I thought I should start by telling you a little bit about myself and why I decided to join Northwest Hospitality. I’ve lived in Washington all my life, 35 years, and have no intention of leaving this amazing state. Anton and I met about 5 years ago at Olympic Ambulance, both of us EMT’s around the same age. By that point I had lived in Bremerton 15 years, and anyone familiar with our city knows there has been a long-standing struggle with homelessness. I saw working at Olympic as a great way to give back to the community. When I started hearing about Northwest Hospitality, I knew this was a chance to further push that opportunity.

It’s easy to be sheltered, or get a preconception of why things are the way they are. As I started working at Olympic, I quickly realized that my homeless neighbors weren't just addicts and those cursed with the misfortune of mental illness. They were single parents who lost work and couldn’t afford rent. People with permanent disabilities, that even with their amazing talents like musicians and artists, they couldn't manage to support themselves in our inflating, rent-seeking new world. Whatever the reason, this has been an opportunity for me to meet some incredible people who need even basic necessities.

I know several people who aren't comfortable with the idea of just giving money to the person with the most clever street sign. To be honest, I don’t know if I am either; but through these programs I am comforted in knowing that I’m at least trying. Big shout out to others who are trying too.