Vision House

Jacob's Well Expansion in Shoreline

2011-04-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

Next Steps for Jacob's Well

2011-04-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

We are making great progress on Jacob’s Well! The project was featured this morning on Channel 13.

Volunteer Opportunities for this Week:

Saturday, April 9, 9AM to 5PM - Second-Floor framing. We need 25-50 more skilled, semi-skilled and professionals on site. Most unskilled positions are filled. (Hearty lunch will be provided)

Sunday, April 10, 1PM to 5PM - Finish Second- Floor framing. We need about 25 – 50 more skilled, semi-skilled and professionals on site. Most unskilled positions are filled. (Light refreshments provided)

Thanks again for your hard work! Please be sure that you and/or your group are registered! http://www.vision-house.org/registration/JW_framing/

Thanks CommunitySERVE Volunteers!

2010-08-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

What is CommunitySERVE Day?

It's the local church REACHING out to our community TOGETHER to share God's love in practical ways:
• Assisting families who need help repairing their homes• Helping teachers set-up their classrooms for the fall• Improving under-resourced schools with painting and landscaping• Other great opportunities
CommunitySERVE Day brought churches of different denomination, size, and tradition together to put faith into action. Partnering churches include: Eastside Foursquare, Northshore Baptist and Overlake Christian Church...working together to show the care and compassion of Jesus for people in the communities of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond and Woodinville.
See all of the pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visionhouse/

BEFORE

AFTER

Fresh Lemonade for Sale!

2010-07-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

The kids had a great time selling lemonade at their lemonade stand. The sign said “Donations”, but one little boy said, “One dollar for a glass of lemonade!” We think he’s an entrepreneur at heart!

Get the Stats

2010-04-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Since Vision House began in 1990, nearly 700 homeless men, women and children have benefited from our services. Vision House has an incredibly strong success rate. Since 2002, 93% of the residents in our family program have transitioned to permanent housing, and 72% of the men in our men’s recovery program have transitioned to permanent housing.

Also since 2002, in the following areas:

Financial Stability

83% of our men and 89% of the parents in our family program have increased their financial stability by proving they can pay rent on time, save money and reduce their existing debt or resolve credit concerns.

Increase in Employability

83% of our men and 68% of the parents in our family program have experienced an increase in their employability by participating in a job training program, receiving higher education or maintaining steady employment.

Mastering of Life Skills

91% of our men and 80% of parents in our family program have increased in their mastery of life skills demonstrated by passing weekly unit inspections, attending required meetings, increasing communication skills or improving skills at setting boundaries for their self and/or their family.

>>Read the Stories

Next Big Vision House Expansion Moves Forward!

2010-04-13T13:32:00.001-07:00

On Sunday, April 11, more than 150 people from various churches, community groups and construction companies celebrated a community partnership to bring supportive housing, services and child care to homeless families in north King and south Snohomish Counties.

The ground breaking ceremony honored the 600 donors, volunteers and supporters who are collaborating to build the Vision House Jacob’s Well complex. Located at 23rd Ave NE and Ballinger Way NE in Shoreline, the facility will consist of 20 housing units, a child care center, counseling offices and program space.

While addressing the crowd, Bob Ferguson, King County Council Chair, shared the importance of children having a home, “Children need a stable, safe, loving home to grow up in. This facility will be such a benefit to homeless mothers and their children – providing them all of the things they need to get back on their feet.”

Kurt Campbell, owner of Campbell, Nelson, Nissan and the original visionary for the Jacob’s Well project, stated, “It shocks me that there are more than 11,000 people who are homeless in King and Snohomish Counties. And even more disturbing is that 40% (over 4,500), of the homeless are families with children. There’s never been a greater need for a supportive housing complex in our community than right now.”

Shari Tracey, Shoreline councilmember, said "The number of private and corporate partners that have come together to get this project started is a clear demonstration of how important housing is and how badly these services are needed in our community. This will be an amazing facility, serving the needs of so many homeless kids and their moms. I'm happy that we could be a part of it."

VIP's
From Vision House
Susan Camerer, Co-Founder and Executive Director
John Camerer, Co-Founder and Director of Operations

From King County Council
Bob Ferguson, King County Council Chair

From City of Shoreline
Will Hall, Deputy Mayor, City of Shoreline
Shari Tracey, Council Member, City of Shoreline
Chris Roberts, Council Member, City of Shoreline

From City of Lake Forest Park
John Wright, Council Member, City of Lake Forest Park

Community Celebration this Sunday!

