Homes First 2022 Annual Impact Report

Annual Impact Report 2022

HOUSING CRISIS

Thurston County is struggling to solve a housing crisis that disproportionately impacts low-income residents. Recent studies show that we have 12,000 households on the edge of homelessness and 1,000+ are homeless. Rising housing prices and the increasing cost of living continue to exacerbate the affordable housing crisis in our region. Affordable housing is defined as paying no more than 30% of household income for rent. With a one-bedroom apartment’s rent locally averaging $1,310 a month, someone earning minimum wage must work three full-time jobs to afford this rent.

“Housing and health are inextricably linked. Their complex interplay determines whether neighborhoods, cities, and regions flourish or fall behind, and whether children thrive, and families succeed. Weaving together smart housing, health, and economic security policy can create stronger, resilient, inclusive, prosperous communities.” Kalima Rose and Teddy K`y-Nam Miller (policylink. org/resources-tools/healthycommunities-of-opportunity).

Homes First knows from its 33 years of working in this field that no statement could be more true. People of color are disproportionately impacted by the housing affordability crisis—an alarming trend that threatens the fate and wellbeing of the nation’s emerging majority, and indeed, the nation’s very prosperity. In growing and gentrifying areas, rising housing costs and stagnant wages have narrowed housing options and displaced vulnerable communities; at the same time, disinvesting to neighborhoods where housing is less expensive.

This is why using our scattered site model is more equitable and inclusive and drives a more diverse community. Rather than being set apart from the community in large apartment complexes, our residents remain anonymous which allows them to rejoin their community and honors their dignity. As we think about future housing policy, we need to be careful that we don’t focus so much on increasing production of new housing— important as that is—that we lose sight of a vast resource of housing

Cover Photo: Scott and his dog, Heka, Homes First Tenants, Photo: Jenna Mason Media

hiding in plain sight that can be preserved for the long-term for low- and very low-income households at a fraction of the cost of building new.

We couldn’t be more proud of the work all our staff did in 2022, to add six new homes to our portfolio. Bringing us up to 51 homes serving over 300 people every year. Two of those homes were donated to Homes First, one from a private community member and one from a partnership between LOTT and the City of Tumwater. If you want to get involved in the work we do to give more people safe and healthy homes they can afford, we hope you’ll reach out and let us match your goals with our mission. president@homesfirst.org or ceo@homesfirst.org.

Mary Roberts, Board President

Trudy Soucoup, CEO

VALUES BEGIN AT HOME

RESPECT:

Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help them build their future. Treat them with respect and value the work it has taken for them to survive.

DIGNITY:

Show each tenant that they are valued and worthy of being treated well, regardless of their past history.

EQUITY:

When we approach each tenant with a lens to what they need individually to be successful, they can believe that we want the best for them. They will also better understand our expectations and the outcomes.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Life is full of choices. Some are made for us and some we make for ourselves. We work to empower people and support their life sustaining choices.

PARTNERSHIPS:

Rather than being the answer to all our tenants’ needs, we seek to partner with other groups to ‘share the load’. Community partnerships include the formal and informal community connections, collaborative projects, and relationships that address tenants needs and goals.

COMMUNITY:

Building ongoing long-term relationships with organizations which complement our program and meet the needs of our tenants is a powerful community development strategy. It takes a network of services to make our community stronger.

THE IMPACT OF VOLUNTEERS IS IMMEASURABLE

Homes First is beyond fortunate to have community members who support our mission and are willing to offer their time and talent as volunteers. “Thank you” seems wholly inadequate to express our gratitude!

We have many residents who do not have the capacityphysical or otherwise - to maintain their property, so having volunteers who are willing to cut blackberries or hedges, and take on other heavy projects, helps to keep our homes in tip top shape. This benefits our residents and our organization by helping us maintain good standing in the neighborhoods where we have

homes, reduces the pressure and stress on our residents to maintain the hard stuff, and ensures the safety and property values for everyone in the community.

