A Vision for Hope and Compassion

I would have missed them completely if she hadn’t said anything. In my hurry to get my bags and baby to the car, I hadn’t even noticed the small group of people sitting next to the store. It was when I turned to put the cart back in its place that the woman with the cardboard sign said, “Good morning.”

She had an older woman and two small children with her. They were sitting just under the window of the store, likely to avoid getting shooed away. The woman boldly made eye contact with me, letting me know she was there. Immediately I felt a stirring in my heart, as I held my own child in my arms, realizing I had plenty of food to take home, while they may not have access to their next meal.

I was caught off-guard, but I shouldn’t have been. There are many members of our community in similar circumstances, without a warm place to stay, a job, or a hot meal. That day I was able to meet a need for their family; but often I feel rather helpless and unsure of how to help in the moment.

Jesus calls us to truly care for those in need among us–not only to share what we have, but to give a hand up, to make connections and offer dignity in a difficult situation. He is the example of truly seeing others, making eye contact, reaching out and touching. He cared for all aspects of wellness of the people with whom he came in contact.

This month I spoke with Debbie and Karen, both employees at Vision House, an organization that provides transitional housing and resources to families experiencing homelessness, with a goal of helping everyone achieve the basic need of access to a healthy home.

Vision House’s transitional housing provides furnished apartments in Shoreline and Renton for families with children for one year. Not only do they have a place to stay, but alongside weekly case reviews, families take skills classes (on topics like financial management, being a good tenant, and improving credit scores). Youth and family advocates help build connection and look out for the children, adults receive resources and recommendations to apply for jobs and housing, and community is built among the residents. Residents pay up to 30% of their income to build their own credit. It means so much to know that families have both immediate needs met as well as support and direction for their next steps.

In addition, Vision House offers diversion centers with showers, laundry, computers, and additional family services, like skills training and assistance with finding jobs. It’s a place that provides immediate help, and possible steps toward transitional housing if needed.

Who is helped? Families with children (with one or both parents, or grandparents), which can include survivors of domestic abuse, those battling addiction, families from other countries, and those with health issues. Many clients are in emergency shelters or couch surfing (staying with family and friends); all at least have work permits and are required to work or be in school. There are no other restrictions for staying at Vision House or receiving its assistance.

I was amazed by all that Vision House offers to our community. They are a wonderful organization to come alongside to serve those in need around us, as they have the resources and a strong system in place to provide real change in families’ lives. To find opportunities to give, including volunteering, cooking dinners, donations (including purchases to furnish apartments through an Amazon wish list, financial contributions, and secondhand items for their thrift store in Renton), and ongoing prayer.

I also wanted to know the best practical ways to show up for people we come across in our community who are in need everyday, like the woman and her family I met that day. Debbie and Karen had the following helpful tips to share:

Be led by the Spirit in when to interact and with whom.
Look the person in the eye and say hello. Treat them with dignity.
Start the conversation, and don’t assume their story.
If you offer something like food, money or a gift card, start by asking “do you know someone who could use this?”
Encourage them to dial 211, where they can get help finding emergency housing and meals anywhere in King County. (Karen assured me that most people have access to a phone.)
Carry extra water bottles and/or protein bars with you as you go out.
Assemble “blessing bags” to distribute where you can with the following items:

Travel size items

Dry shampoo
Deodorant
Hand sanitizer
Chap stick
Lotion
Face wipes
Gum
Toothbrush with travel cap
Socks
First aid supplies
Alcohol wipes
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Variety sizes of Band-Aids

Non-perishable snacks

Granola or protein bars
Fruit cups (with utensil)
Tuna/peanut butter and cracker packs
Instant drink packets (hot cider, coffee, cocoa)

– Hot hands (helpful no matter the season as it can still get chilly at night!)

– Feminine hygiene products

– Safety pins

– Bottled water (especially small ones)

– Plastic rain ponchos (packable)

– Winter additions:

– Extra hot hands

– Gloves

Encouraging extras:

Small make-up products for women
Laundry detergent sheets
Pocket-sized books (we like the new testament with the psalms)
Pen and mini-notebook
Resource lists—ask Vision House for printable resources and Vision House information if you are making Blessing Bags at home.
Note of encouragement

Any time is a good time to engage and show up for those in the community who might have very different lived experiences than you. Common courtesy and compassion can go a long way. Your engagement can help someone feel seen and loved by God right when they need it most.