter we would be homeless. My family now has hope for a better future. I think it is really important to pass this bill because in the future families like mine will need a safe place to live.
Dear Representative Chopp,
I ask for your support for HB 1956, authorizing the housing of homeless people on property owned or controlled by a church.
Recently in my school’s neighborhood, a church hosted tent city. They never messed with anybody and they looked happy and peaceful. I think it’s better that they stay there than under the free way. Please consider this bill.
Dear Representative Orwall,
I am writing in regard to House Bill 2621. I want to pick this bill because it will keep our children current with technology by providing opportunities for specialized learning.
I think this is a good plan because I go to a school that has small classes and personal instruction. We do lots of learning projects like this letter to you. Our school gets lots of support from local businesses and community volunteers. I have gone to my school for 2 years and it has been a good experience and I have learned a lot.
Please vote for this bill so it can help other kids learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math.
Student letters also talked about funds for school nurses, support for animal protection laws, and, of course, more time for recess.
During the day Representative Eric Pettigrew and Speaker of the House Frank Chopp took time to meet with First Place students and their parents, and listen to their letters and stories.
Other exciting parts of the day included marching through the capitol campus up to the steps of the Legislative Building, joining a rally of 4,000 people calling for steps toward a healthy economic future for Washington kids. First Place students made and carried signs with slogans like “Kids Not Cuts!” and “Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation” to support programs that are vital to the health and success of kids.
Most importantly, First Place families saw that their stories and presence do make a difference in how legislators think about and respond to issues and they know that their voice is an important one.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Myths of Homelessness
"As soon as you get camp set up and get into your blankets and fall asleep, it's time to get up and pack up your stuff and start the day." – Connie
Myth #6: Homeless People Sleep All the Time
Huffington Post writer Christine Schanes has been sharing some of the common misperceptions about homeless people. Here’s what a few of them had to say.
"Sleeping is kind of rough. Sleeping on the streets you have to watch other people. You have to be real careful of the weather and other people. You could get kicked in the head. Other people like to mess with the homeless." - Joe
"For the moment, let's just say riding around all night on the bus and trains keeps you out of jail." - Maurice
"Problems I encounter - I have people stalking me for crimes that they have committed against me, including poisoning me, drugging me. So, therefore, I do not have a place to sleep or sleep on a regular place or regular sleep times. So, therefore, I cannot keep appointments or regular life. Sleeping times are hard to get as well as keeping my health correct." - Antonio
"Out of all the years my family and I were homeless, we slept in shelters and got enough sleep. Except for one night when we slept in a car which was a horrible experience." - Barbara
Check out the full article, and the other Myths of Homelessness at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes.
First Place families have told us they faced some of these same stereotypes when faced with homelessness. Here's the links to the first five myths:
Myth #5: Sleepwalking will End Homelessness http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes/homelessness-myth-5-sleep_b_420757.html
Myth #4: There’s Room in the Inn http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes/homelessness-myth-4-there_b_386628.html
Myth #3: Unsheltered People Only Count at Night http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes/homelessness-myth-3-unshe_b_366377.html
Myth #2: “They’re All Bums!” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes/homelessness-myth-2-theyr_b_350042.html
Myth #1: “Get a Job!” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes/homelessness-myth-1-get-a_b_339500.html
Change.org also had an interesting article on how families are generally the last line of defense, and one of the strongest, for someone facing homelessness. Families are there to provide loans when everything else falls through or housing until a job situation can stabilize. Find the full article at http://homelessness.change.org/blog/view/families_are_the_1_homelessness_prevention_tool.
Myth #6: Homeless People Sleep All the Time
Huffington Post writer Christine Schanes has been sharing some of the common misperceptions about homeless people. Here’s what a few of them had to say.
