Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means, don't do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for you having lived in it. - Ruth Bader Ginsburg These inspiring words capture for me what our recent merger with Lutheran Community Services Northwest signifies for the future of Compass Housing … Continue reading A new year, a new partnership, one month in
The Compass Blog
Compass serves our community with LOVE, just like our founders, the Reverend Otto and Alva Karlstrom, intended more than 105 years ago. For more than a century, Compass Housing Alliance has provided neighbors in our community with support for housing, shelter, and essential emergency needs. With more than 20 sites spanning from Shoreline to Auburn, … Continue reading Allow us to reintroduce ourselves
After years of affiliation and partnership, Compass Housing Alliance and Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) are finally joining together as one organization! Our shared values: compassion, love, health, justice, and hope, make this joining together a win-win for the larger community. And we have been consciously moving towards this goal for years. This partnership has … Continue reading It’s official! Compass Housing Alliance and Lutheran Community Services Northwest complete merger
$275,000 invested since 2008 enhances accessibility and independence for Veterans and individuals Compass Housing Alliance's Shoreline Veterans Center (SVC), which provides dignified housing for dozens of Veterans who have formerly experienced homelessness, continues to thrive thanks to a transformative partnership with the Employees Community Fund of Boeing (ECF). The collaboration has enabled critical accessibility upgrades … Continue reading Press Release: Boeing Employees’ Partnership Transforms Lives of Veterans Through Accessibility Improvements
Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks, world champions! Together, we celebrate a remarkable Super Bowl victory and the team's legacy of leadership and community impact. As a proud Spirit of 12 partner and "Honoring our Heroes" Boeing/Seahawks award recipient, we are honored to stand alongside this outstanding team. Go Hawks! We're back! For the second year running, … Continue reading Compass selected AGAIN as Seahawks “Spirit of 12” Partner!
Compass Housing Alliance is honored to announce a major gift from long-time supporters Carol and Peter Stewart to launch a new program to supportearly-career training and development. Known as the Stewart Family Leadership Development Pathway, the funds will invest in Compass staff via skills development relevant for human service organizations; managerial and budgetary courses to support … Continue reading Compass Housing Alliance receives a major gift to invest in early career staff
Our Compass Housing Alliance emergency services case managers work with our guests to help them achieve their goals. This assistance can take many forms, from housing search assistance to securing vital documents, all while treating each person with dignity and respect. The case managers pave the road to stability, growth, and community. “The best part … Continue reading Our emergency services Case Managers are foundational
Fireside Home Solutions' leadership, past and present, celebrated Compass at our 2023 Homeward Gala. From left to right: Kim (Nirk) Waterstraat, John Waterstraat, Liz Gingrich, Keri Campbell, Carolyn Nirk, and Bill Nirk. In a heartwarming demonstration of community support, Fireside Home Solutions has launched a special promotion to advance Compass Housing Alliance's mission to combat … Continue reading Warming the way home: Fireside Home Solutions partners with Compass Housing Alliance
My name is Christopher Ross, and it is my honor to serve as the president of Compass Housing Alliance. Having served on Compass’s board from 2016 to 2017 and as Chief Operating Officer from 2019 to 2021, I feel a deep connection to Compass. It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility … Continue reading It feels like coming home
Amira has been a dedicated volunteer at Nyer Urness, consistently helping every Friday for four hours since the end of May. She supports a variety of activities, from holiday decorating and assisting with the food pantry to leading fun, interactive programs with residents. Her trauma-informed approach has allowed her to build strong connections with the … Continue reading Thank you, Amira!
Boots is prepping like a pro! Paul Winterstein is a natural! In the spirit of Gratitude Week, we want to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for two incredible individuals who have been integral to the ongoing success of Compass Housing Alliance: Boots and Paul Winterstein. Boots, who has been a steadfast volunteer … Continue reading Thank you, Boots and Paul Winterstein!
Foundations are a key source of support for Compass. They provide critical funding for our programs, our guests, and our residents. Compass is grateful to partner with foundations that share our vision of ensuring everyone has a place to call home. The Liberty Mutual Foundation has been an unwavering ally of Compass Housing Alliance since 2011. Through … Continue reading Thank you, Liberty Mutual!