The benefit of volunteer hours is currently calculated at $29.95/ hr. These generous groups have donated more than $17,500 in labor this year to Homes First. The dollars are only part of it. Having volunteers saves Homes First from paying someone to do the work, builds relationships with a wide variety of community members, and gives those who donate the opportunity to give back in a variety of ways.

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

KELLER-WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE

Keller-Williams Real Estate has been volunteering with us on their organization’s “Red Day” for numerous years and this year, they sent 38 folks who worked at two of our properties. One was a small 6 unit complex along with a house on the next lot where the volunteers worked in the community garden. They also worked on the yard of the house pruning, mowing, weeding, and general maintenance. Keller

the community garden, which they delivered and spread. Part of that group also worked painting the interior of one of the homes. The other project was cleaning up the yard of a property we had just purchased, which included pruning, weeding, mowing, and general clean up.

In September, Keller Williams came back to volunteer another day to finish painting the exterior of the small 6 unit complex. The project had been rained out two previous attempts, and finally, the sun worked on our side and they were able to complete the project.

Keller Williams and Thurston County Title volunteers jumped in again in the winter to help prepare a newly purchased home for flooring and painting. On short notice, this dedicated group pulled together a small group of volunteers who took on the project with gusto.

THURSTON COUNTY REALTORS ASSOCIATION

The Thurston County Realtors Association also shares at least one day a year with Homes First. This year, they sent us 48 folks who worked at 4 different sites, all of which were yard work or blackberry clean up.

DELOITTE INTERNATIONAL

For the first time, Deloitte International chose to work with Homes First on their Day of Impact. They sent 22 folks who spent their day painting the interior of a newly purchased property.

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEER MEET OUR TENANTS

Homes First has residents from a wide spectrum of lived experience. Each resident brings a unique and singular story with him or her, some of which are shared with us, others kept private, each valuable and ongoing. Below are the stories of two of our residents.

PENNIE

“My background includes a lot of jobs in the business world – as a bank account executive, customer service rep, office manager at a CPA (certified public accountants) firm. I have struggled with drug addiction and been homeless. I have been suicidal and struggled with borderline personality disorder, depression and the effects of childhood trauma. I am now physically disabled.

My life fell apart. There were many times when I would have a ray of hope and then lose it. When I found Homes First, I was in a very broken place. I was homeless. Before I connected with Homes First six years ago, I struggled with feeling safe. I’ve lived in my car, on the streets, in shelters. It was really devastating.

There was no stability in my life. I was so self-conscious. I had to decide I could come out of it, and I did. I knew when I found Homes First that I wanted to be a long-term renter.

I love my life now. I have a cozy apartment with a fenced backyard. My home is my safety, my sanctuary, my grounding place. I’ve gotten healthier. Every step of the way Homes First is accountable and helpful, it’s the best resource. I tell everyone. I work with a lot of homeless people now, so I can give back. Homes First is my first go-to for everyone. It works because they are committed, it’s not just collecting a check for them. So many times when you are on programs, you don’t want to progress because you might lose what little you have. That’s not true with Homes First, they are the best landlords I’ve ever had. There’s a safety net to keep moving forward and it’s helped me not stay in the cycle of the system. I’m very

active in my church. I love doing volunteer work with those who are homeless or struggling in other ways. Sometimes I’ll have craft time and invite people over and we paint or do stained glass.”

SCOTT

“I grew up in the suburbs of New York City and at 17 joined the military, serving for 17 years in Germany, Afghanistan, Europe, and Iraq. I got married, had a daughter who is now 10, then divorced in 2014. About that same time, I got a medical discharge for disability from the military. I have back issues and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). All at once, my life was pretty horrible. I’ve gone through quite a nightmare. I was homeless for about four years, out on the street -when the weather was bad, it was really horrible. You’re always wet. Everything you have is wet. You get trapped in a mindset and lose yourself bit by bit. The VA (Veterans Administration) actually helped connect me to Homes First about three years ago, but I also learned about them from people at Drexel House and the Salvation

Army. They were able to help me when no one else could.

I have a two-bedroom apartment in a four-plex in Lacey. I am working toward getting custody of my daughter, which is why I have two bedrooms. I’ve learned to garden and I’m pretty good at it. Last year I gave extra food that I grew to the Thurston County Food Bank, including cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic, watermelons, beans and squash. I like to study esoteric philosophies of the Ancient World. I’m an herbalist and like to teach others about herbs. I play acoustic guitar.”

These stories represent a not uncommon section on the range of experiences our residents bring with them. Diversity in resident experience and demographics is a gift to our organization, allowing us to challenge ourselves to provide the best possible service and resources in an individual way. Our residents are our customers, and being able to meet them where they are with resources and support valuable to them is vital to their success and ours.

THREE NEW HOUSES

LEACH

One of three homes we purchased in December 2022, this property received funding from the Housing Trust Fund, the City of Olympia, Thurston County and Oly Fed Bank, making an affordable home possible to three adults with developmental disabilities.

HENDERSON

A partnership with LOTT and the City of Tumwater facilitated the donation of this home to Homes First. We have embarked on an extensive renovation, including converting it from a septic system to the sewer. We will be adding two bedrooms in order to accommodate eight women in the Oxford House International clean and sober living program.

HAYS

A local anonymous supporter donated this home and property. With help from the City of Olympia and the Housing Trust Fund, we are converting it from a septic system to the sewer so that additional units can be added to this large piece of property. The current resident, an adult with developmental disabilities, will remain in the home on the land.

MISSION

Homes First creates and maintains safe, healthy and affordable rental homes for those who need them most.

VISION

Vibrant communities where everyone has a safe and healthy home they can afford, so that they have hope for a better future.

Trudy Soucoup, CEO, Shannon Glen, PSE Sr Community Engagement Manager, and Mary Roberts, Homes First Board Chair

INTRODUCTION TO NEW STAFF

JENS’ EVENTYR (He/Him)

Maintenance Technician

Jens’ is an Olympia native, raised in Boston Harbor. He and his family still reside in the area, near Squaxin Park. Jens’ background and skills derive from boat-building, construction, and property maintenance. In addition he has studied dispute resolution, nonviolent communication and has firsthand familial experience with housing insecurity. He enjoys woodworking (esp. boatbuilding), Aikido, Grand Zumo, playing in the ocean, forests and mountains, as well as adventures with his kids, partner and their two bulldogs and five cats.

CEDER BLUE (He/Him)

Maintenance Technician

Ceder Blue is a born and raised Olympian. He comes from a background of landscape construction and car mechanics and his eyes are full of wonder. He enjoys contemplating life and taking in its beauty through star-

CARLOS CALDERON

(He/Him)

Maintenance Technician

He estado casado con mi esposa María Calderón durante 43 años y tengo dos hijas y dos nietos. Soy de San Salvador y vivo en los Estados Unidos desde hace 42 años.

Tengo 30 años de experiencia en mantenimiento de edificios y disfruto lo que hago.

Carlos has been married to his wife Maria Calderon for 43 years and has two daughters and two grandsons. He’s originally from San Salvador and has lived in the US for 42 years. Carlos not only brings 30 years of experience in building maintenance, is a super hard worker, and enjoys what he does, he brings his dedication to the mission, positive attitude, and always has a twinkle in his eyes.

gazing, forest walks, and looking at the ocean’s horizon. He truly cares about his community and has always dreamed of helping others. He enjoys being a part of Homes First mission providing services to those in need.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Like many other settler people, we at Homes First have benefited greatly from living in the Coast Salish region. As visitors on this land, we have an important responsibility to acknowledge the grounds on which we are privileged to support our community in pursuit of the Homes First mission.

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish People. The Nisqually and Squaxin Island Tribes and the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis all make their homes in this region.

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we honor and acknowledge their traditional and oral practices.

We acknowledge and celebrate all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honor and celebrate this territory.