"Sleeping is kind of rough. Sleeping on the streets you have to watch other people. You have to be real careful of the weather and other people. You could get kicked in the head. Other people like to mess with the homeless." - Joe
"For the moment, let's just say riding around all night on the bus and trains keeps you out of jail." - Maurice
"Problems I encounter - I have people stalking me for crimes that they have committed against me, including poisoning me, drugging me. So, therefore, I do not have a place to sleep or sleep on a regular place or regular sleep times. So, therefore, I cannot keep appointments or regular life. Sleeping times are hard to get as well as keeping my health correct." - Antonio
"Out of all the years my family and I were homeless, we slept in shelters and got enough sleep. Except for one night when we slept in a car which was a horrible experience." - Barbara
Check out the full article, and the other Myths of Homelessness at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes.
First Place families have told us they faced some of these same stereotypes when faced with homelessness. Here's the links to the first five myths:
Myth #5: Sleepwalking will End Homelessness http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes/homelessness-myth-5-sleep_b_420757.html
Myth #4: There’s Room in the Inn http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes/homelessness-myth-4-there_b_386628.html
Myth #3: Unsheltered People Only Count at Night http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes/homelessness-myth-3-unshe_b_366377.html
Myth #2: “They’re All Bums!” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes/homelessness-myth-2-theyr_b_350042.html
Myth #1: “Get a Job!” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-schanes/homelessness-myth-1-get-a_b_339500.html
Change.org also had an interesting article on how families are generally the last line of defense, and one of the strongest, for someone facing homelessness. Families are there to provide loans when everything else falls through or housing until a job situation can stabilize. Find the full article at http://homelessness.change.org/blog/view/families_are_the_1_homelessness_prevention_tool.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Idea 31: Tweet & Retweet
Today our idea is another quick one. Tweet about us! We came up with some ideas and sample tweets to get you started. Of course, the first step is to follow @FirstPlace on Twitter.
Here were our ideas:
Tweet a Success Story from our blog to brighten your day.
Tweet a statistic that you want to change.
Ask people to take our tour, or join our email list.
If you or a friend volunteers or comes to our events, tell your tweeple.
We also LOVE retweets.
Here are some tweets you can cut and paste:
@FirstPlace has the best tour in town. Find out for yourself. http://bit.ly/5wE95V
I agree with @FirstPlace. Children Shouldn’t Be Living in Vans! http://bit.ly/fphope
@FirstPlace is the only agency in WA providing high quality education to children whose families are homeless. http://bit.ly/fphope
@FirstPlace is more than a school for homeless children. They provide support to the whole family. http://bit.ly/fphope
@FirstPlace is where hope begins for families struggling with poverty and homelessness. http://bit.ly/fphope
Thank you for all of your support of our programs thus far. And remember to check back for daily updates and ideas! If you have any questions about the Idea a Day postings, please email Melissa Collett, Marketing & Events Manager.
Previous Idea a Day Posts:
Keep In Touch
Be a Mentor
Align Your Business with a Cause and Go For It!
It's About the Academics
Here were our ideas:
Tweet a Success Story from our blog to brighten your day.
Tweet a statistic that you want to change.
Ask people to take our tour, or join our email list.
If you or a friend volunteers or comes to our events, tell your tweeple.
We also LOVE retweets.
Here are some tweets you can cut and paste:
@FirstPlace has the best tour in town. Find out for yourself. http://bit.ly/5wE95V
I agree with @FirstPlace. Children Shouldn’t Be Living in Vans! http://bit.ly/fphope
@FirstPlace is the only agency in WA providing high quality education to children whose families are homeless. http://bit.ly/fphope
@FirstPlace is more than a school for homeless children. They provide support to the whole family. http://bit.ly/fphope
@FirstPlace is where hope begins for families struggling with poverty and homelessness. http://bit.ly/fphope
Thank you for all of your support of our programs thus far. And remember to check back for daily updates and ideas! If you have any questions about the Idea a Day postings, please email Melissa Collett, Marketing & Events Manager.
Previous Idea a Day Posts:
Keep In Touch
Be a Mentor
Align Your Business with a Cause and Go For It!
It's About the Academics
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