2010 Annual Report 1

Greater Seattle CaresB R I N G I N G C O M M U N I T I E S T O G E T H E R

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2010: A Year of GenerosityYou, community of the Greater Seattle Metropolitan area and surrounds, are the source of many blessings to the homeless. With your generous outpouring of food, supplies, clothing and service you are standing in the gap for those less fortunate.

The stories are commonplace now about adults out of work so long that unemployment benefits run out, jobs are still hard to get and don’t pay enough to keep you going, the mortgage payments get behind and suddenly they find themselves evicted.

Others end up homeless from domestic violence, or penniless because of illnesses, addictions or gambling problems. However it happens, an estimated 5800 are homeless in shelters and 2000 are unsheltered in King County on any given day.

The daily need is so vast and the resources are few and fragmented. Greater Seattle Cares provides support along side existing services and other non-profit groups to fill in the gaps with a principle focus on Tent City 3. Making the community aware of the needs for tents, tarps, pallets, bedding, clothing and hygiene items is a key part of the success story of Greater Seattle Cares.

Ongoing areas of focus for GSC

• Organize calendar of daily hot meals at TC3

• Glean food and other household items from large stores and give them to Tent City 3, Hopelink, Home2Home, the Northshore Senior Center and other service organizations.

• Coordinate trucks, volunteers, meals and supplies every time TC3 moves to a new location.

• Coordinating donations of tents, plywood, pallets, fencing and tent repair materials

New for 2010:

• Mobile dental clinic

Looking to the future

• Expanded medical/dental services

• Co-sponsorship of micro-enterprise and/or jobs programs

• Collaboration with the community on broader, longer term solutions for homelessness

• Expanding the network of volunteers

The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:9 New International Version

Mission and GoalsGreater Seattle Cares envisions a world without homelessness in which communities come together to promote a better quality of life for those in need.Page 3

Hot Meals at Tent City 3Over 31,000 hot meals were served at Tent City 3 in 2010.Page 2

Dental Care ClinicOn six different occasions, the mobile dental clinic through MTI treated an average of 16 people per visit with hygiene and much needed procedures.Page 2

Hot ShowersThe innovative mobile shower built by GSC provides residents with the opportunity to bathe on site.Page 2

Homeless AdvocacyGreater Seattle Cares reaches out to a variety of associations, churches, government and educational institutions to partner on behalf of the needy.Page 3

GSC SupportersPeople from all walks of life donate time, money and goods to help the homeless.Page 4

Annual report 2010

The Tent encampment at St. Mark’s Cathedral provides quite a contrast to the backdrop of

the Seattle skyline. (photo by Marc Weinberg)

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Hot Meals and Food stores

Nothing like a hot bowl of soup to warm up a tummy on a cold, wet winter day in Seattle! Greater Seattle Cares organizes a calendar of volunteers in the community to provide a hot

meal to the residents. The goal is one hot meal a day with the rest of the meals being filled in by instant cereals, sandwiches and other microwaveable canned and boxed foods.

In 2010, the volunteers prepared, delivered, and served 31,800 meals to the residents of Tent City 3! If we think of it a different way, each day an average of one hundred people are served food at the camp.  When one considers the transience of this population, we are literally feeding/assisting THOUSANDS of different people each year.

Generous donations from the community also keep the larder stocked with a variety of ready- to-eat food items. Some of our hard-working volunteers glean from local groceries to funnel excess to TC3 and other charities.

Dental Clinic

Patients receive much needed cleaning and dental care at the mobile dental clinic.

GSC partners with Medical Teams International, (MTI), to provide the fully equipped state of the art dental van. Through your generous donations, GSC channels funds to help offset the cost of operating the van and of the supplies. Area dentists, hygienists and GSC Board members volunteer their time for the monthly clinics which typically serve about 16 persons for a one day clinic. The hygienist usually sees 6-7 people and the dentist 8-9 patients.