2010-04-10T00:02:00.000-07:00

Jacob's Well Ground Breaking! Help us celebrate the launch of constructing the Vision House Jacob’s Well facility in Shoreline to serve homeless mothers and children! Please bring your kids and some handheld garden shovels and participate in the official ground breaking ceremony. Cookies, desserts and drinks will be served.

Sunday, April 11th - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Ballinger Way and 23rd Ave. NE.

Clearing Began Today!!

2010-03-30T14:33:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Lake Forest Park Presbyterian and Matt Howland from Howland Homes, clearing for the Jacob's Well project began today. We have raised nearly $400,000 of the $3.1 million need for this project. Please be sure to join us for the ceremonial ground breaking on April 11th at 2:00 PM. Truly a step in the right direction for breaking the cycle of homelessness for kids. >> More Information about Jacob's Well.

Seahawks host Vision House Donor Alliance Celebration!

2010-03-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Vision House supporters had a great time at our donor alliance celebration hosted by the Seattle Seahawks and player Justin Forsett. Thanks to our faithful donors who make regular financial pledges to support the homeless kids and moms at Vision House. We appreciate you!

2010-03-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Inspiring stories from women who have escaped homelessness and abuse. Please help get the word out about the great work of Vision House and the Jacob's Well community effort to bring housing and services to homeless families in Shoreline, Washington.

Watch the new Vision House Jacob's Well video >>Click Here

Volunteer News from Vision House

2010-03-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Check out our latest in volunteer news!Click on the link. 'Volunteer News from Vision House'

Vision House Jacob's Well Ground Breaking

2010-03-13T22:55:00.000-08:00

Help us celebrate the launch of constructing the Vision House Jacob’s Well facility in Shoreline to serve homeless mothers and children! Please bring the kids and some handheld garden shovels and participate in the official ground breaking ceremony. We will bring the hard hats! Cookies, desserts and drinks will be served. >> More Info

Location: VH Jacob's Well Property
23rd and Ballinger Way, Shoreline, WA
Date: April 11th (Sunday)
Time: 2:00 to 3:00 PM

You Can Make a Difference - Volunteer!

2010-02-10T16:20:00.001-08:00

Challenges are great for homeless families but you can make a difference. Volunteers are needed for several upcoming events in North King County – baking, serving, set-up, clean-up, ushering, hosting, greeting, hospitality. See our events page and contact Kristis@vision-house.org if you have a couple of hours to give. Thanks!

VH Jacob's Well Ground Breaking in Shoreline!

2010-02-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

Help us celebrate the launch of constructing the Vision House Jacob’s Well facility in Shoreline to serve homeless mothers and children! Please bring the kids and some handheld garden shovels and participate in the official ground breaking ceremony. We will bring the hard hats! Cookies, desserts and drinks will be served.

Location: VH Jacob's Well Property
23rd and Ballinger Way, Shoreline, WA
Date: April 11th (Sunday)
Time: 2:00 PM

Jacob's Well Permits!

2010-01-22T17:12:00.001-08:00

It's OFFICIAL!! Permits for the site development for Jacob's Well in Shoreline. The first phase will include 12 additional housing units for homeless families, a family support center and a licensed after school program. Watch it grow!

Exciting 2009 Update!

2010-01-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to send an update on our 2009 Vision House activities. Here is a recap of what was accomplished in 2009:

· Provided housing and support services for 28 homeless mothers, 56 children and 16 men.

· Increased our crisis counseling services.

· Began the Learning Achievement Recognition Center (LARC), a new children’s program that rewards kids for good attendance at school, completing homework, improving grades, etc.

· Opened a new facility in Renton, which:

- added 3 apartments for homeless families. We can now serve up to 85 individuals.

- expanded our child care center. We now provide child care for 100 children.

- added counseling and administrative offices to better serve the families in our care.

· Completed construction documents to build Vision House Jacob’s Well in Shoreline. We’re moving forward on this slowly but surely, one piece at a time. We will raise a little money, build a little and raise a little. We are picking up permits this week and a group of construction volunteers are starting the site work in February.

Although we came up short of our original fundraising goal, we wisely made mid-year adjustments, stretched every dollar and cut every expense we could so we did meet our revised budget which is great news!!

