Community Progress Update On Everett Homelessness Issues Set For Tuesday

September 22, 2019

Events in Everett

Point in Time

Six years ago homelessness began its rise to one of the top issues facing Everett.

If you think there has been progress in the issue of homelessness in Everett, Washington or if you are not sure, there is an event you may want to attend Tuesday night to get more information from those working on the front lines.

Hearing about and celebrating Everett’s progress in housing our homeless neighbors will be the focus of a public event on Tuesday, September 24, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Everett. Doors open at 6:45 pm and the program will begin promptly at 7 pm. The event is sponsored by Everett Faith in Action, a network of faith leaders who partner with faith-based nonprofits and the City of Everett to serve and advocate for our most vulnerable neighbors.

There will be short presentations by the City of Everett’s Community Outreach and Enforcement Team (COET), Clare’s Place Supportive Housing Project, Cocoon House, HopeWorks Station, the Carnegie Resource Center, the Cars to Housing Safe Parking Project, and the Everett Gospel Mission. The program will be followed by an opportunity for those attending to engage with the presenters and their organizations and learn about opportunities to support their efforts.

Rev. Alan Dorway, pastor of First Presbyterian Church and chair of Everett Faith in Action, was a member of Everett’s Community Streets Initiative Task Force, convened 5 years ago by former Everett mayor, Ray Stephanson. The Task Force brought forward many recommendations, a number of which were incorporated into the City’s Safe Streets Plan that focuses on housing; outreach and enforcement; and diversion. “In the past five years we have seen substantial progress toward the goals of the Community Streets Initiative, especially with the opening of new supportive housing facilities this year; we think it is time to celebrate these accomplishments and re-dedicate ourselves to continuing this work,” said Rev. Dorway.

“It is partnerships between nonprofit agencies, the government and faith communities that make progress toward housing the homeless possible,” said Rev. Carol Jensen, coordinator for Everett Faith in Action. “But the success of projects like Clare’s Place, our Cars to Housing pilot project, and other efforts to reduce the number of people living on the streets also depends on public awareness and support,” she added.

First Presbyterian Church is located at 2936 Rockefeller Avenue in downtown Everett. The event is free but those attending will be encouraged to donate cash or checks toward gift cards to help homeless individuals transitioning into housing. Everett Faith in Action has received a Community Sparks grant through the City of Everett for this event.



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