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Gifts that keep on giving
November 28, 2007 9:53 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | How to help | Reader recommendations

West Seattle holiday gifts ‘n’ stuff with an extra punch – plus a request for ideas from you:

poinsettia.jpgPOINSETTIAS TO HELP STUDENTS: Today’s the deadline to get orders in for the Chief Sealth High School Band fundraising poinsettia sale; full details in our original post – we just checked and they DO have some left!

BOOKS FOR WESTSIDE BABY: This Saturday, during Hometown Holidays weekend, Square 1 Books in Jefferson Square is having a unique sale — as described on the Square One blog, “Purchase any children’s book from us Dec. 1-2 for 15 percent off and we will donate the book to WestSide Baby. The books will be distributed to families in need in December.”

CALENDARS FOR CANINES: Wendy Hughes-Jelen, from the High Point K-9 Club and other endeavors, has created the 2008 IGGY Ambassadors Calendar, which she describes further: “Entitled ‘Personal images of the dogs we love, photographed by members of IGGY Ambassadors — Emerald City (Italian Greyhounds of the Northwest)’, it is a large and elegant calendar, something to be treasured by ALL dog lovers.” 16% of the price of each calendar (what’s left after printing costs & the lulu.com publisher’s fee) goes to “help pay for vet bills and other costs associated with the very active Northwest Italian greyhound rescue community.” You can preview the calendar here; you can order it here.

NOW, A QUESTION FOR YOU: This came in as a WSB Reader Recommendation Request but relates to the topic of “gifts that keep on giving” — Adam e-mailed, “In lieu of giving presents, my wife and I have donated money which we might normally spend on presents to some of the many worthwhile charities. We are searching for recommendations for legitimate local charities for Iraq veterans and their families. Any reader suggestions?”

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You’re feeling thankful – ready to feel helpful?
November 22, 2007 9:31 pm
|    Comments Off on You’re feeling thankful – ready to feel helpful?
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

One week from Saturday, one of West Seattle’s biggest events of the holiday season will start — Hometown Holidays in The Junction. We brought you details in this report last weekend; you can also read the full Hometown Holidays press release at the end of this post. First, here’s your chance to be part of it — we received this from Erica Karlovits, president of JuNO (Junction Neighborhood Association):

For folks living in the Junction and interested in getting involved with JuNO, we have a great opportunity for involvement:

Hometown Holidays is coming . . . The Junction comes to life on the first Saturday in December. Events include the Dickens Carolers, the Annual Tree Lighting, Santa photos for you and for your pet, and great deals in local shops. Plus events at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market!

Volunteers are needed to staff the refreshment and information table during the Hometown Holidays event on December 1 and 2. JuNO has agreed to take on this responsibility and is inviting anyone that is interested in joining to contact wsjuno@yahoo.com – This is a great opportunity to support your community, meet neighbors and take part in a great event.

Please let me know if you are interesting in meeting your JuNO neighbors and volunteering at this event.

Thank you!

Erica Karlovits
Junction Neighborhood Organization

For even more details on Hometown Holidays plans, here’s the West Seattle Junction Association‘s full press release:Read More

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Help West Seattle High School students: Adopt a traveler!
November 21, 2007 10:30 am
|    Comments Off on Help West Seattle High School students: Adopt a traveler!
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We were lucky to grow up with some opportunities to travel, around the U.S. as well as to a few other countries. Nothing too fancy, but still — as you know if you have been able to travel — it changes your perspective on your own slice of the world, in so many ways, that carry on throughout your life and enhance your ability to “think global/act local,” among other benefits. With that preface, here’s a chance to help some West Seattle teenagers gain that perspective as they prepare for the journey into adulthood: At West Seattle High School, the Travel Club is looking for partners and supporters to help make sure everyone who wants to join a 10-day student trip to Italy and Greece next spring can go. A nicely written press release appeared in the WSB inbox – so we’re sharing that, and the information that follows it about how you can help, including fundraising events that are just a few weeks away:Read More