Thanks to everyone who partnered with us. This year especially, your support made a huge difference. We appreciate you!

If you haven't been for a tour of the Vision House program, we hope you will take time this year to do so.

Sincerely,
Susan Camerer
Executive Director

Giddy up, cowboys!

2009-12-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

On a cold day in December, some of our pre-schoolers are riding their horse indoors. Their joy and laughter is contagious!

December Prayer Newsletter

2009-12-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

'Click the Share button to create links to this email on popular social networking and bookmarking size like Facebook, Twitter, and Digg.'

Seahawk's Man of the Year Chooses Vision House

2009-11-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Our friend Josh Wilson was chosen Seahawk's Man of the Year. Along with the honor, he selected Vision house as his Charity of Choice to recieve a $1,000 contribution. Good job Josh! We are proud of you! Josh and his wife Jazmin volunteer regularly with our kids.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

The kids from our child care center trick-or-treated through our Vision House offices. They were so cute in their costumes! They even sang us a Halloween song. Check it out below!

Vision House Giving Trees

2009-10-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

You can make Christmas a little brighter for a homeless family this year! Vision House Giving Trees are a great way to rally your co-workers, family, friends, and church family around a great cause. Sponsoring a Giving Tree is easy! Here’s how it works:

1. Contact Kristi Slattery at 425.228.6356 or kristis@vision-house.org and let her know you would like to sponsor a tree.

2. Kristi will arrange to have a Giving Tree delivered to your office or church towards the end of November.

3. People will take tags off the tree that describe a Vision House child or mom and their Christmas wish. They will then buy a gift card or give a financial gift and return it to the box under the tree.

4. Kristi will coordinate pick-up of the trees and gift cards just before Christmas.

5. Gift cards are provided to Vision House families to purchase specific items as needed and are also used throughout the year to support the children and mothers in our care. Trees will be claimed quickly, so call today to reserve yours!

Vision House (425) 228-6356 www.NoHomelessKids.org kristis@vision-house.org

Here is a link to our website where you can download a PDF flyer to hand out to others. >> Giving Tree Flyer

Vision House Receives $2000 for Charity of the Month

2009-10-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Vision House was awarded Charity of the Month for September by the Seattle Seahawks and Bonneville International. Seahawks cornerback Josh Wilson and wife Jazmin Wilson visited for the award ceremony, which included a giant check and cupcakes for children.

Take a look at this Article by the Renton Reporter: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/ren/community/63561322.html

Stanley Employees Give Back

2009-10-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

On October 7, 2009 a volunteer group from Stanley Convergent Security Systems in Bellevue spent their morning giving back to their community at Vision House. They helped improve our security system by installing cameras, painted our donation and resident store garages to protect clothing and other donations from moisture, and also helped spruce up the property by pulling weeds. They made a substantial impact supporting our effort to maintain a safe and nurturing environment for our residents. Thank you Erik Isakson, District General Manager, and Stanley employees for all your hard work!

Microsoft helps spruce up Vision House

2009-09-22T14:04:00.001-07:00

Microsoft helps spruce up Vision House

Posted using ShareThis

Microsoft employees volunteer at Vision House for Day of Caring

2009-09-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

A lot of heart and a little muscle go a long way in helping homeless moms and kids rebuild their lives. On Friday, September 11th, 15 Microsoft employees helped brighten up Vision House during the United Way Day of Caring. They helped prepare the resident store where Vision House families will shop (for free) and they also cleaned out our storage garages where we keep donations. In addition they weeded, mowed the lawns, watered, raked and did basic yard maintenance. Thanks to Shana Radtke, team lead, and her Microsoft co-workers for the awesome job they did at Vision House!

Kids Enjoy our Annual Drive-In in their Homemade Cars

2009-09-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Kids having a great time at the drive in watching "Tale of Despereaux" on the "Big Screen".

Homelessness Through the Eyes of a Child

2009-09-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hey. My name is Alisa and I am 12 ½ years old and this is my story.

It all started when I was 11 years old. I lived in Modesto, California. My mom decided to move to Washington. I didn’t understand why but I was tired of seeing her hurt. I thought the bruises were normal. I was confused about why we had to leave and was also frustrated and sad to leave all my family and friends. I guess she had her reasons.