GSC started the mobile dental clinics in July 2010 and continued to sponsor monthly clinics the remainder of the year. The demand for dental care is huge and it is our goal to continue monthly clinics throughout 2011 and beyond. Volunteer dentists and hygienists are always needed to staff the van. GSC Board members provide administrative support to the clinics organizing the appointments, preparing patient records, coordinating with the host site, and clean up. GSC contributes $400 MTI for each visit of the dental van to TC3.

Dental health is critically important to overall health. For many of our homeless, chewing difficulties often limit their meal options. Also, good dental care is a huge factor in personal appearance

and the confidence that a person has when meeting others and seeking employment.

If you want to be a part of this important new ministry, help us identify licensed dentists and hygienists willing to volunteer their time. You can also help defray the costs of the van through your contributions.

Hot showers

Until late 2009 residents at Tent City 3 had to shower at local recreation centers or gyms when available. The hours those facilities allowed for people to shower were limited, not always coinciding with people’s work or school schedules. Sometimes a bus ride was required to get there, and clothes and hygiene items had to be hauled along. Through the efforts of many volunteers and donations, a portable shower house was built and given to TC3. It now moves with them wherever they go.

With electrical and water hookups to the host site, residents can have regular hot showers right where they live. GSC helped develop procedures for the moving and maintenance of the shower house. In addition, GSC ensured it conformed to government regulations and codes during towing and placement. The TC3 self governance committee oversees the equitable process for shower sign-ups and daily maintenance.

GSC funds help host sites offset the costs of additional utilities when the host churches are unable to fully support the additional water and electricity needed for the shower house.

Support for Tent City 3Members of the community step up to provide key daily provisions to the campers at Tent City 3

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January April July OctoberMeals servedDays in month

All  site  photos  by  Marc  Weinberg.  To  see  more  of  Marc's  work  click  here:  www.flickr.com/photos/marc_weinbergwww.flickr.com/photos/marc_weinberg  

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2010 Annual Report 3

G R E AT E R S E AT T L E C A R E S M I S S I O N A N D G O A L S Greater Seattle Cares, a faith-based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was established in 2005 to provide a vehicle for local communities to connect with Tent City 3 for the provision of the residents' daily needs and to facilitate their transition to independent living. To achieve this mission, we strive to:

Build a network of caring individuals and community partners committed to enhancing the quality of life of the residents.

Coordinate efforts to deliver meals, clothing and supplies to the residents.

Communicate needs and advocate for Tent City 3 at community meetings and potential host Sites.

Collaborate with local organizations to develop opportunities for the residents to further their own development and self-sufficiency.

Greater Seattle Cares envisions a world without homelessness in which communities come together to promote a better quality of life for those in need.

Liz Fenn, President

Move Day Support for Tent City 3Moving a tent encampment of 100 people is no small task

Activities start the day before official Move Day at TC3. Campers begin packing up their few belongings and shared resources in the community Tent, storage, Kitchen and office tents. Early on the next morning, hammers ring out as tents are disassembled, boxes loaded, pallets stacked and all items are coiled and loaded for the move. A few blocks or 20 miles, the move effort is the same. GSC helps with a Move Day kit which includes supplies

such as hammers, crow-bars, gloves, garbage bags, twine, and markers. GSC also organizes volunteers and pick up trucks, special move of the camp electronics and provision of three meals for hungry campers. Because of zoning laws, the Tent Cities may not remain in any one location longer than 90 days. They typical stay at a host site is 60 - 90 days, resulting in 4 - 6 moves each year. The cost of each move is $2500 which includes

the relocation of the portable toilets, trash service, cost of supplies and transportation, and, the constant repair of broken pallets for tent bases, torn tents, tarps, and rigging. Typical family camping equipment is built for occasional weekend use-- not 365 required by the residents at Tent City 3.

People to PeopleMaking friends, lending support, building relationships

“I can’t remember the last time I ate off a real plate in a real house, so I just want to enjoy this” comments one camper from TC3. Attending a brunch hosted by GSC Board Member, Anne Novak at her home in March, this person was one of 40 who enjoyed the yummy food and personal connection of being invited into someone’s home. Anne’s friends at her church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal near Greenlake, helped transport campers to and from Anne’s house and helped prepare the meal.