Homes First staff celebrating new box truck we acquired with financial assistance from the Boeing Employees Community Fund

HOMES FIRST TENANT DEMOGRAPHICS:

At Homes First, we foster diverse and inclusive communities that people are proud to live in and have in their neighborhood. We want our residents to be a part of our community rather than apart from it. To do this, we provide scattered-site housing and small multiunit complexes that are part of a community. Affordable housing is often stigmatized as being low-income and somehow less than. Our model allows our residents to participate and contribute as typical community members and still receive the support they need to remain in safe, affordable, and healthy housing. This model eliminates the possibility of creating entire socio-economically disadvantaged and marginalized neighborhoods. Anonymizing low-income households in their neighborhoods means they are more likely to thrive and develop long-term healthy relationships. Homes First served 215 unduplicated people in 2022 with less than 1% turnover of residents.

IN WILLS

You can plan to make a gift of cash, stocks, or real property to Homes

First and establish a Legacy Gift of property to your community. It is a great way to preserve your values, inspire others around you to give, and forever leave your mark on a community that has been a big part of your life. When you make a donation of real estate to Homes First, you won’t have capital gains exposure because you’re gifting—not selling— the property; this means your charitable gift, and your tax deduction as well, will be maximum.

Find out more at: homesfirstlegacy.org

HERE’S HOW DONATING A HOMES TO HOMES FIRST WORKS IN 3 EASY STEPS:

1) TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY

We will work with you to gather all the details and documents we’ll need to start the donation process. Call us to get started.

2) WE WILL DO A STANDARD PROPERTY REVIEW

Upon the receipt of all documents and information, we will work with Helping Hands of America to run a standard review, including title search, tax and lien search and environmental violations search to determine if we can accept your property as a charitable donation.

3) WE’LL DO THE PAPERWORK AND SEND THE CLOSING DOCUMENTS FOR YOU TO SIGN

We’ll ensure the closing documents get to you for signing. Your title company will take care of the deed transfer and recording, notifying all necessary state and municipality authorities to complete the transfer. We will take over all taxes, maintenance and insurance responsibilities, and send you a tax-deductible receipt.

OR - SELL YOUR HOME TO HOMES FIRST

You can also choose to come to us first when you choose to sell your home. Not only will it save you costs on marketing a home on the open market, it will give Homes First the opportunity to keep another home affordable forever.

For more information: Shannon Michlitsch, CFRE developmentdirector@homesfirst.org • 360-236-0920 x250

Shannon Michlitsch, Homes First Resource Development Director, Shy-Anne Haney, Stacee Anderson, and Trudy Soucoup, CEO.

42% - $914,437

B

C

D

$178,837

7% - $129,025

Funds 13% - $299,846

E Donations of Property 15% - $713,100

45% - $821,741

HEROES FOR HOUSING SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

CHAMPION SPONSORS:

PARTNER SPONSORS:

COMMUNITY SPONSORS:

1st Security Bank

Association of Washington Cities

Bank Office Services

Bank of the Pacific

Capitol Pump Resources

Columbia Bank

Heritage Bank

Johnson, Stone, & Pagano, P.S.

MinutemenPress, West

Olympia

Prime Locations

South Puget Sound Community College

Thurston County Realtors Association

Timberland Bank

Windermere Real Estate/

Olympia

Want to be a sponsor? Email us at sponsor@homesfirst.org

DONORS

We are honored to recognize the gracious donors who supported Homes First between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Without the extraordinary help of our community, progress towards housing stability would not be a reality.