The bus drive on our way to Washington was very depressing. I had gum stuck on my shoes and shirt, my brother was crying the whole time and I was miserable.

When we got off the bus I didn’t know where I was, and again didn’t understand why we were here. It all felt like a bad dream. I was really mad at everything around me and was so sad and depressed, that I even thought of hurting myself.

Things changed when I got to Vision House. At first I felt that I didn’t fit in because everything and everyone was so nice and I felt that I didn’t belong. I was still missing home and didn’t know who I could trust. But still everyone was so welcoming but I still felt weird being in such a nice environment. But after a month or so I started feeling more comfortable with everything around me and our family was starting to become a family again. Life got even better when I made friends at Vision House and at school. I began to like school, I got really focused and even made the honor roll for the first time.

One of the many memories that I have about Vision House is when we didn’t have a car. Not having a car was horrible. We spent all our time on the bus and it was so hard to carry my little brother around. We would all come home tired and irritated. Then Vision House gave my mom a car!

We just got a new apartment and our time at Vision House is ending very soon and I will miss it. I have mixed feelings about leaving, both happy for our new apartment but yet still sad we have to leave everything. Vision House became my home and it was the place that my family became happy again.

I really think that there should be more Vision Houses built for people that don’t have the support system or have people to love them. I know how they feel because I was once in that the same situation.

Vision House Awarded Charity of the Month!

2009-09-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Vision House is pleased to announce that we were awarded Charity of the Month for September by the Seattle Seahawks and Bonneville International. Vision House is being featured on radio stations 97.3 KIRO FM, 770 KTTH AM and 710 ESPN, as well as on www.MyNorthwest.com during the month of September. And some of the Seahawks will be visiting the Vision House kids and bringing cupcakes! We’re honored to be receiving this award. Thanks Bonneville International and the Seattle Seahawks!

Vision House Bargain Bash 09

2009-08-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

Vision House Bargain Bash 2009! An incredible success. Great bargains and unbelievable prices. Be sure to stop by and if you don't make it this year, come out next year! In the Renton Highlands.

Water Games!

2009-08-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

Water games at the child care center on a warm Seattle day!

Mardi Gras Masks

2009-08-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

Our fabulous teacher, Mr. Rodrick, had fun with the kids making Mardi Gras masks…….on one of our rainy Seattle days in August. But the sun is coming back tomorrow!

Hawaiian Luau with the kids!

2009-07-31T14:24:00.000-07:00

Aloha! We had a Hawaiian luau today with the kids, complete with a barbeque, Hawaiian music and hula dancers!

Seahawk's Josh Wilson Rumble Tumble

2009-07-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

Our first annual Josh Wilson Rumble Tumble Football Jumble was a huge success. Josh brought some friends along: Marcus Trufant, Brandon Mebane and Justin Forsett! The kids had a ball playing a touch football game with the guys, getting autographs, and enjoying a BBQ. You can see more pics at http://www.flickr.com/photos/visionhouse/

Summer Fun!

2009-07-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

The kids are having a great summer playing on the playground, creating arts and crafts projects, going on field trips to the zoo, aquarium, children's museum, aquatic center, as well as to local parks, beaches and lakes. Ah, to be a kid again!!!

Genie Industries Volunteer Group

2009-07-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Genie Industries, a Terex Company, spent the day doing yard work yesterday. Each month Genie Industries focuses on a different company value, for July that value is Citizenship. Throughout the month the company provides various ideas and opportunities for being a good citizen – of which volunteering is key component. They were an amazing and hard working group, they cleared two truck loads of yard waste from our property! This was so helpful for us in creating a more nurturing environment for our residents.

HUGE Garage Sale Aug. 21-22

2009-07-02T22:40:00.001-07:00

You don't want to miss this amazing sale to benefit Vision House. Great items and dirt cheap prices!! Sale will be held at Children's Village Child Care at 450 Bremerton in Renton, 98059.

Also, you can donate gently used small household items, toys and tools to help make this year’s Bargain Bash a smash hit! Contact Kristi at 425-228-6356 or kristis@vision-house.org. All proceeds benefit Vision House www.nohomelesskids.org

2009-06-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

From L to R:
Susan Sappington and Dana Dornsife from the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, and Susan Camerer (Vision House Executive Director).

Dana Dornsife and her husband, Dave, were responsible for a grant from the HEDCO Foundation to help Vision House build housing for homeless families. They're standing in front of our HEDCO House (see the plaque?!).