Later as the summer got into full swing, Anne invited the campers back for a picnic in the cool of her backyard.

GSC bought the food and provided the grills for the 4th of July celebration in the parking lot of Calvin Presbyterian Church. The campers at TC3 enjoyed

an old fashioned cook out and played games. A good time was had by all!

Sharing the Resources Through the generosity of several large retailers in the Seattle area, and many individual donors we have received and distributed literally thousands of food, toiletries, clothing and other household items.

Greater Seattle Cares volunteers pick up and distribute donations on a bi-weekly basis. Frequently calls come in with items to donate, and people quickly step up to supply willing hands and transportation. GSC stores nothing; all items are immediately re-allocated to those in need. Recipients of the donations are Tent City 3, Hopelink (a Seattle-based non-profit helping families in crisis), Boys and Girls Club at Rainier Vista, Northshore Senior Center and Home2Home (which works with several agencies to assist in furnishing low-income residences).

Homeless AdvocacyA key part of GSC’s mission is engaging the community at large in the support of the homeless including education about homelessness, understanding the needs, and how people can help.

★ Partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia - Church in the World Commission, Anne Novak, spokesperson for GSC, set up a display for their annual meeting

★ Founder Emerita Rev. Mary Gould visited the Kiwanis Club of Ballard to talk about the faith basis for GSC

★ Richmond Highlands Rainbow Girl Assembly volunteered their services

★ GSC volunteers made and continue to make regular visits to Tent City 3

★ Seattle Preparatory School students served TC3

★ Through Penny Harvest, a program of “Solid Ground”, the children of Greenwood Elementary School raised a significant donation to benefit the homeless

★ Interviewed Founder Emerita Mary Gould for UW Hub newspaper

★ President Liz Fenn addressed 10th Anniversary Celebration of Tent City 3

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In AppreciationGreater Seattle Cares has an incredible group of supporters that partner in reaching out to the homeless in our community. Thanks to your support, many receive food, shelter, and warm clothing as well as hope for the future.Cash donationsAnne WonBallard Kiwanis Club Episcopal Diocese of OlympiaGreenwood Elementary School, through Solid Ground’s Penny Harvest Marjory BancroftMicrosoft Matching Gift Program Susan SweeneySeattle Insight Meditation

Hot MealsAnne NovakBarbara ReskinBethany United Church of ChristBlue Plate ExpressBobbi Nodell – St. Mark’sCalvary Lutheran Church Youth GroupCalvin Presbyterian ChurchCarter HawleyCathy HammerChang OhChrist the King Catholic ChurchChurch of the Apostles – St. Mark’sCranston Family & FriendsDeborah BuckDendreonDiscovery Bound Teen LeadershipDr. KhanFirst Lutheran Church of Richmond BeachFrances JanesGourmet Grub

Grace Chinese Lutheran ChurchGroup Health Teen ClinicGSCHaller Lake UMCInglewood Presbyterian – BothellJanice BowenJean Bryant & FriendsJenny CossJustin Craig & Austin Sloan – St. Mark’sKadima Reconstructionist CommunityKristina BartlesonLee BurkhartLiving Faith Community ChurchLiz FennLorraine BarrickLynn Mardin FamilyMaple Leaf Lutheran  - Steph OlsenMaple Leaf Lutheran Church – Lee & Steve LaCroixMars Hill Church Gospel CommunityMeadowbrook NeighborhoodMelinda Wallis – SUBUDMelissa Richmond & FamilyMercer Island Presbyterian ChurchMountain View Community ChurchNeighborhood Cooking FoundationNicolette & Justin Mills – St. Mark’s

