3120 NE 125th, Seattle, WA 98125
SMC Home | Outreach Home Page
Proposal for drop-in space location
From: SMC Community Ministry
Background:
A previous proposal submitted to Seattle Mennonite Church's (SMC) leadership council by the Homeless Task Force, September 2005, requested drop-in services be available once a week to provide a safe and acceptable location for the Lake City Homeless community. In response, the once a week program Stop, Drop and Roll became the pilot program staffed by volunteers from SMC and the Lake City community.
At this point, no public "legal loitering space" has replaced the Lake City Park once frequented by homeless neighbors. In fact, our neighbors have stated that the use of the mini-park has become prohibitive to many as police have placed no trespass orders on them. Previously, friends on the street were able to charge up their cell-phones or wheel-chairs in the mini-park, but the electricity to the concrete park has been shut-off. The public sidewalk around the park has become the only safe place for outside neighbors to gather in that particular area. This represents the continuous need for a safe and acceptable location for these Lake City residents to congregate.
In the past, Labor Ready, a temporary employment agency, was
located in Lake City and provided jobs for some members of this group. Since
their departure, there are even fewer opportunities for finding employment in
the neighborhood.
Consequently, two needs were identified by the group of homeless in our neighborhood:
Stated goals in previous proposal included:
Since September 2005, Stop, Drop, and Roll has seen the homeless community take ownership of the program. Helping with set-up/clean-up, stocking a food pantry, and using the kitchen facility to cook their own food, have been some of the ways the homeless community has demonstrated outstanding cooking abilities, their respect and care for the facility and the volunteers that offer their time. Volunteers have been free to build significant relationships with participants, many of the relationships have resulted in folks getting off the street.
The Homeless Task Force has also been successful in its pursuit of
a full-time staff person as a way of furthering the goals set-out above. As
of June 1, 2007, 1 FTE staff position was filled by Jonathan and Melanie Neufeld
in hopes that they will further facilitate the congregation's
community ministry. As part of the vision of the SMC Task Force on Homelessness,
expansion of services to the homeless community is encouraged with the addition
of community ministers.
The current program stands at:
On July 22, 2007 at the most recent community meal gathering hosted by SMC, outside neighbors were asked about their hopes for a drop-in. Some of the hopes included available facilities for kitchen, laundry, showers, message/information board, and place for storage. Most importantly, a drop-in center would allow for a safe and legal place to assemble during daytime hours, where housing and employment information might be accessed along with the opportunity to met nutrition and hygiene needs.
Here is how the group responded to "What are your hopes for a drop-in?"
Proposal:
A. Expand Stop, Drop, Roll programming
It is hoped that the community ministry might expand
the Stop, Drop, and Roll pilot project, to provide services 2 or 3
days during the week, depending on staffing of volunteers (see section on
volunteer support). Two days could maintain a similar 6-8am, 6-8pm schedule and
an additional half day during regular office hours where service providers might
offer outreach services. With the approach of cold weather, more day-time hours
may be offered.
B. Offer additional Services
Current programming offers: hospitality, community kitchen, restroom facilities, personal/safe storage, bus tickets, shower and towel tickets, clothing, newly donated bibles, accompaniment (to court, medical appointments), hospital visitation
It is hoped that additional services be offered to
eliminate the need for shower and towel tickets and expand possibilities for
storage. Additional services would include: laundry, showers, information
station with message board, and outreach services by service providers.
C. Find suitable location that would support additional services/expanded hours
Space to offer kitchen, laundry, shower, storage, and information facilities. Allow service providers to meet clients in order to facilitate housing, employment, addiction and mental health needs, etc. A site to facilitate community economic projects.
Options:
1. Adult Study Room
In a previous proposal (prior to 2007), the adult study room was
suggested as drop-in space. This room would provide a gathering place,
minimal ability for cooking, no access to laundry/showers, no permanent
information station, and little ability for the community to claim ownership of
the space.
2. Wu building
A more recent proposal from the community ministry to the trustees
in June eliminated this space as a possibility. As the building is structurally
problematic, necessary renovations would not provide a long-term solution.
Use of this space would mean a loss of revenue for the church, and
potential concerns of other tenants.
3. Church foyer
This current space has provided an adequate space for gathering
with room for storage, kitchen, and restrooms. It has been an easy
space to clean and maintain. It has accommodated a large crowd
successfully. Showers, laundry, information/computer access and message board
have been services that have not been available in this space. The space does
not have a home-like atmosphere and will continued to be shared with other
groups.
4. 33rd Street House
House would provide necessary facilities of kitchen, laundry,
shower, storage, and information. Community members could take ownership of
space through maintenance of the property, cooking their own food, and setting
up a resource center. Agreement with Self-Managed Housing could be
terminated as the house was not used as stated in the agreement and because
of the most recent negative experience that resulted in the eviction of the
tenant. There would not be a revenue loss as the house was being used by
Self-Managed Housing free of charge. Home could be used as it stands and provide
expanded services.
3 bedroom house/1 restroom, 1000 SF
Necessary renovations to accommodate an assembly:
Still inquiring about building code and change of occupancy.
Optional renovation ideas:
Staffing:
Community Ministers would coordinate volunteer support for additional program hours.
18 volunteers currently support the Stop, Drop and Roll program, including church and Lake City Community volunteers
In addition, the community ministry hopes to secure the support of other faith communities and North Helpline to help staff the drop-in. Groups such as Downtown Emergency Service Center's Host Program's NE area outreach worker will be invited to meet clients in the drop-in space.
Volunteers would continue providing hospitality, ensure safety of guests, and
facilitate guests ownership of the program. The program would continue to
require a minimum of 2 volunteers/staff persons during hours of operation.
Basic estimated costs (as per usage thus far in 2007)
Total Estimated Costs- $11,945 or $12,000
Funding:
Currently SMC's budget provides for maintenance, basic cost (except telephone and Internet). We would hope that additional funding sources might come from community partners to off-set SMC costs.
In Kind Donations: would be anticipated for kitchen, furniture needs (fold up chairs and tables to maximize space), food pantry (donations from food bank), clothing (donations from laundromat), computer, etc.
Time Line:
Request affirmation of our proposal from church and Lake City
Community. Secure support from leadership council, 20 August 2007, and
congregation. Proposal to be shared with Lake City Task Force on
Homelessness. Explore use of space by starting Stop, Drop and Roll program
at 33rd House in September/October. Expand Hours as volunteer support is
acquired.
Potential Challenges:
Future Vision:
Additional programming: