The Cascade Women’s Program of Compass Housing Alliance is one of our vital programs, providing a supportive and compassionate home for women experiencing homelessness. The trauma-informed, 32-unit program is tucked into a walkable, quiet neighborhood in South Lake Union and has been a part of that community since 1999. Shondrea “Shonni” Dixon is the new program manager, and she leads like she has always lived, by example.
Shonni has lived a life of service. She has worked with organizations that specialize in mental health, substance abuse, healthcare, and community-based services. But she first got her start as an advocate for herself.
“I was once my own client,” she said. “Growing up in the inner city of Seattle, I had a lack of resources and access. I was marginalized, and it wasn’t until I started standing up for myself that I started to see changes. I realized that this system, which was set up to defeat people like me – Black, woman, and disadvantaged – could itself be defeated. I started studying and understanding which levers I needed to pull.”
The system is like a maze or a puzzle. People don’t know where to go, with whom to talk, or what resources are even out there available for people. At Cascade, Shonni and her team are focusing on the residents becoming advocates for themselves. In this small, close community, learning together with the support of their fellow residents, people can seek out change.
With support from people just like you, Shonni and her team can continue to share their expertise, compassion, and heart with the women at Cascade. You can be a part of that by sending in a gift today, and that gift is still eligible to be matched thanks to the generosity of Karen & Paul Hogle.
“Cascade may be smaller than some of the other Compass programs,” she said. “But this program is mighty. We are a high-impact, resident-centered support program that teaches people how to get through that maze.”
The team is focused on maintaining and building up the community through a series of upcoming life skill classes, shared celebratory events – like a women’s appreciation day, and everyday togetherness in the shared kitchen and community rooms.
Shonni is also looking to expand on program events that have been successful in the past, like game nights, movie nights, cooking classes, and growing access to mental health services. She is looking to the community to support this group of women who have found themselves at Compass in this close-knit community.
“I am building a servant-style team,” Shonni said. “These women deserve the support, and I will give them everything in me. We can help them see that they do not have to give up on any of their dreams. All you need to do is give people a glimpse of what they could be, and they will take the next steps. I believe in them.”
Hi there, this is David Chivo, Director of Advancement at Compass Housing Alliance. I wanted to personally share how inspiring the outpouring of support for our “Rooted in Compassion” campaign has been. Your caring for our work touches the lives of the people who count on us.
We are so close to meeting our $150,000 matching gift from Karen and Paul Hogle. Please join us to Meet the Match so that we can fulfill our tagline: Everyone Deserves a Home. Thank you again for your compassion and dedication to your neighbors.