December 11

Help for the Holidays

Five ways to support your SLU neighbors this winter.

The holiday season feels a little different in 2020, but it’s still the best (and perhaps most needed) season for giving. South Lake Union is home to a number of worthy causes, all of which could use a boost this year. If you are able to help, consider pointing your generosity to one of these excellent local organizations.

FareStart
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, FareStart has donated more than 1.7 million meals in the Seattle area. These meals have helped homeless shelters, permanent supportive housing organizations like Plymouth Housing, YMCA, Seattle Public Schools, food banks, and more. To continue its job training and life skills part of its mission, FareStart has moved its Adult Culinary Program and Young Adult Barista Program into a virtual space. Donate here.

Volunteer chef cutting onions for FareStart.

Immanuel Community Services
ICS’s food bank, hygiene center, recovery center, and community lunch program are essential to those South Lake Union neighbors in need. Its biggest ask for volunteers is for the Grocery Rescue program on Sundays and food bank on Mondays. You can help ICS by volunteering, donating essential items like coats, blankets, socks, and sleeping bags, or providing financial donations. You can even connect your Fred Meyer Rewards points to ICS. Donate here.

Mary’s Place
In March 2020, Mary’s Place opened its new 63,000 square-foot shelter just as the pandemic was taking hold in the United States. The amazing facility at The Regrade has enough space for up to 200 moms, dads, and children each night, plus room for 30 families with medically fragile children. You can help fulfill holiday wishes with the Giving Tree Tag program or make sure no child sleeps outside. Donate here.

Volunteer shelter worker speaking with kids on a bunk bed.

Youthcare
YouthCare provides a variety of services for young people age 12-24, including homelessness prevention, engagement and outreach, shelter and housing, employment, education programs, and a bridge continuum that provides specialized services to young people who have experienced sexual exploitation. You can provide gifts via the organization’s wishlist, donate gift cards, or provide hygiene items, haircare products, and meal support. Donate here.

There are numerous organizations that need assistance during the holidays. Check the Discover South Lake Union Directory for more causes, or consider making a donation to the SLU Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business & Nonprofit Relief Fund.

Story by Ethan Chung and photographs courtesy of FareStart and Michael Pittman.


At The Center

SLU is the geographical center of Seattle