mary's place blog
Behind Every Number Is a Child: What the 2026 Point-in-Time Count Tells Us About Family Homelessness
"At Mary's Place, the emergency family intake line rings 40 to 50 times every day from parents desperately searching for a safe place for their children to sleep. That is the true measure of need," said Mary's Place CEO Dominique Alex. Behind every number in this year's Point-in-Time Count is a child, and the trauma of losing a home follows them into their classrooms, their relationships, and their futures.
Partnership delivers joy to transitioning families
Some of the biggest barriers families transitioning to housing face are getting donated furniture items that fit their needs and getting them delivered to their new home.
a bright space to play!
t didn't take long for kids to jump around on the new padded floors, take the tricycles for a spin, and gather around new games and toys with their friends in the newly refreshed Kids Club at our family shelter in Burien.
Making birthday wishes come true for kids at Mary’s Place
Birthdays are a big deal for kids! Thanks to a partnership with local nonprofit Birthday Dreams, the birthday wishes of kids at Mary’s Place come true with monthly group parties where each child is celebrated.
Knowledge is Power - Andrea Shares the Secrets to Financial Literacy with Families
We've all heard "financial literacy," but what does it mean? To Mary's Place volunteer Andrea Linsky, it means the tools to have healthy finances, and she believes it's an essential skill everyone should have the opportunity to learn!
Purses packed with essentials bring joy
Little did Val know that nearly a decade later, she and her circle of friends and family would contribute more than 100 purses and backpacks annually, stuffed with essentials and feel-good items for women who visit the Day Center, a drop-in center for women in downtown Seattle
Third grader Emily rallies her community for Mary's Place
A third grader, Emily Moore, knows how to rally support and spread a message!
Creating Joyful Moments - Grace Helmcke connects volunteers and families at Mary's Place
As a Mary's Place Volunteer and Event Coordinator, Grace Helmcke loves creating volunteer opportunities that make joyful moments and create connections with our guests. From flower arranging classes and conversations in their native languages to welcoming princesses and meals served with a smile, Grace helps our volunteers share their skills, love, and support with families at Mary’s Place in a fun and meaningful way.
The Allen Family Center: A community resource hub for families
The Allen Family Center (AFC) is a one-stop shop providing families assistance with housing, health, and child wellbeing. Mary’s Place is one of five local community partners that provide services and resources at the AFC – assisting 669 families last year alone.
In-person ESL learning is back at Mary’s Place!
A new partnership with Shoreline Community College is expanding our guests' English as a Second Language (ESL) learning opportunities.