(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
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
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
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!