New Life Church: The Crossing

2009-06-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

On Saturday June 20 a volunteer group from New Life Church's The Crossing came out to help with some yard work. They spent the entire morning weeding and filled up the back of the Vision House truck with yard debris. They made a huge impact with helping us create a more nurturing environment for our resident families! Thank you New Life Church!!!

Raking has never been so fun!

2009-06-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Our Vision House Children’s Village kids had fun with volunteers John and Mike raking the new chips into their play area. There was some great teamwork going on! Two of the girls even shared a rake and worked together to spread the chips. The play area is almost complete – they can’t wait to climb on the jungle jim!

Vision House founder is multi-talented.....he even bulldozes!

2009-06-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

John Camerer (Vision House founder on backhoe) and Glenn Wolff (part-time maintenance tech) doing some clearing in order to build a one-foot enclosure around the play structure to spread play chips. Keeping our kids safe when they’re playing is of utmost importance!

Pinata Fun!

2009-06-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

The kids had a great time trying to break the piñata and dive for candy! They each got at least two turns whacking it until it finally burst and they scooped up the candy in their candy bags. They had so much fun!

Girl Scout Troop 42204

2009-06-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

Over the last several months girl scout troop 42204 have been busy making fleece quilted blankets and collecting almost 200 books for the children at Vision House. Each blanket is beautifully assembled with a kind encouraging note attached to each for a child. Through completion of this project both Megan and Emily will receive their bronze award! Thank you girls for your thoughtful gifts to the Vision House children!

Bellevue Community College Students

2009-06-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a group of Bellevue Community College students spent the afternoon at Vision House learning about our organization and volunteering. They weeded around one of our play sets and weed whacked part of the field. For their intercultural communications class Katie, Farm, and Shinji chose to do a project that focused on the homeless in our community. They were a fun and passionate group of students and we appreciate all their help with our yard maintenance and their desire to further their education around the issue of homelessness in the community.

St. Margaret's Episcopal Church

2009-06-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday a volunteer group representing St. Margaret's Episcopal Church of Bellevue was busy building a beautiful sandbox, vegetable garden, and the beginnings of a nature trail that the children can use to ride their bikes on. For the last several months they have been busy planning and putting this project into action. Thank you so much for all your hard work!

Girl Scouts build a Serenity Garden

2009-06-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

Girl Scout Troop 1538 has spent the last several months planning and building an amazing, beautiful serenity garden. They built trellises, benches, a table, and even put in a water feature! Residents and staff will be able to use this garden for meetings, breaks, or just to escape and reflect. This wonderful group of girls from Newport High School put so much time and energy into this project. Thank you for such a thoughtful gift to our families and staff!

MBA and Centex

2009-06-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Master Builders Association has made a commitment to 100 service projects in 2009 for their centennial celebration. Vision House was honored to host a group of MBA employees and members who painted a unit to prepare for a new family that will be moving in later this week. Centex also partnered with this service project by filling the pantry with food and leaving a basket of hygiene items to welcome this family into their new home.

2009-05-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

Youth for Christ is an Organization that inspires students to live out their faith and make a difference. City Serve, a local mission trip, was committed to serving the homeless, the hungry, and those in need in our community.

We were honored to host a group of wonderful, hardworking, and dedicated students from Snohomish Community Church over Memorial Day Weekend. They did a lot of weeding, landscaping, and began digging around our play set so that we can work to have it licensed for our child care center. Thank you so much Snohomish Community Church for all your hard work this weekend!!!

Delegation from Vietnam visits Vision House

2009-05-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Seven highly educated Vietnamese women were in the U.S. for a conference on domestic violence. They're leaders of the Women's Union, the Center for Women and Development, National Fund for Vietnamese Children, Vienamese Association for protection of Children Rights, and Hanoi University. In addition to attending the conference, they visited local shelters and transitional housing facilities. We were honored that they came to Vision House!

Endorse This Project

2009-05-17T23:27:00.000-07:00

Build Vision House Jacob's Well

Friday Volunteers

2009-05-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Tandi, her son Aaron and his friend Caleb have been volunteering every Friday at Vision House since November. They help with sorting donations, weeding, moving furniture, painting, office work, and cleaning empty units. We appreciate all that they do!!!

Kids shop for Mother's Day gifts!

