“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
“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.”
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.
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.
“It was just like a big weight off my shoulders, when I heard about the unit here at Compass.”
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.
“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.”
Jan & Peter’s Place (JPP) is now fully COVID-compliant after undergoing a redesign like the rest of our 24/7 enhanced emergency shelter programs, Otto’s Place, Pioneer Square Men’s Program, and the Blaine Center.