Rob & Susan Ahlschwede

Mandi Aldrich

Richard P. Allen

Mark & Douglas

Allen

Kathleen Anderson

Stacee Anderson

Xavier Angel

Pam Arledge

Kari & Larry

Arlint

Ivy Ayers

Lindy Badger

Pamela Baer

Constance Bailey

Andrew Barkis

Jessica Bateman

Genne Beach

Michael F. Bell

Ryan Betz

Jane Beyer

Susan Bieker

Lisa Bishop

Thera Black

Deborah Blackner

Larry Blume

Devin Boyd

Julie Boyer

Elizabeth Bretschneider

Amy Briggs

Kristin Brown

Marilyn Bucsko

Michael Cade

Gina Carlson

Kay Caromile

Craig Chance

Sherry Chilcutt

Mike Christensen

Katherine Clarke

Annie Clay

Debra Clemens

Susan Connell

Nancy Connery

DeAnn Conway

Kathleen Cook

Jim & Thomasina Cooper

Bill Course

William Crabtree

Kristine Cramer

Joan & William

Cullen

Charles & Nancy Cutlip

Cora Davidson

Monica Davis

Todd Davison

Matt DeBord

Annette Deines

Allison Dellwo

Dusti Demarest

Patricia Dewees

Sandra DiBernardo

Paige Dietrich

Beth Doglio & Eddy Cates

Christopher & Theresa Donohue

Barb & Lane

Dorcy

Joe & Myra Downing

Susan Dubuisson

Shirley Duke

Susan Dunn

Guy & Tawnia

DuVall

Harmon & Lorena Eaton

Eric Eisenberg

Jena Embry Loes

Sandra Fabry

Rebecca Fairchild

The BellefeuilleRice Family

Murray Family

Susan Faubion

Gail Feagins

Daya Fields

Ann Flannigan

Christine Forrey

Karen Fraser

Paul Gamble & Jeri Van Dyk

Christine Garst

Gery & Valerie Gerst

Wendy Gerstel

Debra Gildner

Felly Giorgianni Jr.

Annie Gjertson

Rebecca Glasgow

Shannon Glenn

Alexandr R

Goodrich

Kevin Gordham

Jeannine & Ronald Granberg

Dayna Grandmason

Terra Grandmason

Kelly Green

Robert Grey & Kathryn

Guykema

Jeannie Gruber

Kirk & Ceuson

Haffner

Karen Hall

Selden Hall & Cheryl Hanks

Sandra Hallstrom

Shy-Anne Haney

Charlotte Hanson

DONORS

Jennifer Hanson

Janice Haran

Alan Hardcastle

Matt Hargrave

Joleen Harlan

Jeanne Harmon

Derek Harris

Elizabeth & Richard Hauser

Leah Hawtin

Tonya Hennen & Bill Reiswig

Matt & Theresa

Herinckx

Susan Hettinger & John Brottem

Maureen Hill

George Hill & Margo McEwen

Elizabeth Hines

Valarie Ann Hines

Catherine Hitchman

Judith Holm

Sara Holt-Knox & Paul Knox

Amy Horlacher

Brian Hovis & Deborah Ross

Yasuko Howell

Kelsey Hulse

Linda Huyck

Jacquelyn Jacobs

Carol Jade

Jay & Peggy

Jamerson

Tim & Christina

Janis

Kerry Janovitch

Cathy & Eric Johnson

Jasmine Johnson

Katrina KahlerWilson

Mark Kaufman

Matt Kennelly

Jim Keogh & Jane

Nibler-Keogh

Daniel & Vicki

Lynch Kimball

Chris Kirkley

Krista Kisebach

Mark & Marie

Kitabayashi

Allison Klein

Tiana Kleinhoff

Laura Kompkoff

Jon & Karen Kooiker

Anne Kunkle

Thea LaCross

Garrett Lafferty

Robert Lane

Meagan Latimer

Patrick & Marilyn LaViollette

Necia Leach

Dave & Jane

Lehnis

Albert Leisenring

Emily & Jim

Lengenfelder

Chris & Catrina

Lester

Vicki Lewis

Lorna Linden

Marsha & Merritt

Long

Keith Looker

Daniel & Paula

Lowe

M’Elizabeth Maatta

John MacLennan

Dennese

Mahoney

Barbara & Thomas Malone

Michael Mason

Mike & Kathy McCormick

Eileen & Robert

McKenzie

Sullivan

Carolina Mejia

S. Tye Menser

Michelle MewhinneyAngel

Shannon

Michlitsch

Courtney Misner

Tonya Moore

Raya Morgan

Michelle Morlan

Terry Murray

Ruth Needham

Brandy Nelms

Elizabeth Nelson

Sandy Nelson

Eric & Kathryn

Ness

Samantha Neuzil

Margo NewellEggert

Rachel & William Newmann

Susan Noble

Ellen O’Brien

Saunders

John Oliver

Rhonda Olnick

Shana Osmer

Michael OtterJohnson

Nick Parsons

Nancy Peckman

Ken Pekola

Kathryn Perciful

Joseph Peter Heilman

Nate Peters

Cleve & Marty Pinnix

Kimberly Piper

Mary Anne & Dudley Pitchford

April Poier

Cynthia Pratt

Mary Ellen Psaltis

Jennifer Raacke

Dani Rader

Varun Ramesh

Melissa Rasmussen

Kathryn & C.