Nodtvedt/Roberts/Warren FamiliesNorthwest ChurchOur Lady of the Lake Catholic ChurchOur Redeemer’s Lutheran ChurchPamela JacksonPat LongleyPatricia Heller’s Bible Study GroupPhyllis CrawfordPopy’sQuest ChurchRichmond Highlands Rainbow Assembly #97Sand Point Community UMCScott SmallwoodSeattle Christian Assembly High School GroupSeattle Insight MeditationSeattle Northeast RotarySeattle Prep – Urban PlungeShirley MorrisShoreline Breakfast RotaryShoreline Covenant ChurchSt. Andrew’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Bridget Catholic ChurchSt. Clouds RestaurantSt. Luke Catholic Church – Just Faith GroupSt. Luke’s Catholic Church – Knitting ClubSt. Luke’s Catholic Church – St. Vincent de Paul SocietySt. Mark’s Boys & Girls Choir

St. Mark’s Cathedral – St. Brigid’s BanquetSt. Mark’s Cathedral – Staff TeamSt. Mark’s Friends of FrancoisSt. Mark’s Integrity GroupSt. Mark’s SingersSusan Cantor & DaughterTrinity LutheranTrinity Lutheran Men’s GroupUpper Crust CateringYoung Adult Ministry – St. Mark’s

Food and HouseholdAuctioneers & AssociatesCash & Carry, Paul Heiting, ManagerCostco KirklandMountain View Community Church, SnohomishMroczek Brothers St. Andrew’s Episcopal St. George’s Episcopal Church, Seattle

ServiceCortiva Massage Therapy CollegeMedical Teams InternationalOrca ElectricPatricia Shigihara, dental supplies

ShelterSeattle TarpBig 5Rainier Industries

Tzu Chi Foundation

Tent Camp HostsCalvin Presbyterian ChurchHaller Lake UMC Maple Leaf Lutheran Church Prince of Peace Lutheran Church St. George’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Mark’s Cathedral

Volunteer SupportJim and Cheri Rondeau, ‘Gleaning Project’Judie Roberts, ‘Gleaning Project’Lori Nelson, ‘Gleaning Project’ Renee Barton, advocateTotal Experience Gospel Choir, concert

Collaboration with other Non Profit AgenciesGreater Seattle Cares is a separate and distinct non profit that works in concert with: SHAREMedical Teams International

*Many individual and anonymous donors

Board of DirectorsLiz Fenn — PresidentCynthia Roat — Secretary/TreasurerAnne Novak — Board MemberLeslie Nodtvedt — Board MemberBill Bear — Board MemberMary Gould — Founder Emerita

Many thanks go to the following people that have been active in GSC in 2010:

• Cathy Hammer, former Board Member• Judie Roberts, Gleaning Project and Hot Meals Program

WebsiteWeb Site: www.greaterseattlecares.orgBill Bear, WebmasterGreater Seattle CaresP.O.Box 77815 Seattle, WA. 98177-0815.Phone: 425-698-5581.E-mail:greaterseattlecares@yahoo.comWeb Site: www.greaterseattlecares.org

A Message from the PresidentDear Friends:

It has been my honor to serve as President of Greater Seattle Cares for 2010 and I look forward to the opportunities ahead for us in 2011. Each year brings its own challenges, but despite the hardships caused by an unstable economy, your generosity has allowed us to continue our mission of feeding, clothing, and sheltering the residents of Tent City3.

Together we provided over 31,000 hot meals to the residents and coordinated numerous donations of tents, blankets, plywood, tarp, and fencing materials to the camp. We expanded our gleaning operation with local retailers which allowed us to give back to the community by re-allocating household goods, toiletries, and clothing to Tent City3 and to local non-profit agencies who help people in need. This year was also the first year working with Medical Teams International to provide the residents with critical cleaning and dental services. Each month the demand is huge for this type of care and we are grateful for the dentists and hygienists who give so unselfishly their time and talent to this endeavor. GSC Board members remain dedicated to our values of respect, compassion, justice, and empowerment for all individuals and take seriously our commitment to be responsible stewards of the resources you entrust to our care. Thank you for your willingness to help those in need and to partner with us as we strive to enhance the quality of life for these men and women.

Many Blessings,

Liz Fenn