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Pet projects: 3 notes for those who love ’em
November 18, 2007 9:37 am
|    Comments Off on Pet projects: 3 notes for those who love ’em
 |   High Point | How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

“TOAST TO THE ANIMALS” TONIGHT AT BEVERIDGE PLACE PUB: This puts the “fun” in “fundraiser” — a benefit for Furry Faces Foundation. Their announcement is livelier than any rewrite we could do:

“Raise your glasses and ring in the Holiday Cheer for rescued animals,” say Terri and Gary, owners of the Beveridge Place Pub, “as we are delighted to announce another Wine Tasting Fun-Raiser, benefiting Furry Faces Foundation, a.k.a., F3. And, if you like a particular wine (s), you may purchase a bottle or two or more … right then and there.” “For a mere $15 you get to taste 4-6 lovely wines, savor light appetizers, mingle with your neighbors, and help defray the cost of spaying ‘n’ neutering rescued animals,” raves Lora Vickrey, F3 treasurer and Hotwire Coffeehouse owner [also WSB sponsor], “plus, we will be previewing our soon to be infamous, nefarious game of kismet, called …. Box-a-Rama! Be there, or be square.”

That’s 4:30 pm-7 pm tonight (here’s a map to Beveridge Place Pub).

GET YOUR DOG GROOMED ON TURKEY DAY: Across California Ave from Beveridge Place and a bit north, The Wash Dog is taking appointments for grooming on Thanksgiving morning. We heard from Wash Dog owner Bernadette Cassidy after our post seeking info on West Seattle businesses open Thanksgiving. We’re building that list now; meanwhile, you can call Bernadette to snag one of those holiday appointments at 206-935-4546.

YOGA WITH YOUR DOG? Wendy Hughes-Jelen from the High Point K9 Club is trying to organize a “yoga with your dog” class or workshop. Wendy had a great time taking a class in Bellevue that’s taught by an instructor who lives in West Seattle, Brenda Bryan. Wendy is working with Brenda and the High Point Community Center to get West Seattle dog yoga going, but she needs at least 4 people/dog pairs to rev this up; e-mail her at wendyhj (at) greenspacesrealestate.com if you want to get in on it. (Read more about “yoga with your dog” at Brenda’s website.)

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Holiday help
November 16, 2007 7:59 pm
|    Comments Off on Holiday help
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

THANKSGIVING #1: Bless everyone who has to work on holidays. We know it’s no picnic. Again this year, we are compiling a list of who’s open on The Big Holidays in two categories: coffee shops and grocery stores. We have started our Thanksgiving list already but we are asking for your help, if you own or work at a West Seattle business in one of those categories — let us know whether you’re closed or open on Thanksgiving, and if open, what hours. Post a comment here or e-mail WSB directly. Thank you!

THANKSGIVING #2: We’ve talked here before about the free community Thanksgiving feast that will be hosted noon-3 pm Thursday by Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes on their home turf at The Hall @ Fauntleroy. According to the West Seattle Helpline website, while there are enough volunteers to serve the dinner, they need some things you could drop off at The Hall (map) before 11 am Thanksgiving morning: a pie, new socks, winter hats, or gloves.

CHRISTMAS ETC.: Once you get those outdoor decorations up (the weekend forecast doesn’t look too conducive) keep WSB in mind if you have an extra-festive display — let us know where you’re at so we can come by for pix/video, or send us your own pix/video for posting, so we can all share the season’s sights; a special Holidays page is one of two new features we’re adding to WSB this weekend.

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West Seattle Weekend Lineup: ‘Tis the weekend b4 Thanksgiving …
November 16, 2007 10:03 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | WS Weekend Lineup

A free early Thanksgiving dinner tonight … another chance for you to drop off donations to brighten somebody else’s Thanksgiving … bazaars, music, more … among 35 West Seattle events for today, tomorrow, and/or Sunday:Read More

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When you go shopping tonight, tomorrow, or over the weekend …
November 15, 2007 6:27 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

… get an extra turkey for the West Seattle Food Bank. We checked with WSFB today to see what they really need for last-minute donations before Thanksgiving, and they said it’s all about turkeys. Frozen OR fresh. Bring one (or more) to the Food Bank tomorrow (Friday) 9 am to 3 pm, or Monday 11 am-3 pm. The Food Bank is in the West Seattle Community Resource Building at 35th & Morgan (map). See our most recent updates on who they help and how you can help here (with video) and here.

