Congregation Liaison: Linda Willenberg, Dorcas Circle, Outreach and Servant Ministries Committee
Envisioning a world in which every person lives in a safe, caring community, Compass Housing Alliance develops and provides essential services and affordable housing for homeless and low-income people in the greater Puget Sound region. Its programs include emergency programs and shelters (a place to sleep, mail delivery, banking, hot showers, laundry, and support services to help meet people’s immediate needs), transitional housing program, and a permanent affordable housing program.
The latest news from Compass Housing Alliance:
Compass Housing Alliance has joined forces with Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) in addressing the growing needs in the Pacific Northwest. These two 100-year-old organizations have entered into an agreement for Compass to become an affiliate of LCSNW. The two social services agencies with Lutheran roots bring complementary strengths to the affiliation. Compass brings a focus on enhanced emergency services and affordable housing, while LCSNW focuses on behavioral health, child welfare, family services, crime victims, and seniors
Opportunities to support Compass Housing Alliance:
There are a number of ways that you can help:
- Special collection for the winter months: Through February the Dorcas Circle is collecting underwear and warm hats for men and women. Please check our website HERE for a complete list of what’s being collected.
- In addition, the Dorcas Circle collects bedding, and hygiene items all year long for Compass Housing Alliance. Details can be found HERE.
- You can make a donation to Compass Housing Alliance at their website: https://www.compasshousingalliance.org/donate/.
- Saint Andrew’s also supports Compass with money from our Outreach budget.
Some Background on Compass Housing Alliance:
Compass was founded by a Lutheran pastor in 1920 as the Lutheran Sailors and Loggers Mission in Pioneer Square. The name has changed, but the mission - to provide a welcoming space for people in need – has not. Today, Compass is a leading provider and developer of essential services and affordable housing for men, women, veterans, and families who are low-income or experiencing homelessness in the Puget Sound region. Compass’s portfolio includes day services, emergency shelters, and affordable housing at 19 locations.
Copass has Lutheran roots and continues to host a Lutheran congregation, the Church of Steadfast Love, at its main shelter building in Pioneer Square. However, Compass does not require or promote participation in any religious activity as part of its programs. They deeply value diversity in all forms and employ and provide services to people of all backgrounds.
Current Opportunities:
Saint Andrew’s supports Compass Housing Alliance with budgeted funds.
In addition, Dorcas Circle collects socks, bedding, and hygiene items all year long. Donations can be dropped off in the basket near the elevator in the Narthex.
ALL clothing items must be new, in original packaging, and not washed.
Items needed are:
- adult-sized, new, white crew socks
- Men’s white T-shirts in sizes large through 4XL
- Men’s boxer shorts in sizes large through 4XL
- Warm hats
- travel-sized soaps
- shampoo and conditioner
- lotion
- toothbrushes and toothpaste
- razors and shaving cream
- Q-tips
- feminine hygiene products
- new/never used combs
- new/never used brushes
- nail files and nail clippers
- new and gently used towels
- pillows
- pillow cases
- twin sheets (flat or fitted)