October 2024 Newsletter
Like always, we’ve been busy this month!
We met with Kitsap Rescue Mission to coordinate helping with their impending shelter move to Port Orchard and with other advocates to partner on future outreach plans.
Lots of outreach to folks we've been working with for a long time, most of whom are on waiting lists for housing or other assistance.
We sorted and inventoried new clothing donations including donations from Ridwell in Seattle
Several mobile closet distribution events! Including a new partnership with New Beginnings and Kitsap Immigration Assistance Center.
Sheltering, Not Camping
Maggie Brassil, Vice Chairperson, Board of Directors
This fall I had the opportunity to hike the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile loop in Mt. Rainier National Park. I was excited to spend nine nights in the wilderness and spent months preparing my supplies, making sure I had just the right gear. When the day came to start my hike, I was ready! Things started out a little rocky when the two friends hiking with me had to turn back because of injury, but I decided to continue alone. I hiked and camped for four more days in beautiful weather.
On day five, it started to rain. I thought, “it’s fine, I’m prepared for this!” I had a raincoat, rain pants, and waterproof boots. But as the miles went on, the rain and wind became more intense. This section of the trail was in the alpine, and there were no trees to shelter me from the wind and rain. Eventually, the trail became flooded with water. With about five miles before I would reach my planned campsite, things started to get pretty sketchy. I was soaking wet, the temperature started to drop, and the rain and wind showed no signs of slowing. I realized it was going to be dangerous to continue and had no other option but to set up my tent at the next available camp to try to get dry and stay warm. I put on all the dry clothes I still had and crawled into my sleeping bag while the temperatures dropped below freezing. It was beyond what I had anticipated, but I was safe.
During this experience I couldn’t help but think about the folks that end up sheltering in tents because there is no other option. Through my work with NWH and other outreach, I have met a lot of these folks. I have had the opportunity to get to know them personally while connecting them with resources and volunteering alongside them at clean up events.
I had great gear but was still wet, cold, and miserable. Our neighbors who are sheltering in tents are often in this situation - wet and cold. Except they don’t have top-shelf gear, and they are not staying in tents by choice. I chose to be camping in the rainy wilderness. Whether or not it was a good or bad decision, it was my choice to participate in a recreational activity. Our houseless neighbors are not camping. They are sheltering to survive.
It’s absolutely unthinkable that we force people to survive this way. Housing is a human right. When you see someone staying in a tent in your neighborhood, remember that they are not there by choice. See if there is something you can do to keep them warm and safe. Donate tents. Donate sleeping bags. Donate hand warmers. But more importantly, contact your local elected officials and advocate for housing and shelters. No one should have to be outside in the cold.
Response to Kitsap Sun article by Kai Uyehara, “Decrease in homeless encampments changes Kitsap's strategy to reach unhoused population” published on 9/25/2024
Anton Preisinger, Founding Executive Director
The conclusion drawn by the Kitsap Sun article by Kai Uyehara, “Decrease in homeless encampments changes Kitsap's strategy to reach unhoused population,” that the the HEART team’s updated job is to reach the “last handful of homeless campers who haven’t accepted services yet” is a gross misunderstanding of what the recent law and policy changes have meant for the unhoused people living in and around Kitsap County. The county’s own data, referenced in this very article, from the flawed but useful Point-in-Time count shows with abundant clarity that there are no fewer people living without shelter now than there were when the HEART team was formed two years ago. The only thing that has changed in that time is that communities have been destroyed and people are more vulnerable... Read more
In case you missed it…
Ways to get involved
Volunteer - nwhospitality.org/volunteer
Join the Board of Directors - contact us!
Donate Funds - nwhospitality.org/donate
please consider becoming a monthly supporter! 💙
Donate Items - Some of our current needs include:
Toiletries - deodorant, soap, shampoo, etc.
Bras/Underwear/boxers
Winter coats
or check out our Amazon Wishlist