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Looking ahead to summer, in fall
November 13, 2007 7:42 pm
|    Comments Off on Looking ahead to summer, in fall
 |   How to help

relay4life1.jpg

That’s the summertime scene at West Seattle Stadium, during the West Seattle Relay for Life. The next one happens in June 2008, but the people who organize it are working on it already, and inviting the community to their next meeting, tomorrow night (Wednesday), 7:30 pm @ Fauntleroy Children’s Center. Organizers describe WS Relay for Life as “a fun-filled overnight event designed to bring together those who have been touched by cancer in our community.” The event includes the lighting of luminaria (in the white bags you see in the photo above). If you can’t attend tomorrow night’s meeting (they meet each month, same time, same location, second Wednesday), you can find out more about Relay for Life by calling Karee at 206-674-4105 or Melissa at 206-281-3738.

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Weekly update: What’s hot at West Seattle Farmers’ Market
November 10, 2007 10:55 pm
|    Comments Off on Weekly update: What’s hot at West Seattle Farmers’ Market
 |   How to help | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

The Farmers’ Market folks didn’t send the usual big long list this week – just this short list of what’s “new and notable” at tomorrow’s WSFM (10 am-2 pm) in The Junction:

Italian Broccoli
Celery
Jerusalem Artichokes
Radicchio
Dozens of winter squashes
Brussels Sprouts
Fresh Chicken, Duck, Lamb and Goat

Also remember handmade holiday ornaments to benefit the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival (see and read about them here) — $25 each, cash/check only, at the West Seattle Kiwanis booth at the market’s northeast corner.

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Reward fund to solve West Seattle bicyclist shooting
November 8, 2007 6:15 pm
|    Comments Off on Reward fund to solve West Seattle bicyclist shooting
 |   Crime | How to help | West Seattle news

One week ago tonight, West Seattle bicyclist Peter McKay was shot while riding on Delridge, not far from his home. No one is under arrest yet, but local groups are doing what they can to change that: Read here and here about Seattle International Randonneurs and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington raising more than $5,000 so far to give somebody the impetus to bring the culprits in. (If you want to donate, all three of the links in the preceding line will send you to the right place.)

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Westcrest meeting tonight
November 8, 2007 4:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

If you missed it in the comments on this post – “k” says there’s a community meeting tonight regarding the Westcrest Park concerns. 7 pm @ Sonrise Evangelical Free Church at 610 SW Roxbury (map).

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Thursday afternoon notes
November 8, 2007 12:21 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle Art Walk | WS miscellaneous

-A citywide challenge to gather 6 tons of toys for Toys for Tots by next Monday is under way now. Organizers tell us there are four dropoff locations in West Seattle: Curious Kidstuff, Seattle Lutheran High School, and the two Radio Shack stores, and the drive is being organized by a West Seattle-based PR firm (Janet Wainwright Public Relations, which, data point, otherwise focuses on Northwest publicity campaigns for 13 major movie studios).

-Several major events happening tonight in WS; they’re all on the WSB Events page but we wanted to give them one more shoutout: The monthly West Seattle Art Walk; the rescheduled International Baccalaureate informational night at Chief Sealth HS; opening night for “The Crucible” at West Seattle HS; and for development-watchers, the Southwest Design Review Board is back in action tonight, 6:30 pm at the Southwest Precinct, taking a look at this Junction project.

-Mini-update on Westcrest Park concerns: Reader e-mail says two squad cars and one uniformed officer, patroling on foot, were spotted at the park, so it may be getting some of the attention concerned citizens asked for.

