Donnie loves martial arts movies — classics like Wu Tang, and Shao Lin, and the “modern” ones like Old Boy, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. He will watch them in the common area at Don’s Place, our emergency housing program in Auburn, make some snacks, and invite fellow residents to join in. “I’m doing really … Continue reading Just keep going
The Compass Blog
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
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
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
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
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