The values that guide Compass Housing Alliance include love, compassionate curiosity, and advocacy. We live out those values every day, including when we walk alongside our guests and residents, not judging them, but celebrating their unique viewpoints and inherent humanity. As we move into Pride Month, that dedication to equality is at the forefront of my mind. … Continue reading Pride
As we reflect on the recent commemoration of Memorial Day, our thoughts turned to those who served and to the sacrifices made in uniform. At Compass Housing Alliance, we honor that service year-round not only with words but with action. The Veterans we serve in our emergency shelter and affordable housing programs come to us from many different places. Some have been without stable housing for months … Continue reading Standing with those who served
(From Christopher Ross, president of Compass Housing Alliance.) This month has me reflecting on Women’s History Month and the many ways women have shaped our world. We often and rightly celebrate luminaries like bell hooks, Maya Angelou, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Josephine Baker, Dolores Huerta, Octavia Butler, and Amy Tan—women whose voices and leadership have left … Continue reading Reflecting on Women’s History Month
In another Margot & Friends event, Structure Salon stylists brought their expertise to Cascade Women's Program. Five women from Cascade were treated to a special night earlier this month when stylists from locally owned and run Structure Salon gave haircuts and joy. At first, the women were a little shy. One said that she hadn’t … Continue reading Structure Salon gives haircuts and happiness at Cascade
Margot Wallen loves Seattle. She was born and raised here, and she has always wanted to give something back to the city that she cherishes. "I've been here my whole life," she said. "I love the city, and I've discovered that getting to help other people is an honor." Margot is a Seattle-based residential real … Continue reading Margot & Friends grow hope at Cascade Women’s Program
Black history month is about honoring those who have come before AND holding up those who are pushing things forward in a positive way. It is both history, the present, and the future. Black history is American history, and here at Compass, we celebrate it! In Seattle, historic Black neighborhoods that have been present since … Continue reading President’s Note – Black history is American History
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
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
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