Thanks CommunitySERVE Volunteers!

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!

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

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!

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!

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!!

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!

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!

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

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

Vision House 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 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!

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!

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!

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!

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