-If you see this post after 2 pm today, you should be able to watch the King County Ferry District public hearing live via KCTV (here’s the link). P.S. Ferry District board members (aka KC Councilmembers) are just listening/discussing today; they vote next Tuesday morning.

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Calling all library lovers
November 7, 2007 11:11 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

OK, so last night’s election results suggest nobody’s in much of a mood to give government more money. However, as we have reported here previously, this is the time of year when local governments are deciding what to do with the money they already have (or are slated to get) – and Seattle Public Library supporters have an urgent call for library users to help make sure the library’s needs are “on the books” if you will:Read More

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Video feature: West Seattle Food Bank follow-up
November 6, 2007 12:30 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle video

Two weeks have zoomed by since we brought you the West Seattle Food Bank’s request for your help this holiday season. Lots of great response so far – and room for more – literally … take a look inside the WSFB cooler; we did, during a visit to interview WSFB executive director Fran Yeatts, who narrates:

Frozen turkeys and other Thanksgiving-dinner donations will help the most people if you get them to the Food Bank by the end of next week. Meantime, Fran also told us something you probably don’t know about the people the WSFB serves:Read More

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Torch rally on Alki
November 4, 2007 3:17 pm
|    Comments Off on Torch rally on Alki
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Pic from the torch rally on Alki this afternoon — featuring a symbolic Olympic Torch that’s making its way around the world to raise awareness about what activists want China, host of the next Olympics, to do to help end the genocide in Darfur (detailed explanation here about why it goes on; info here on how to take action):

torchphoto.jpeg

9:30 PM UPDATE: Info about the man in our photo, thanks to Ruth from Save Darfur/Washington State:

His name is Marial Nhiel – he is from Yirol, Sudan, and is 27 years old. He arrived in Seattle as a refugee in August 2007. Marial’s leg was deliberately shot off by a Northern Sudanese soldier when he was a seven year old boy. He is married with twin children, age 5 years, one boy and one girl, who are currently living in Kenya. He was brought to us by Maury Clark, a local Sudanese advocate. Marial was here to carry the torch for his countrymen and women, to show his support for their safety.

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Ercolini Park: They (you) did it!
October 31, 2007 7:15 am
|    Comments Off on Ercolini Park: They (you) did it!
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

ercolinimay07.JPG

Just two days ago, we told you about the fundraising deadline today for matching funds to make Ercolini Park (48th/Alaska; photo above from last summer) a true park when construction work begins shortly — and we have word from Bill Barna that, thanks to one last big donation — $2,800 from Wanda Pommer — they made it! Bill and everyone at Friends of Ercolini Park send out a huge thanks to everyone who helped them reach the goal and says the big thing now is to make good on commitments of volunteer time (also vital in the “matching funds” process); as Bill explains, “It is also important to remember that all the volunteer hours that were pledged have actually been assigned a dollar value. If the volunteers don’t make good on their contributions some of the park features may suffer. So, PLEASE, everyone who committed time … make good on your pledge.”

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Tomorrow’s not just Halloween …
October 30, 2007 12:39 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

ercolinisign.jpg… it’s also the fundraising deadline for Friends of Ercolini Park, to help them qualify for city matching funds in their work to create a park for the growing residential neighborhoods west of The Junction. (The land has been set aside — but now it’s time to start putting in the features that will transform it into a park.) The group says work should be starting within a few weeks, and they expect to have “a park to play in by spring!” Read more about the project on the city’s page about it, and to help Friends of Ercolini Park get across the $ finish line, use the “donate” link on the group’s website. (Also coming up, this blog post from an Ercolini relative reminds us, is the deadline for the city to accept name suggestions, though as that writer notes, it’s hard to imagine it could end up being named anything else.)