2009-05-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a large donation of items from a gift store that went out of business, the kids were able to shop (for free) for gifts for their moms for Mother's Day. We set up a mini store full of earrings, necklaces, candles, journals, perfume and more. The kids were so excited to pick out something special to give their moms this Mother's Day!

Celebrating Easter!

2009-04-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

The kids had a blast celebrating Easter. Parties, candy, Easter egg hunts and playtime outside was fun for everyone!

2009-04-13T09:15:00.001-07:00

For their missions week at Seattle Christian School, a group of girls chose to serve the families of Vision House. They weeded, cleaned the grounds, organized closets, and painted a resident apartment. This is the fourth year that teacher Allan Chinn has blessed our minstry by bringing a group of students to Vision House. Thank you!

2009-04-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Boyscout David Newcomb has spent the last couple of months planning, building, and managing the process of building a bench for his eagle scout project. With the help of about 9 other people that David directed and 100 hours later the beautifully handcrafted cedar bench now sits outside our new offices. We are so grateful that David chose Vision House for his eagle scout project, the bench is amazing!

Spring Snow!

2009-04-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

The kids loved playing in the snow we got recently! Even though they're having fun in the snow, I think the rest of us are ready for some warm spring weather!

St. Mary's Volunteer Group

2009-03-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Local youth group supports homeless families through volunteer service. Raking, weeding, toy cleaning, and a good lunch topped off the day. Thanks so much St. Mary's youth group.

Moms and kids shop at new resident store

2009-03-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

Vision House moms and kids came to the grand opening of our resident store this week. Families were excited and so appreciative to be able to shop for free. Mothers picked out clothing, shoes and household items for themselves as well as their children. One of the women found several pairs of pants that she plans to use for job interviews. The children were excited to pick out brand new shoes (thanks to a large donation from a major local retailer). One little boy was having a hard time finding a pair that fit because he didn’t know what size he wore because it had been so long since he had bought new shoes. But a volunteer helped him and he came away with a brand new pair of tennis shoes. The smiles on all their faces as they walked away with their clothes and new shoes was heart warming! We're grateful to everyone who donates gently used or new items for our resident store. We need more boys clothes, so if you have any to donate, please contact Kristi at kristis@vision-house.org or 425-228-6356.

Seahawks Welcome Vision House Guests to Their New Practice Facility

2009-03-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

A fun time was had by all as Vision House guests enjoyed a private tour of the Seahawks' new practice facilty. The behind the scenes tour was hosted by Mike Flood,Vice President of Community Relations and Special Projects, Kevin Griffin, Director of Fan Development, and Paul Johns, former Seahawks player and Asst. Dir. of Community Relations. We're incredibly grateful for the Seahawks' support of Vision House!

Our New Blog

2009-03-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new Children's Village blog! We hope you enjoy the updates and reading about the latest activities at Children's Village! Enjoy!

Almost Ready to Open our New After School Program!

2009-02-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

Artist Mozelle Spencer from Mozelle by Design puts the finishing touches on the amazing work of art she is creating for the Vision House Children’s Village new after school program. Please come for a tour to see her work in person. You will love it and so will the kids!

Vision House Dedicates Fourth Facility for Homeless Families

2009-01-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

Vision House dedicated its fourth home for homeless families today, a gift from the Master Builders Care Foundation and Centex Homes who served as the Builder Captain. The winter cold makes homelessness even more unbearable than it already is. Having a warm, secure place to live is the first step for families trying to turn their lives around.

“It’s vital to provide a place where families can stay as they get back on their feet,” said Tracy Cromwell, Master Builders Care Foundation’s President. “Keeping families intact through difficult times is our primary concern.”

The loss of a job or a succession of expenses (medical bills, foreclosure or divorce) can put a family out on the streets.

“Once basic needs have been addressed, a person can get an education or job training so they can obtain a livable wage job and find a permanent place to live,” said Cromwell.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Master Builders Care Foundation, Centex Homes and the building community,” said Vision House Executive Director, Susan Camerer. “At a time when most would be holding tight to their resources, Centex Homes and the building community have been very generous which allowed us to build at about half the cost. This will help us to direct more dollars to helping homeless families during a time when resources are not meeting the increased need for housing and services."

