Politics & Government
City, REACH Coalition to Open Short-Term Homeless Shelter May 20
Renton City Hall and several local churches will begin serving homeless women and their children in need of a 24-hour shelter, starting May 20.
Civic leaders announced Tuesday that a partnership between the city of Renton and REACH (Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches), the local church community and human service organizations will use Renton City Hall and several local churches to serve as a 24-hour shelter for homeless women and their children, starting on May 20.
The REACH Center of Hope, according to a news release, comprises two parts: a day center that will provide showers, food, laundry, mail services, vocational resources and community support; and emergency short-term overnight accommodation in local churches.
Public tours of the shelter will be held May 22 through May 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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An invitation-only ribbon cutting ceremony has been set for May 17 at 2:00 p.m.
“People become homeless for diverse reasons—from losing a job to having a medical crisis,” said Mayor Denis Law. “This partnership with REACH is an important first step toward helping homeless women and children find their way back to safe and affordable housing.”
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Homelessness is a growing problem for our community, according to the city press release. More and more families are finding themselves without shelter and the resources they need to be safe and well. REACH has been working the last 12 months to bring churches and service providers together to find a way to help meet this growing need.
The development of the center was made possible through the efforts of willing and committed partners. The key partners of this project include the City of Renton, Communities In Schools of Renton, Catholic Community Services and the Renton Community Supper. St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and Renton First United Methodist Church will partner to provide overnight accommodation for our first family.
For more information about the REACH Center of Hope, visit the REACH website www.reachrenton.org or contact Maggie Breen at 425-238-7915, maggie@standrewpc.org or Linda Smith at 425-221-1504, linda-smith1@comcast.net.
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