10.11.23 – Our Most Important Resource

Our Most Important Resource

weekly newsletter of Sound Foundations NW, a non-profit builder of tiny homes for the homeless in seattle

www.SoundFoundationsNW.org     /    SoundFoundationsNW@gmail.com

completed tiny houses for the homeless awaiting transport
Two homes all decked out in Seahawks colors get ready to leave The Hope Factory.

 

 

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

volunteer builder of tiny houses for the homeless
regular monthly volunteer Jane H.- thanks Jane!

As we always say, our volunteers are the heart and soul of Sound Foundations NW. Six days per week, fifty weeks per year, you all show up to build the walls, stuff the insulation, install the roof, paint the homes, and roll one more tiny home out the door. Collectively, you’ve provided close to 80,000 hours of volunteer work since we began 5-1/2 years ago, and that’s simply amazing! The compassion and love that you’ve shown is, literally, life-changing for thousands of formerly homeless folks.

Given all you’ve done, we thought it’d be great to feature some of you on a regular basis – brand new volunteers, once or twice per-monther’s, and weekly regulars – to learn more about you and hear what you’re thinking. Our first Volunteer Story comes from Jane H.:

  • How often do you volunteer and how long have you been coming?

I’ve been volunteering with my husband David since November, 2021 – so almost two years! We aim for once or twice a month, usually on Wednesdays. 

  • What started you volunteering at SFNW and what keeps you coming back?

I heard about SFNW from a friend in my book group and immediately wanted to participate. During the pandemic, there was a tent encampment of about 25 people one block over from where we live. That was a daily reminder of the housing crisis in our city, and the need for transitional housing – getting people out of tents and into some place warm, safe, and dry (as Barb says). SFNW is the best organized volunteer work I have ever done! You’re always busy – no standing around – and there’s always a chance to try a new skill. I especially appreciate the helpful attitude of the folks with the green name tags, and the work to make community connections that the SFNW leadership undertakes. It’s a privilege to be part of the SFNW community as we work together to make our city a better place to live for all of us. 

  • What task do you enjoy most and why?

My favorite jobs? floors, indoor trim, and I know caulking is important! 

Thanks so much, Jane, for being a part of the solution!

 

A REMINDER

seattle city council candidates to debate solutions to homelessness

Tonight at 5:30 pm is the second in the debate series on homelessness. It is free but you must register. Here’s the link.

If you cannot attend but want to watch virtually, here’s the link.

Interestingly, in last night’s debate, every candidate enthusiastically supported tiny home villages.

 

upcoming news and events that impact tiny homes for the homeless, a temporary solution to homelessness, in Seattle

  • Thursday, October 12th, Barb speaks at the Construction Specifics Institute
  • Friday, October 13th, we present our new Two Year Plan to get every homeless person in King County off the streets. After it has been vetted by our committee, we will share the specifics in this newsletter.  Stay tuned!
  • Tuesday, October 24th, we have been invited to share our story during Microsoft GIVE.

 

AROUND THE HOPE FACTORY THIS WEEK

Tom goes to Morocco and all we get are food photos 🙂

volunteers building tiny houses for the homeless in seattle

volunteers building tiny houses for the homeless in seattle

volunteers building tiny houses for the homeless in seattle

volunteers building tiny houses for the homeless in seattle

 

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED THIS WEEK

  • Our “regulars“ who are the heart and soul of our organization.
  • “New Crew” members: Lucien, Maritza and Nancy.
  • Our wonderful groups: Tzu Chi Seattle, Lake WA Sai Ctr., Extra Hop, Women of Amazon, and Bellevue Big Picture School interns.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

 

TO VOLUNTEER

Come build with us this week! Here’s the link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4EACAF2AA0F4C52-45126597-week#/

  • Please remember to wear painting clothes even if you do not anticipate painting. Minimum age is 16 years. Please, no exceptions.
  • Clarification: If the SignUpGenius says (The name of a Group Build) AND Open Build, this means that you can volunteer even if you are not a part of the group.
  • TEAM LEADERS IN TRAINING: If you wish to become a Team Leader in Training, DO NOT SIGN UP for the day you wish to do this. Email SoundFoundationsNW@gmail.com and we will put you on the list.

We hope to be building with you soon!

Your Leadership Team: Beatrice, Tom, Bruce, David, Timothy and Barb

It Takes a Village to FUND a Village!

YOU are a big part of why stacks and stacks of lumber fill The Hope Factory. There are several ways to give throughout the year. Questions? Please email devel.sfnw@gmail.com. All gifts qualify as tax deductible but please consult your tax professional for your own situation.

To give by check, credit/ debit card, a Donor Advised Fund, or a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA, start on our Donate page, or:donate to help build tiny homes for the homeless in SeattleSponsor a Home:our tiny home sponsor wall thanks donors to Sound Foundations who have donated the cost of materials to build one tiny home for the homeless

Remember, if you sponsor a home (currently $4500), you get to name the home! Tiny home sponsors have their names (or “anonymous”) and the name of their home added to our Tiny Home Sponsor wall and join our growing list of supporters who’ve reached a little deeper to become part of the solution to ending homelessness. Email devel.sfnw@gmail.com for details.

 

 

 

A Few Reminders

  • We do tours every day but Friday. Come visit if you haven’t been yet.
  • We have a “Welcome to Sound Foundations NW” PowerPoint presentation that is also in .pdf form. If people ask you what we are all about, these are a simple thing to attach to an email to explain who we are, what we do, and why we do it. Email SoundFoundationsNW@gmail.com for this .pdf or PowerPoint.
  • We fund our homes through a combination of private and public donations. For more information, please go to our website – Helping Finance the Homes.

Protocols, Address, Directions

  1. Volunteer at your own risk for Covid or any other illness. If you are experiencing any symptoms, please stay home.
  2. Masks are optional when volunteering at The Hope Factory. There is no shame in wearing a mask.
  3. The minimum age is 16 years. Please, no exceptions.
  4. When you are at The Hope Factory, please social distance whenever possible.
  5. Covid booster shots are not required but highly encouraged.
  6. We are usually there by 9 am or 2 pm on most Sundays. Make sure you double check the times in the Sign Up Genius. You can come and go as your schedule permits. Just let us know so we can plan ahead.
  7. Please bring your own gloves.
  8. Please leave your own tools at home.
  9. Please bring your own lunch.
  10. No matter what you do, please come prepared to paint. 
  11. Warehouses can be difficult to heat and cool. Please dress appropriately.
  12. We currently have no indoor restrooms, Honey Bucket only.
  13. We understand that sometimes life gets in the way of good intentions. If you must cancel at the last minute, please contact us as soon as you know. Others may want to volunteer in your place.
  14. No experience necessary. We train willing hearts. 

OUR ADDRESS is 5 S. Nevada St., Seattle 98109 in SODO. 

GOOGLE MAPS – find us here.

visit our website

Sound Foundations NW