We are thankful and proud of our partnership with A Seattle Church, a monumental presence for Cascade Women’s Program (housing) and Otto’s Place Men’s Shelter. Not only have folks come in and volunteered their time to host activities such as art and poetry and dinner nights, but they’ve also spent many hours/resources helping restore the garden … Continue reading Thank you, A Seattle Church!
Paul and Karen Hogle are bright, beautiful, loving human beings who are steadfast in their commitment to Compass Housing Alliance and the people we walk alongside every day. They are all about love and illuminating people’s humanity, no matter who they are. Accomplished engineers Paul and Karen are also passionate about contributing to our community … Continue reading Mission Advancement Officer Anne Jannetti expresses her thankfulness to two of our long-time donors, Paul and Karen Hogle
It is one of our greatest honors to serve Veterans throughout our programs. We owe them a debt of thanks. And Canlis Restaurant stepped up! Thank you to Canlis Restaurant for delivering a tasty meal to our Veterans at Blaine Veterans Center in honor of Veterans Day! They delivered lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and CARROT CAKE. First … Continue reading Thank you, Veterans!
Compass Housing Alliance was selected to host a Harm Reduction Vending Machine to increase access to lifesaving Naloxone and fentanyl test strips for our program guests and their extended community. This location serves people who are currently or formerly homeless with a trauma informed, harm-reduction model that includes guests currently using substances and at risk … Continue reading This machine saves lives
The Outstanding Community Partner Award recognizes all that Compass’s partners do to enrich and amplify our work. Everyone has a role to play in tackling the complex issues of homelessness in our community, and this year’s winner, Anita Souza, PhD, plays her role masterfully! Anita (center) is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of … Continue reading Anita Souza, PhD, wins the Outstanding Community Partner Award
Early in April, we welcomed our partners from the King County Veterans Program, local media, and interested neighbors to the grand opening of Blaine Veterans Center. It is the first 24/7 enhanced emergency shelter in King County focused only on Veterans. It will provide on-site services and support to 36 Veterans experiencing homelessness in King … Continue reading The Blaine Veterans Center is NOW OPEN
Recently, Compass Housing Alliance and partners of King County’s Health Through Housing Initiative gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Don’s Place. The program operates in a converted hotel in Auburn, serving individuals dealing with a disability who are coming directly from chronic homelessness. The emergency housing program with wraparound services supports 91 program participants … Continue reading A sweet celebration: Don’s Place Grand Opening
What an amazing community we have! Over the holiday season, you stepped up and supported our guests, residents, and programs in a big way. We can't tell you how much it means to us, and on behalf of everyone at Compass, THANK YOU! We raised over $700,000 – blowing our goal out of the water! 160 … Continue reading Thank you for making a real difference
As Compass’s Community Engagement Manager, I’m responsible for resourcing our programs with the donated items they need, engaging volunteers to give their time and talent to our mission, and engaging with the greater community, especially our faith community. In my job, I never know what is going to touch someone deeply. On a typical day, I … Continue reading It’s the little things
Everyone Deserves A Home As the new President of Compass Housing Alliance, I often share with folks that being voted into this position has been both a pleasure and a privilege. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the care of another person, to help others, and to witness the incremental improvement in the … Continue reading A message of hope from Compass President Michael Bailey
At Compass, Laila found the necessary support to rebuild her family's life.
Music can quiet the soul and give you peace of mind.
"I feel rich."
Dejah is a United States Navy Veteran who served in Kosovo and Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Yet after her husband died and she left the Navy, Dejah ended up with no home and social security disability payments as her only source of income. “People who go into the military, we are people who are … Continue reading Compass was there for Dejah
Throughout this week, we are expressing our gratitude to those who have played pivotal roles in making Compass the life-changing organization it is. It is a tradition called Gratitude Week, and it is quickly becoming one of our favorite weeks of the year.
