mary's place blog
what does home mean to rosa’s family? safety, stability, and the opportunity to dream about the future
Rosa's story is one of extraordinary strength, determination, and love for her children. It's also a reminder that no family should have to navigate a housing crisis alone. Because no child should have to sleep outside. And every child deserves a place to call home.
a fresh start for samantha’s family
Samantha connected with the Mary’s Place mobile outreach team, who worked alongside her as she took steps toward stability. For families staying in cars and other places outside, outreach offers a connection to people who can help them navigate resources and move toward housing, even when shelter isn’t available.
Beyond the transaction: what community partnership makes possible for families
Every family Mary's Place serves is supported by a community of partners. Thank you to the donors, volunteers, businesses, foundations, and public agencies who help make sure no child sleeps outside. Today, more partners are leading the way to a new kind of partnership: bringing their expertise, assets, and networks alongside their generosity.
it takes all of us: reflections from the national women's shelter network conference
In September 2026 Mary’s Place CEO, Dominique Alex, attended and spoke at the National Women’s Shelter Network conference. “Real progress requires clinicians, elected leaders, community members, and organizations acting together, guided by data and bold leadership,” she shares.
anthony’s next chapter
“I have so much gratitude for what I have accomplished instead of focusing on what I haven’t done,” shares Anthony, who will graduate from the FareStart Food Pathways Program this October. “I’m focusing on the positive, the plan I’m creating for myself and my family, and the goals I want to accomplish.”
understanding affordable housing and family homelessness: a conversation with dr. gregg colburn
What causes homelessness? It’s a question with no shortage of answers.
In a recent Mary’s Place Moments conversation, Mary’s Place CEO Dominique Alex sat down with Dr. Gregg Colburn, co-author of Homelessness Is a Housing Problem and associate professor at the University of Washington, to explore the bigger picture behind the homelessness crisis in our community.
when home is within reach: our mobile outreach helps Jerome’s family bridge the gap
For months, Jerome worked full time while he and his two children, Juston and Jemma, lived in their car in Kent. When Jerome finally found housing, one last barrier stood in the way: move-in costs. Mary’s Place Outreach team stepped in with flexible financial assistance to help close the gap.
after a long search, angela’s family finally has a home
Angela, her partner, and their five children had experienced housing instability and homelessness for several years, moving between temporary programs, hotels, tent communities, and their family vehicle when they came into the Allen Family Center.
a little breathing room changed everything: how prevention helped nancy's family remain housed
Nancy was doing everything right to keep her family housed. As a single mom of four, she had worked hard to secure a housing voucher and move her family into an apartment. She thought the hardest part was behind her. But after moving in, the unexpected costs started piling up…
reaching back: why shree volunteers at mary's place
"We all need support in one way or another. Reaching out for help takes bravery and trust that good people will reach back. It feels good to be that hand that reaches back,” says Shree.