Centex Homes took the lead on construction management with the support and contributions of their vendor partners. “Centex is proud to give back to the community by providing housing to those in need. The help of our subcontractors has been amazing and we appreciate all that they have contributed to make this building a reality for Vision House.” said Doug Barnes, Division President of Centex Northern Pacific Division.
In addition to the Centex and the homebuilding industry, significant contributors to the project included the Washington Housing Trust Fund.

A Warm Bed to Welcome a Tired Child

2009-01-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

From a Vision House Volunteer

I thought you'd enjoy seeing some photos of our finished apartment! Thank you all for the incredible work you have done to make this project a reality! The apartment is warm, comfortable, welcoming, fully stocked and I pray it feels like home to the family that moves in. Let's continue to pray for them. I imagine right now they are feeling pretty desperate and hopeless. Little do they know what blessing God has in mind for them! And to think that He let us be a part of His supernatural work. Wow!
It truly is amazing what is possible when we join God in His Project! Each of us has a unique contribution to make.
Thank you for so generously giving of yourselves- your time, energy, talents and resources. It has been a joy to work with you.
I am planning to be at the ribbon cutting ceremony next Thursday, January 15th at 11:30 am.
I would love to have you join me! Let me know if you will be planning to attend and we can arrange carpooling.
Thankful to be a part of God's Projects here on earth!

Lisa, a volunteer from Cedar Park Chuch

Isaiah 58
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

Vision House Families Receive Gifts Christmas Eve.

2008-12-28T16:47:00.000-08:00

Snow and ice did not stop John Camerer, director of operations from delivering gifts Christmas Eve. to the children living at Vision House. Thanks to so many generous churches, community groups and individuals, all Vision House kids recieved gifts from "Santa". "We feel so blessed by the generosity of so many people," commented Camerer.

Kids Helping Kids

2008-12-20T11:24:00.001-08:00

Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t help a hundred, then just help one.”

With the threat of severe winter storms closing in, nothing could be worse than not having a home; possibly sleeping in your car, piled with blankets, trying to keep warm. But Brownie Troop 2370 members, Maddy and Rebecca are going to change all of that for one homeless child. They prepared a room to welcome a child that will be moving in to a new Vision House apartment scheduled for completion January 15th, 2009. Friends, family and other troop members donated cash, furniture and bedding while the girls provided the elbow grease. “Their hard work has created a beautiful space where a formerly homeless child will feel safe and secure, probably for the first time in a long time,” commented Susan Camerer, Vision House Executive Director. Camerer also stated, “I think they showed incredible leadership, getting so many community members involved in the project. Their families should feel very proud.” To read more stories from our residents, please go to http://www.vision-house.org/vh_residents.htm

An Encouraging Christmas Story

2008-12-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

With all of the discouraging news about our economy, foreclosures and job loss, I want to share a positive story. For the past several years, Vision House has been able to provide a wonderful Christmas party for our kids complete with toys, games, crafts and treats. At the same time we send the moms out for a special holiday dinner. However, like many non-profits this year, there is an increase in the need for services but fewer resources to try to meet those needs. We have had to make some very painful cuts in staffing and to our program. Considering these sacrifices, I began to wonder if the annual Christmas party was justified expense. We don't spend a lot of money on it, but every penny counts this year. But yesterday a local church delivered tons of toys for all of our kids, a local company made a cash contribution and (without being solicited) a local restaurant asked if they could host our moms for dinner! It was such a blessing seeing the kids receive gifts and the joy that they felt after dealing with the stress and trauma of homelessness. I felt encouraged and blessed!! You can check out some pictures of the Christmas party at www.flickr.com/visionhouse

Another Story That Brings Joy to my Heart!

2008-12-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

Last year, Sheila wrote: "Thank you so much for making our Christmas here so wonderful. I was very stressed out wondering how I could make ends meet and make this holiday season as normal as possible for my children." "Being homeless is heartbreaking enough for my kids. When I walked into my unit and saw all of the gifts strategically placed amongst my bed, I cried. I was so overwhelmed, shocked, and elated. Watching my children open the presents was the best gift that I could ever receive and I thank all of you at Vision House including donors and volunteers for that."
For more information about the great work Vision House does with homeless kids, please visit our website at www.vision-house.org

A Story of Christmas Joy!

2008-12-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Because of people like you, last year Sandy wrote:

Dearest Vision House,

My family and I want to send our deepest gratitude to you and everyone who blessed us through the holiday season.