“The work that Compass does is close to my heart,” Armando Mejia said, speaking to the Compass staff gathered around a few tables at Renton Veterans Center (RVC). “Military service people and their families have such an amazing partner in all of you.” Winner of Compass’s inaugural 2023 Outstanding Community Partner award, Armando Mejia is … Continue reading Boeing is truly committed to community
At Compass Housing Alliance, we believe that everyone deserves a chance at a brighter future. Join our monthly giving program, the Circle of Compassion today and discover how your support for our Compass Center and other programs truly change lives. Join the Circle of Compassion Meet Ron, a remarkable individual whose journey highlights the incredible … Continue reading Join the Circle of Compassion and directly contribute to empowering lives
The Compass Housing Alliance Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Bailey as Compass’s new President, replacing Mary Steele, who retires in October. Michael most recently served as Deputy Director of Operations and Homelessness at the City of Seattle’s Human Services Department. A thoughtful and passionate leader, he brings a wealth … Continue reading Compass Welcomes New Leader: Michael Bailey
2023 Seattle Housing Levy Exciting news! Our next Compass Housing Alliance NAVIGATES is on October 4 at 6:30pm on Zoom. We will be holding a community conversation about the critically important 2023 Seattle Housing Levy renewal on the ballot this November. We value your voice and participation.Since 1986, the Seattle Housing Levy has been the … Continue reading What does $970 million do for our community?
Between the flood caused by the sprinklers, the fire and smoke damage, the gas line repair, and the replacement dryers, we’re on the hook for $20,493. Help us minimize the impact of this unexpected cost by giving today. We need your help to raise $20,493.
Horizon House Senior Living, located in downtown Seattle, awarded Compass a $6,000 grant to support the agency’s Angle Lake affordable housing program.
Candice is the program manager of two Compass programs, Compass on Dexter (COD) and Cascade Women’s Program.
From Streets to Home — Compass is There Compass Housing Alliance works tirelessly to walk alongside people experiencing homelessness to help them find safe and stable housing, connect with resources, and overcome barriers to stability. Sometimes, we are able to provide a direct continuum of Compass services to a neighbor in need, from streets to … Continue reading Spring Into Action 2023
Compass Housing Alliance is honored to recognize Armando Mejia as the first recipient of our inaugural Outstanding Community Partner Award. This award serves as a recognition that we all achieve more when we work together.
Connecting “heart” and “mission,” winery owner Stacy Bellew Thornton launched Coeur Cause® Wines with a passion to create world-class wines AND support vital charities with every bottle sold. Compass is proud to share that the winery’s inaugural Relume Red Blend is devoted solely to Compass Housing Alliance! 10% of every bottle sold is given as a direct donation to Compass Housing Alliance.
Local artist Tara Velan worked with us to revitalize and uplift the Compass Center with a mural. She created a beautiful mural at Nyer Urness House late last year. She jumped in when the opportunity came to work at our Compass Center location.
"When you are out there on the street you have to follow the rules, the code. It’s the only way to stay ‘safe.’ Now that I have been removed from the rules of the street, the laws really, with Compass and this housing, I've been able to break free.”
Eli, Jackie, Marc, Russell, and Rebecca are residents at Compass programs. We will be going into more detail about them as the "Our Story" campaign continues, but we thought it would be a good idea to introduce you to the folks you might have seen around town. Russ gives an update on his life Russ … Continue reading Meet Our People
We are pleased to announce that we have found our new Chief Operations Officer (COO) and it's Julie Howe, formerly our Director of Human Resources.
We believe that everyone deserves a home and this new program is another step in the right direction. We need an all-of-the-above approach to combat homelessness - with housing as the centralized focus.
Our Ronald Commons program provides affordable housing with on-site supports in the Shoreline community. Individuals and families with children live in 60 units, all of them have experienced homelessness or were at risk of losing their housing. It is a joyful, family-orientated community. Program Manager Corinne McKisson and her staff set the tone and are … Continue reading A Pacific Northwest mural at Ronald Commons
Help our neighbors survive the heat
Karen Wilson and Sam Townsend have both joined the Advancement Team in the last couple of months and they’ve already made an impact. Karen will be building relationships with corporations as the Corporate Relations Manager while Sam as the new Community Engagement Manager will be managing our in-kind program, volunteer program, and engaging community in … Continue reading Meet Karen and Sam
“You get such a reward when you help people get to where they want to go. Not everyone has a support system, and we can help them build a foundation.”
