We recently launched a Financial Literacy class series pilot with one goal in mind: to break down accessibility barriers so that everyone—regardless of background or language—can gain the tools they need to feel confident and build a stable financial future. We partnered with Bank of America, Umpqua Bank, and Sound Credit Union in a collaborative effort to meet the diverse needs of families at Mary’s Place.

For families who are outside in cars, tents, and encampments, hope isn’t lost thanks to our mobile outreach team. “Our goal, at its root, is simple: meet families wherever they are—geographically and emotionally—and walk alongside them on their journey back to stability” says Jessica Safley, Outreach Director at Mary’s Place

When Jane’s daughter was diagnosed with a serious health condition, the family left their home in the Tri-Cities to be by her side as she received life-saving treatment in Seattle. What was supposed to be a short medical trip turned into a months-long ordeal and the family was eventually evicted from their home. Suddenly, Jane was alone in a new city with a sick child. But then she connected with the Mary’s Place Outreach Team…

Today, as family homelessness in King County is at crisis levels, homelessness prevention has emerged as one of the most urgent and impactful tools to protect families and their futures. We know that there is no safe level of homelessness for children—that’s why we’re investing deeply in prevention—because keeping families in their hard-won homes is one of the most powerful and cost-efficient ways to end homelessness.

“If you told me a few years ago that I’d be living in a three-bedroom apartment with my three kids, thriving in my preschool teaching career, and excitedly planning our first vacation with just the four of us, I never would’ve believed you…”

"What drives me every day is seeing the immediate difference a furnished home makes," explains John, owner of Happy Haulers. "These families transitioning out of homelessness have fought so hard for housing—they deserve to sleep in beds, not on floors. We're delivering dignity and a foundation for their new beginning.”

New self-service digital kiosks at Mary’s Place are improving the shelter experience for guests and staff! Thanks to funding from Comcast, these kiosks are helping families access shelter resources quickly and equitably and are giving guests confidence with digital tools that support their path to stability and permanent housing.

Erica never considered herself homeless - she always found a place to stay whether it be with family or friends. When Erica became pregnant with her second child, friends and family could no longer provide the space she needed, and Erica found herself on a three year journey to find affordable housing, experiencing homelessness along the way. But, with the help of Mary’s Place, Erica and her children are now in a safe, stable apartment and thriving in their new space!

For Jada, life used to mean just getting through the day—barely surviving, not truly living. That all changed when she reached out to Mary’s Place…

“I work at the food bank, and it’s a step towards housing, but I needed help managing my finances so I can remain stable when I leave Mary’s Place. The classes were really helpful with getting my finances in order.”