Taking Stock: Celebrating Successes

Apr 18, 2018 | Gratitude

At times, I find myself getting discouraged when reading statistics concerning homelessness, such as the growing numbers of people without homes compounded by the decrease in affordable housing throughout our region. What I find helpful in fostering optimism and hope is reminding myself of strides that are being made. For instance, on a legislative level, the Seattle King County Coalition on Homelessness just last month celebrated that every single one of their legislative priority bills passed at the state level! Examples of what was passed into law:

HB 1570: increased and protected a significant portion of funding for programs that prevent and end homelessness (raised an additional $24.6 million for homelessness assistance and services per year).
HB 2578: banned discrimination based on a renter’s source of income.
HB 2667: removed barriers to housing assistance for people with disabilities and seniors by increasing access to HEN (Housing and Essential Needs funding) and preventing homelessness when people switch from HEN to ABD (Aging, Blind or Disabled cash assistance program.)

Closer to home, EGH is also celebrating recent successes. We had the most successful Annual Spring Dinner ever in March – 14 sponsors and 350 attendees – yielding income totaling over $180,000. Our board of directors continues to grow in both talents and numbers, with 14 of the 15 available seats filled as of April. Given the expanding numbers and needs of women, we rented additional space at University Lutheran Church beginning in January. This enables us to plan for a critical initiative: expanding the number of days that our Day Center is open. Our EGH strategy is to add one day at a time, and as reflected in the featured story on Annie, Sunday is the hardest day on those who are experiencing homelessness and thus will be the next day to be added.

I thank you for your support of EGH and invite you to consider additional ways you might get involved. Opportunities abound! For instance, you could:

Check our website for donated items needed and sponsor a neighborhood collection event
Call us or visit our website to explore existing volunteer opportunities or perhaps generate new possibilities
Reach out to me for a tour or a chat (206-729-0262, extension 1007)
Tell your friends or others in your circles about supporting Elizabeth Gregory Home by contributing through Seattle Foundation’s GIVEBIG event on May 9th

Warmest regards,

Ruth Herold
Executive Director

You can now shop the EGH Needs List online at Smile.Amazon.com. Simply log in to your smile account, We are listed as Elizabeth Home. Please remember to check the box “This is a gift” so Amazon will include your name and we can acknowledge your gift.

Cassandra’s Story

After 20 years of homelessness, Cassandra has finally found a home. Cassandra is a well-known and well-loved client at EGH, It was 2017 when Cassandra first showed up at Elizabeth Gregory Home. At that point, she had already been on the streets for over a decade. She came to… Read More “Cassandra’s Story”

Bobbi’s story

I never imagined I would ever end up homeless. I worked for twenty years for the City of Seattle in the Human Services Department. As a divorced single parent, I raised five children – three daughters and two younger brothers. All five children grew up and now live productive lives,… Read More “Bobbi’s story”

EGH – The Last Pet Friendly Refuge for Some

“I was ready to give up until I found Elizabeth Gregory Home. My service animal was going to go to the pound and I was going to go walk into the woods…” by Lynne S. My service animal Wigglz means the world to me, but when we first became homeless… Read More “EGH – The Last Pet Friendly Refuge for Some”

Pyxey’s story

“EGH Was Awesome in Advocating for Me.” by Pyxey I thought my years of homelessness had ended when I received a Section-8 voucher from Peninsula Housing in Jefferson County. Then my apartment building was inspected and cited for health and safety code violations and the landlord did not comply with… Read More “Pyxey’s story”

Remembering Liisa

Liisa has been homeless off and on since Elizabeth Gregory Home opened in 2006. She learned about EGH when the Seattle Police Department’s Community Service Officers referred her to the WHEEL shelter that operates in the basement of University Lutheran Church. She discovered the EGH drop-in Day Center when it… Read More “Remembering Liisa”

Josie’s Story

My story began in the Philippines. I was married, had three beautiful children, and was a successful businesswoman. After 26 years, my marriage collapsed. I had to take my husband to court to try and get my fair share of our assets, but the court ruled in his favor. I… Read More “Josie’s Story”

Angel Has Big Dreams

I became homeless after fleeing an abusive and alcoholic family living situation. A lot of the prejudice and violence occurred because my family couldn’t understand — or accept– that I am a transgender woman. After leaving, I lived with different friends, sleeping on their couches for over a year until… Read More “Angel Has Big Dreams”

Emily’s Uphill Climb

My story doesn’t begin with me. I come from a family of addicts. I lost my grandmother and uncle to suicide. My birth father was an addict and left when I was two. Fortunately, my mother was able to break the cycle and lived a sober life. She provided much… Read More “Emily’s Uphill Climb”