April Aiken is the Program Manager of Nyer Urness and the Compass on Dexter programs. Nyer Urness is a Permanent Supportive Housing site and Dexter is permanent affordable housing with support services on site.
Russ Wilson is a Veteran who lives at the Renton Veterans Center (RVC). He found permanent housing at Compass with the help of the Salvation Army. He shared his story with us in an interview about his hopes for the future and the future of Compass Housing Alliance
Today, May 3, is our second annual Spring into Action day of giving! Last year we dedicated this day to our wonderful front-line staff and the work they do to help make a real difference. This year, we are highlighting our guests and residents by sharing a special story about Jerry.
Mary Steele introduces us to an Ambassador Councilmember, La'Quinia Chenault. La'Quinia is the third on the right in the top row. I’ve met a few professional football players during my time in Seattle. None of them have been as strong, as resilient, or as driven as former Seattle Majestics star, La’Quinia Chenault. When I met … Continue reading “I went from living in my car to owning a house”
Bob Baker wrote about Compass Housing Alliance in the newsletter for West Seattle Lutheran after watching our special event with Gregg Colburn - Homelessness is a Housing Problem. We are reprinting it here with his permission
Anne Bailey, Program Manager at Broadview - one of our affordable housing programs, set up this amazing community event where residents got to meet with veterinarians from Seattle Humane Society and the University of Washington! Here's what Anne had to say. "Saturday, February 19, 2022, Compass Broadview hosted its first Mobile Veterinary Clinic in partnership … Continue reading Cats, dogs, veterinarians, and community at Broadview
There has been a growing movement in Nyer to add art or enhancements to warm up the community spaces and to create something uplifting and vibrant. This piece is visible from the street due to the floor-to-ceiling windows. We hope it will bring some cheer as people walk by and help build even more community at the same time.
“To me, Black History Month is just about pride,” said Shervin McCammon Program Manager of Pioneer Square Men’s Program and Day Services. “This is a month that we acknowledge the sacrifices and celebrate our aspirations and accomplishments. We’ve come so far.”
“Having someone come out here and help us care for our pets is just so wonderful. Lots of people don’t think about it, but our pets are so important to us.”
As this year draws to a close, we wanted to thank you for your steadfast support throughout this turbulent, start/stop, "just keep swimming" type of year.
Jon Perrino (Microsoft) the current Compass Housing Alliance Board Chair and former Board member Pastor Kevin Bates (Magnolia Lutheran Church) both share why they support Compass Housing Alliance.
Everyone deserves to have someone who sees their potential and wants the best for them.
We serve Veterans throughout all of our programs, but Evan Mack of Renton Veterans Center, and Shree Vigil of Shoreline Veterans Center, run programs exclusively for those who have served and their families. They share why they do the work they do.
As the holiday season continues, we are desperate for certain items for our guests and residents. We are behind our goal and we need your help over the next few days because we are starting to wrap gifts this weekend, December 11.
It’s that time of year when the weather starts getting colder, the holiday lights go up, and thieves start stealing packages, or in our case, breaking into our Compass on Dexter admin building.
Korey was one of the first guests to move into our Otto's Place enhanced shelter in Pioneer Square. He faced numerous challenges finding permanent housing and bounced around from shelter to shelter - until he found Compass.
“We needed this,” said Anne, program manager at Compass Broadview. “This has been such a challenging summer and this meal and supply drive is really good for this community.” More than 30 people showed up for the outdoor community potluck at Compass Broadview. Anne, her case managers, and a team of volunteers set up tables in … Continue reading Compass Broadview Back-To-School
A letter from our Community Engagement Manager, Jennifer Marquette As one of the few providers who kept their hygiene centers open since the beginning of the pandemic, Compass has worked hard to make sure that all our guests and clients have had all that they need while using our services. As we move into fall, … Continue reading We Need Your Help Restocking Our Shelves
“It was just like a big weight off my shoulders, when I heard about the unit here at Compass.”
