Here is a short list of organizations we are grateful for. The list is actually <!–more–>much longer, but these are two groups we are particularly thankful for this holiday.
First, thank you… Real Change.
You have most likely seen a Real Change vendor on a popular block in your neighborhood, waving the newspaper and sporting a badge (look for the credentials!). What you most likely don’t know is what goes on behind the organization and how much it supports the homeless community and how readership contribution is an important factor that makes it run.
The paper empowers those who are homeless by offering classes/orientations that support career-building, marketing, and essentially a job that instills a sense of purpose.
Here is how the system works:
After the vendor attends an orientation, they receive five free papers. The papers have a suggested donation of two dollars. Vendors are then able to purchase more papers (if they wish), for 60 cents, so they receive a decent profit on every paper they sell.
Your two dollars gets a good read (respected freelance journalists contribute gratis) and you contribute to helping the homeless and marginalized community. And you also saved money by not buying an unhealthy snack or another coffee.
That is certainly worth two bucks, yes?
Thank you…Urban Rest Stop
Another contribution to the community is Urban Rest Stop (URS).
Imagine if you didn’t have access to a place to bathe, do your laundry, a place to rest.
URS provides that. Whether you are homeless, displaced, in transition, it is a valuable resource.
There are two locations in the Seattle area. One is close to the International District at 1924 Ninth Ave. and the other is in the University District. The locations are open 5:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome. URS offers hot showers, haircuts, and a place to clean your clothes. Hopefully there will be another URS in Ballard soon (it’s in the works). The Ninth Avenue URS was recently allocated $200,000 in funding for maintenance. For more information you can visit http://www.urbanreststop.org.
Happy Thanksgiving Seattle! We hope everyone has a place to rest. (end)