Theresa’s Story

Theresa discovered the EGH Day Center while staying at the overnight shelter in University Lutheran Church. She immediately pitched in and volunteered for cooking, cleaning and helping other clients. When we had an opening in our transitional housing program, she was a natural choice. Theresa always had a passion for cooking, yet her… Read More “Theresa’s Story”

Leona’s Story

“My mom told me that she loved me and that she would see me again, and the very next day she died.” Leona’s mom had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Leona had been her care giver for over a decade before she passed. After her mother’s death, her uncle… Read More “Leona’s Story”

Angie’s Story

My first defining moment occurred the day I was born in Wiesbaden, West Germany, in 1956. I was separated from my mother and placed in a foundling home until I was four years old, then moved to an orphanage in Frankfurt. When I was six, James and Hildegard Dysart adopted me.… Read More “Angie’s Story”

Alice Feel’s at Home at EGH

Alice [pseudonym] met an American man online in early 2007. They corresponded through email every week and video-chatted occasionally; he visited her in China twice, where they traveled to several tourist locations. He was very romantic, told her that he loved her and asked her to marry him. She gave… Read More “Alice Feel’s at Home at EGH”

Carolyn’s story

Carolyn Looks Forward to Resting at EGH on Sundays Carolyn is a 72-year-old retired teacher. “I thought my retirement years were supposed to be a time to relax – but then I became homeless. I never expected to spend them sleeping in my car and lugging around my belongings from… Read More “Carolyn’s story”

Luci’s Story

After being sexually assaulted by her boss when she was 23 years old, Luci moved from Des Moines, WA, to Seattle to get away. “It was a big deal,” Luci said. “It sort of drove me insane. I didn’t feel safe anywhere after that.” Once in Seattle, she was able… Read More “Luci’s Story”

Brenda is Happy to be Home for the Holidays!

Brenda worked as an office manager for over thirty years while raising a family as a single mother. Because her health problems escalated, she retired and started receiving Social Security benefits. This is when her financial struggles began. “Everything kept going up! It was the first time in my life… Read More “Brenda is Happy to be Home for the Holidays!”

Jodie’s Story – Veteran’s Day

Jodie is a 69 year old veteran who has lived in her car and in shelters for the past two years. She served in the Army for 12 years as a dental therapist. “I really enjoyed the Service,” Jodie said. “It was a great experience. I got to travel and… Read More “Jodie’s Story – Veteran’s Day”

Michele’s Story

In 2010, Michele Martin found herself homeless. While residing in transitional housing at Aloha Inn, Michele re-engaged in the workforce as an AARP volunteer at Elizabeth Gregory Home. Since then she was able to reunite with her husband and flourish as the “hub” of the EGH Day Center. Michele Martin was… Read More “Michele’s Story”

Lisa’s New Lease on Life

What’s most important to me in life is my family and my faith. I have two children and two granddaughters, and belong to a church. In 2013, I heard my church was looking for people to serve as missionaries at an orphanage in Mexico. I jumped at the opportunity. I… Read More “Lisa’s New Lease on Life”

Domestic Violence and Homelessness

“Without EGH, I wouldn’t be making such huge strides in my health or career goals.” By Jasmin (pseudonym) I came to EGH after getting a divorce. I am a domestic violence survivor. I lost everything in the divorce, and found myself emotionally broken and homeless. I am educated, hard-working, and… Read More “Domestic Violence and Homelessness”

Louise is a Survivor

I grew up in Maine and couldn’t wait to move to a warmer climate. After my boyfriend heard about a lead for construction work in Las Vegas, we packed up the car and drove out west. He took a construction job and I started waitressing. Then my boyfriend got injured… Read More “Louise is a Survivor”

Tiffany’s Story

Tiffany became homeless in 2015 after leaving her husband. With no support network in Tacoma, she came to Seattle to find help. She was staying in a local shelter when she learned of EGH. “When I first came to EGH I was shocked. Everyone was so nice. It wasn’t like… Read More “Tiffany’s Story”

I Know Where My Life is Going

I left my husband to save my life. He is an oil executive. For many happy years, we traveled the world for his job. But once we settled down in Houston he became controlling and violent. He wanted a stay-at-home wife. I wanted to continue my career as a model.… Read More “I Know Where My Life is Going”

Jano’s Story

Jano was self-employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and living in an apartment on Capitol Hill. She had lost a couple of clients and was late paying her rent, but her property management company would not accept her rent late. “I was having a difficult time financially,” said Jano.… Read More “Jano’s Story”

Julia’s Story

Julia started taking art lessons when she was eight years old and later attended school for art and theater. After completing a double major in Fine Arts and Art History, she received her B.A. from Western Maryland College. Julia worked as a special education teacher in Baltimore for ten years… Read More “Julia’s Story”