At Compass Housing Alliance, we believe that everyone deserves a home, and we are invested in supporting solutions and strategies to addressing homelessness that are funded appropriately, inclusive in their design, and complement the current effort being made to unite the region in the fight to address homelessness. Compass is a member of the Seattle … Continue reading Concerns about “Compassion Seattle”
Veterans who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability need a distinct set of services from the general population. They also need people around them who are specifically skilled and trained to give them the care they need. That is exactly what they get at Compass Veterans Center: Shoreline known as SVC.
This month was Pride month, a month to celebrate and recognize the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Our Centennial Celebration was an inspiring night of hope and you can catch it in its entirety on demand!
In honor of our Centennial Celebration, we’re introducing a new day of action to share about the amazing work of our team members and highlight ways that you can “Spring into Action” with us.
One of main reasons we can provide the services we do in such an efficient way is because we make the extra effort to ensure our staff and management positions are filled by the right people. Anne Jannetti, Carol Mizoguchi, and Ken Short are the right people.
“I wish that I lived in a place like Compass on Dexter, or Ronald Commons, or at Broadview as a kid,” said Tawnie Fransen Director of Housing Operations. “If I had, I wouldn’t have been embarrassed and I would have been able to do the normal kid things like have friends over afterschool. What we do at Compass for children and families is so important, we help them overcome barriers and break the cycle of poverty.”
While the 1960s were filled with civil unrest, countless murders and assassinations of civil rights activists, and changes on a global scale, Compass remained a constant in Pioneer Square. Additional recreational and job training activities were added to the daily activities to help give men things to keep busy. This list is of course a … Continue reading Compass in the 1960s
Our hearts are breaking as once again hatred and misogyny rear their ugly heads. Our thoughts go out to our Asian American brothers and sisters in this latest example of our country’s foundational problems of casual violence and racism.
The 1950s brought exciting new changes to the Compass Center building and helped us dramatically expand our services.
In 1941 the Compass Mission (that's one of our older names) purchased the building at 77-79 South Washington Street for $15,000.
Anthony Williams is a Program Coordinator who works at two of our affordable housing buildings, Dekko Place and the Karlstrom. He works with individuals and families in downtown Seattle and leads with his heart.
Our founder Otto Karlstrom believed strongly in the healing power of connecting with family and loved ones. Because of this, Compass has always been a place that people could send and receive mail. “Send Home” cards were just one of the many things the Compass Mission offered in its early days. This is a tradition … Continue reading The Healing Power of Connecting with Family
Over 100 years ago, Compass Housing Alliance was founded by Pastor Otto Karlstrom and his wife Alva. As we tell the stories and histories of Compass, we believe it’s important to start with the story of the Karlstrom family and their vision.
Ezekiel McShan has been with Compass as a Housing Navigator for the past 3.5 years. He believes in the impact that Compass has and the work that we do because “our numbers do not lie."
We are celebrating our 100 year anniversary with 100 Days of Celebration culminating with our virtual 100th Birthday Bash event on May 16th!
Black Coffee Northwest has been teaming up with our Ronald Commons affordable housing program over the past few months.
Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCS Northwest) and Compass Housing Alliance (Compass) have signed a definitive agreement for Compass to become an affiliate of LCS Northwest. The agreement was approved by the Board of Directors for both organizations and is effective Jan. 1. 2021.
Before I got to Compass, I was at a different shelter in the city. I never felt respected there, it was like I was just taking up space, stuck. I was depressed and hopeless and just waking up and falling asleep. It wasn’t until a former guest of Compass at First Presbyterian (CFP) talked to me about what Compass had done for them that things started to change.
Otto’s Place was named in honor of Pastor Otto Karlstrom who founded Compass in Pioneer Square 100 years ago. He had a vision to care for those in need, and we are still carrying that vision forward today.
Compass Housing Alliance Board President Paul Hogle shares why he continues to support the work.
Today is Giving Tuesday, an opportunity for people around the world to use their individual power of generosity to remain connected and support their communities. It’s a day that encourages people to do good. For Compass employees, every day is a day to give. Sometimes, though, an individual staff member goes far beyond what we expect.
Compass Housing Alliance (Compass) is enhancing the Compass Center in Pioneer Square by bringing an emergency housing program over from a location we have at First Presbyterian Church downtown, restructuring three floors of the building, and putting in other structural changes to enhance safety.