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They help the environment; can you help them?
October 28, 2007 8:26 pm
|    Comments Off on They help the environment; can you help them?
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news

planting.jpg

That’s a photo from an EarthCorps event with Denny Middle School students at the Thistle Street section of Longfellow Creek, where they put in more than 200 native plants — all amid the weather craziness of 10/19. EarthCorps invites you to go check out the new plantings just north of the P-Patch — and a frequent WSB contributor @ EarthCorps also hopes you’ll consider their request for a different kind of community help — one that doesn’t involve digging or planting:Read More

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Making the south end of West Seattle safer
October 26, 2007 12:55 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

We’ve said it dozens of times and want to say it again today: West Seattle Blog works because of you. The photos, the information, the tips, the rumors, the questions, the comments, the announcements, or even simply reading WSB and using the info to become more involved in community events and concerns … thank you to everyone who contributes in every way. That said, we have a big shoutout today to someone who agreed to cover the White Center/South Delridge Community Safety meeting for WSB last night, when we realized neither WSB editor could go. Here’s his report, full of information that might be of value to you even if that’s not your end of WS, including more on the latest West Seattle crime trends:
————-
By Evan Baumgardner
WSB contributor

This was my first time attending a Community Safety Meeting. I have to say, it was a real eye-opener for me, and I highly recommend checking one of these out if you haven’t yet. …Read More

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West Seattle Food Bank follow-up: Donate at your door!
October 23, 2007 6:45 am
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Since we reported yesterday on the West Seattle Food Bank‘s request for immediate help — we have already heard of some people stepping up in ways big and small, all helpful. (Read the original report here.) That includes at least one business joining the cause — Garlic Jim’s Pizza proprietor Ryan Reese says he’s going to print up 3,000 coupons offering $3 off pizza deliveries for customers who donate at least three canned/nonperishable food items — giving the donations to the GJ’s drivers who shows up at their door. They bring you the pizza, you give them donations for the WSFB; as Ryan puts it, “how easy is that!” He’s planning on sending the coupons out for printing this afternoon after the Food Bank folks take a look at it this morning. 3,000 coupons=at least 9,000 items for the Food Bank! (And remember the online donation link here.)

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Just in: West Seattle Food Bank needs you, now
October 22, 2007 11:46 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Just got e-mail from the West Seattle Food Bank and it’s more important than the other stuff we’re working on to post for you later – so here goes. Preface: Last fall, when you probably didn’t even know we were here (WSB readership now is 10x what it was then, thank you!), readers generously joined in an impromptu campaign to rustle up turkeys for another area food bank, and it felt great to help. Now, the West Seattle Food Bank is putting out the call to WSB readers for immediate help — we’ll do what we can and hope you will too. If you’re too busy to get food and drop it off at WSFB or the donation bins at three local supermarkets (mentioned below), click here to go to their site now and donate $ online (we just did so we’re challenging you to join us; the service handling $ donations takes credit cards or PayPal). Here’s the full text of the WSFB request:

The West Seattle Food Bank is seeking food and cash donations to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry this holiday season.

“There are many of our West Seattle neighbors who need special help,” said Food Bank Executive Director Fran Yeatts, “and unfortunately that’s especially true at this time of year. The West Seattle Food Bank will greatly appreciate anything you can do to help bring cheer to their holidays.”

Individuals and businesses can make holiday meals possible by donating items from the list below. Donations will help the most people by bringing Thanksgiving food donations to the Food Bank by November 17th.

Holiday foods to donate:

* Frozen turkey
* Hams
* Stuffing mix
* Mixed salad greens
* Canned cranberries (whole or sauce)
* Canned gravy
* Yams or sweet potatoes (fresh or canned)
* White potatoes
* Pumpkin or apple pies
* Dinner rolls (frozen or packaged)

Cash donations are always welcomed and will help the Food Bank purchase items that are needed Cash donations can be sent to: West Seattle Food Bank, 3419 SW Morgan Street, Seattle, WA 98126, or donated online at westseattlefoodbank.org. Food donation bins are also located at Metropolitan Market, PCC and West Seattle Thriftway.

“Generous neighbors can make such a difference,” said Yeatts, “and on our clients’ behalf, we thank everyone.”

We’ll remind you about this in the days/weeks ahead, but do what you can now – donate online, get extra food in your next grocery trip, make it a happier holiday season for West Seattle families who are counting on you.

