Big plans for 2022, Hobson opening, Peer Counselors, volunteers, groundbreaking and construction updates No images? Click here As Omicron surges across the state, we're planning for all possible scenariosOur dedicated DESC front-line staff continue to be amazingly creative and adaptable. They are working hard to serve our clients in unpredictable and ever-changing conditions. We are so grateful for their persistent determination to do this work in spite of incredible challenges. We're excited about plans for 2022Register for the virtual grand opening of Hobson PlaceRegister for the virtual grand opening of Hobson Place, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. -noon. Take a virtual tour, hear from key people and help us celebrate the people who made this possible. $1 million matching fund success! Thank you for your incredible generosity in the final days of 2021! Your gifts will mean more housing, care and support for people who have experienced homelessness. Peer Counselors' experiences inform their workAmong the dedicated staff who help DESC clients are many people who know what it's like to experience homelessness, behavioral health and substance use disorder. For some staff members that experience is part of their job description. They are Certified Peer Counselors, people with lived experience who are established in their own recovery and specially trained to assist clients on their journeys. Read more here. Shine a light on our volunteersVolunteer Spotlight – Julie Taylor Volunteers are integral to DESC’s work, donating their time and energy to helping our clients and our community in so many ways. We are excited to start off the new year by introducing you to one of them: Julie Taylor. After a career in social work, Julie decided to volunteer her talent to help out at DESC. Read more about her. Building briefs: Green Lake, Burien, HobsonCelebrate DESC Green Lake Virtual Groundbreaking!Save Tuesday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m., for a free virtual groundbreaking event for our new affordable housing development, DESC Green Lake, in Seattle's Aurora-Licton Springs neighborhood. Register for the Zoom event at https://bit.ly/3fgFhF6.(Rendering courtesy of Collins Woerman and Sustainable Living Innovations) DESC preparing Hobson Place 2 to welcome tenantsDESC staff are working to furnish and prepare Hobson Place Phase 2 homes for tenants to occupy the week of Jan. 24. We are also furnishing The Clinic at Hobson Place in order to welcome staff and clients on Feb. 14. DESC applies for building permits in BurienIn a big milestone for DESC Burien, we have applied for a building permit, following an administrative design review decision by the City of Burien on Dec.16. The permanent supportive housing project will offer 95 homes for single adults experiencing homelessness who are disabled. Accepted into Burien's Affordable Housing Demonstration Program, this project will provide real homes, not shelter, for our tenants, who will sign leases. Eligible tenants must earn 30% or less of median area income, and they pay up to 30% of their monthly income in rent, if they can. DESC is committed to operating the building for 50 years. |