We are proud to present our 2019 Impact Report. In this report, we reflect on the accomplishments that you have helped make possible.
Lutheran Community Services Northwest and Compass Housing Alliance Pursue Affiliation to Address the Region’s Growing Affordable Housing Needs
Join the Circle of Compassion with your monthly gift.
Cascade is a community. The program is located in the heart of South Lake Union, uses a shared community kitchen, and built around a suite-style of apartments.
A resident of our Ronald Commons program, James is currently taking his prerequisites to become a registered nurse after overcoming some significant life challenges. Thanks to Shoreline Covenant Church for awarding James with a scholarship to help him achieve his goals.
At Compass Housing Alliance, our programs are designed to meet people where they are in a trauma-informed way. The agency’s Program Directors are passionate about this service model.
Jan & Peter’s Place is an enhanced shelter in Rainier Valley. It is close to stores, shopping, mass transit, and other services, but it is also quiet, out of the way, and calm.
Compass Housing Alliance will be making a series of positive changes to our 24/7 enhanced emergency shelter programs over the next several months.
Nikkole is the Program Manager at Compass at First Presbyterian (CFP) shelter and had called a team meeting. The team wanted a potluck.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s new proposed rule allowing discrimination against trans people seeking shelter services is misguided and morally reprehensible.
During the Flu Pandemic of 1918, Seattle had to mask up. You may know that Compass Housing Alliance began in 1920 on the heels of the Spanish Flu pandemic which claimed the lives of over 1,500 people in Seattle. The effects of a pandemic on a community are all too familiar nowadays. As Seattle suffered … Continue reading Compass Centennial: 100 years of service
A message from our Interim Executive Director, Mary Steele.
The recent Executive Orders from Mayor Katie Wilson reflect the urgency of addressing our housing crisis in Greater Seattle at the pace and scale this issue requires. Many of the priorities outlined, which include expanding shelter capacity, integrating behavioral health services, and accelerating pathways to housing, speak to the complexity of homelessness and the need … Continue reading What Seattle’s new Executive Orders could mean for shelter and housing
On behalf of the guests, residents, and staff of Compass Housing Alliance, please accept our heartfelt thanks for the extraordinary support we received this past year. In 2025, more than 3,000 supporters made a financial contribution to strengthen Compass and support our mission. Add to that in-kind support worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, along … Continue reading 2025: A year of extraordinary philanthropic impact
President Christopher Ross sat down for a conversation with Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ) journalist Shawna De La Rosa about the newly completed merger between Compass Housing Alliance and Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW). In the interview, Christopher talked about how Compass and LCSNW will be more than the sum of their parts. We will … Continue reading President Christopher Ross talks exclusively with the Puget Sound Business Journal about the recent LCSNW and Compass merger
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JANUARY 9, 2026 Two Puget Sound based nonprofits, each founded more than a century ago, have combined into one stronger, more resilient, and mission-aligned organization. Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) and Compass Housing Alliance completed a legal merger on Jan. 1, 2026 and are on a steady path to integrate their operations in the year ahead. Together, they serve more than 75,000 clients and employ nearly 1,000 staff members. “This moment marks not only … Continue reading Deep-rooted nonprofits merge into stronger regional service provider
Thank you to U Village and their generous customers! For the 15th consecutive year, the Winter Wish program has delivered donated gifts and holiday cheer to children and families who reside at our Compass on Dexter affordable housing community. This year, we received more than 150 presents, ensuring that every child received what they wished for, … Continue reading Thank you, U Village!
Compass Housing Alliance provides emergency services, emergency shelter, and affordable housing that serves families, individuals, Veterans, and Seniors. Because sometimes, no matter what we plan, life can throw a wrench. Eugenia was a professional, working in an office her entire life. She took care of herself, ate healthily, and had a good work/life balance. Then, … Continue reading A place for our Seniors
Frank enlisted in the Air Force in 2004 at age 21. He served as an aircraft technician before being embedded with the Army during the Iraq campaign from 2007-2010. After six years of service, he returned home with an honorable discharge—and challenges he didn't talk about. "I penalized myself by keeping it in," Frank reflects. … Continue reading “I penalized myself by keeping it in.”