Looking back just one year ago, I could see me and my children very excited about the holidays and all of the wonderful aspects surrounding them. However, prior to this holiday season I found myself almost forgetting those feelings and having a sense of dread about what was upcoming. You can never predict yourself as being homeless and struggling to be cheerful so my children won’t have to see me depressed was a daily chore and I wasn’t sure how I was going to hold up for Christmas.

The girls and I were so overwhelmed this year with all of the support and generosity that we received. To see my children’s face light up on Christmas morning made me forget about this hard period in our lives and helped me find again that wonderful feeling of how blessed we truly are, and what our faith in the Lord really means. He is my strongest support system and I am so grateful to everyone He has surrounded me with. To visually see strangers give of their time, energy and hope to us has left me so fulfilled with faith love and understanding for me and my family. I can now finally see a positive outcome to this hard and painful time in our lives and I can finally say and believe that “we will be ok.”

I may never be able to show how much gratitude I have towards everyone who helped us this holiday season, by please know that you are truly a blessing in me and my children’s lives and the impact you have made will never be forgotten. God bless.

Yes, Times are Tough. But there is Hope!

2008-12-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

Times are tough, especially for mothers and their children who find themselves homeless because they’re escaping domestic violence, have lost a job, or have lost their home due to foreclosure or the inability to pay rent. However, Vision House makes a difference in the lives of homeless moms and kids – the difference between spending the night in a cold car or sleeping in a warm bed; between going hungry or having nutritious meals. Over the past 18 years, Vision House has helped more than 550 homeless women, children and men in south King County rebuild their lives. You can help! Make a contribution via PayPal on our secure website: http://www.nohomelesskids.org/, forward this blog to others and help get the word out to support homeless moms and kids.

I’m grateful for your support and belief in the Vision House. Together we’ll help homeless families rebuild their lives so they can achieve self sufficiency and a better way of life.

Calls we Received

2008-12-04T21:30:00.000-08:00

A woman in her 20’s called in tears. She had been calling shelters all morning with no success. She is a single mother of 2 and will have no place to live as of tomorrow at 11 am.

A woman living with her boyfriend, the father of her newborn twins. The boyfriend had given notice at their apartment, leading the mother to believe that the whole family would be moving together. Instead, he left her with 2 infants, no apartment, no money, and nowhere to go.

A single mother with 3, 5 and 6 year old has been homeless for 8 months. She has a problem getting housing as she has an eviction on her credit report a couple of years prior. She was living in a downtown shelter when she called.

A woman with a 4 ½ year old had been living on the streets for 3 weeks.

A woman with 5 children ages 1, 4, 5, 7 & 9 left her abusive husband and fled Arizona. She can’t find any place that will take that many children

Chaplain called to help a mom with 3 children. Their house burned down and they’re in need of temporary housing.

To see how these stories end and to be inspired by resident success stories, please visit our website at: http://www.vision-house.org/vh_residents.htm

Gift Cards in Action!

2008-11-26T18:58:00.000-08:00

John putting together a crib for a new mom and her new baby. Donated gift cards not only provide a great Christmas for homeless families but also help to provide for emergency needs like this. Learn more about Vision House at www.vision-house.org

2008-11-23T15:25:00.000-08:00

No Homeless Kids

2008-11-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

Vision House provides transitional housing and support services to homeless mothers and their children, and separately to homeless men recovering from drug or alcohol addiction,
helping them achieve independence and self-sufficiency.

The Face of Homelessness is a Child
· The fastest growing homeless group in the U.S. is families with children (United Way, 2004).
· One out of every four homeless persons is a child (United Way, 2004).
· According to the One Night Count that took place January 24, 2008, there were nearly 10,600 homeless individuals in King and Snohomish Counties, 2,500 of whom were children.
· National studies suggest that over the course of a year, three times as many people experience homelessness as are counted on any one night.
· Men, women and children were refused shelter nearly 114,000 times in King and Snohomish Counties last year because there weren’t enough shelter beds.
· Half of homeless women and children are fleeing domestic violence.

The Need
· More than 150 women and children are on the Vision House waiting list.
· Vision House receives approximately 1,000 calls per year from homeless individuals seeking help.
· Homelessness evolves into hopelessness, desperation, crime, incarceration, poor health, long-term dependence on public assistance, and a decline in the overall health of our communities.