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Happening in maybe-not-so-windblown West Seattle tonight
October 18, 2007 8:50 am
|    Comments Off on Happening in maybe-not-so-windblown West Seattle tonight
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle schools

Good thing it’s sounding more like we won’t just have to hunker down and hide inside tonight (unless the forecast changes again – next update should be out within an hour or so), because there are some big things happening tonight (all from the WSB Events page – keep sending us the word on what’s up with your school, business, organization, community group, etc., thanks!):

GOOD FOOD, GOOD WINE, GREAT CAUSE: 6:30 pm tonight at the Hall at Fauntleroy, it’s the winetasting fundraiser and auction for West Seattle Helpline.

GOOD BEER, GREAT CAUSE: Murphy’s Furniture on Avalon has a benefit tonight for the West Seattle Food Bank — Oktoberfest beer tasting with Elliott Bay Brewery’s brewer talking about the price of hops (almost as hot a topic these days as the price of gas). Brats to go with the beer, too!

INFO NIGHT FOR INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM @ CHIEF SEALTH HS: If you haven’t heard about IB, it’s a rigorous high-school program and CSHS had to go through a lot to get it — this is its first year and the CSHS community is incredibly excited about it. Find out more about IB at Chief Sealth at 7 pm tonight.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Tonight’s the monthly meeting, featuring Q/A with candidates for key open seats on the City Council and School Board. ACC meetings are always great places to find out what’s happening in West Seattle’s highest-profile neighborhood. 7 pm, Alki Community Center.

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A letter to the community from Fauntleroy Church
October 16, 2007 10:34 am
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

This morning, we finally heard from Fauntleroy Church (UCC) leadership regarding the Tent City 3 proposal, which, as we reported on Sunday with reader assistance, is now tabled. Rev. David Kratz forwarded a letter to the community dated Sunday, and added a few additional comments. First, the letter, in its entirety:

Dear Neighborhood Friends,

During the first week of October, a small group of men and women from Tent City 3 (TC3) came to our church to present information, and to ask if we would consider hosting them from December through February because of their pressing need for somewhere to live at that time. Because of their need, we agreed to have TC3 make a similar presentation to our congregation last Sunday. A majority of church members at the meeting favored exploring the possibility of hosting TC3, but there were many concerns about whether we are well-positioned to explore this question right now.

Homelessness and housing is a multi-faceted issue that seriously concerns us. The growing gap between the rich and the poor, the diminishing of the middle class, the rapid loss of affordable housing across the nation and in Seattle, and more importantly coming to know individual homeless people prompt us to discern how we should respond as followers of Christ.

Fauntleroy Church has a long history of service on behalf of the poor. One of the things we’re most proud of is having helped found the original First Avenue Service Center in downtown Seattle (now called the Family and Adult Service Center). FASC is a program that provides the homeless with basic human services, such as nutritious meals, a place to shower, laundry facilities, access to phone and computer services, as well as case management, assistance finding safe and affordable housing, vocational training, and much more.

This morning our Church Council decided not to host Tent City 3 in the near future. We do plan to continue educating ourselves on the issue of homelessness. We directed our Outreach Ministry to create a Homelessness Task Force, with the charge to explore the whole range of theological, biblical, social, and psychological dimensions of homelessness and seek appropriate responses for our church. We plan to start this effort in 2008. We will keep you apprised of our process. Perhaps you may want to join our conversations and learn with us–we would welcome your wisdom and questions. We honor our relationship with you just as much as we do our call to serve the “least among us.”

Sincerely,

David Kratz, Senior Pastor
Susan Towner Larsen, Associate Pastor
Steve Sundquist, Moderator, Church Council

Rev. Kratz added in his e-mail to WSB that he has read the comments on our previous posts and, “I would invite anyone who would like to participate in a broader conversation about how to respond to people who are homeless to become part of a mailing list we are starting. As the letter states in the winter we will take a broader
look and would welcome the wisdom of concerned folks.”

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