Garry Reid

Sarah Rich

Dallas Roberts

DONORS

Mary Roberts

Wendy Robinson

Aaron Rodriguez

Jeannine Roe

Karen & Joel Romanelli

Jacob Roybal

Barbara Rudolph

Michael Rutherford

Robert & Elisabeth Schafer

Anna Schlecht

Vincent Schueler

Tiffany Sevruk

Amy Sewell

Herb & Suzanne

Sewell

Kimberly Showalter

Jeff Showman

Maria Siguenza

Don Sloma

Dan Smith

Hope Smith

Peri Smith

R. Peggy Smith

Trudy Soucoup & Kevin Lautz

James & Pene Speaks

Scott Spence

Cheryl & Brian

Spitzer

Jim Stanton

Hallee StarbornAguilar

Joyce Steckler

Janis Stewart

Oliver Stormshak

Harriet Strasberg

Margo & Chris Street

James Stretz

Tonia Sugarman

Debbie Sullivan

Eileen Swarthout

Gary & Carrie Swindler

Wendy & Curtis Tanner

Tammy Teeter & James Simmons

Evette Temple

Charli Terminelli

Priscilla Terry

Rosalind

Thompson

Mary Thygesen

D. Todd

Amy & Gerald

Tousley

Jeanette Turner

Tony & Heidi

Usibelli

Karen Valenzuela

Ashley VanZuyt

Karen Verner

Deborah & Lex Vinsel

Melissa Walker

Ross Walker

Mike & Nancy Walsh

Helen Weagraff

Spence Weigand

Dan & Mary Weiss

Carrie Whisler

Angela White

Gordon White

Sarah White

D Whitehead

Mary Williams

Eleanor Winkler

Civillia Winslow

Hill

Sue Wise

Cheryl Witt

Corinn Wohl

Christiane

Wollaston-Joury

Candace Wood

Amber Young

Shelle Young

Jeff & Kim Young

Nancy Zabel

Dr. Jerome & Cyndi Zechmann

Polly Zehm

Mia Zhai

Every effort has been made to list everyone who has donated, sponsored, volunteered and gave in-kind. If we have missed your name or made an error, please let us know at developmentdirector@homesfirst.org.

IN-KIND DONORS

Big Tom

Heritage Distilling Company

Oly Fed

Phillips Burgess Law PLLC

Raven’s Brew Coffee

Sparkuhl Stump Grinding, LLCCheryl and Ted

Thurston Talk

WIN Home Inspections - Pete Sutch

WSECU

FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

1st Security Bank

Aaron’s Foundation, Inc.

Academy Mortgage

Amazon Smile

Artisans Group

Association of Washington Cities

Back Office Services

Bank of the Pacific Boeing Employees Community Fund

Bradley Scott Commercial Real Estate

Cabinets by Trivonna

Cap City Law PS

Capitol Pump Resources

Collaborative Business Services, Inc

Columbia Bank

Combined Fund Drive (CFD)

Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation

Finninsula Foundation

First United Methodist Church

Fraser Consulting, LLC

Heritage Bank

Johnson, Stone & Pagano, P.S.

Lucky Eagle

Casino

Microsoft Minuteman PressWestside Olympia

MultiCare

Nisqually Indian Tribe

Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation

North Thurston Public Schools

OBEE Credit Union

Olympia Community Solar

Olympia Federal Savings

Olympia

Unitarian

Universalist

Congregation

Olympic Transmissions & Auto Care, Inc.

Pacific Stage, Inc.

Peninsula Credit Union

Port Blakely

Prime Locations, Inc.

Puget Sound Energy

Puget Sound Energy Foundation

Seattle Foundation

Security Properties

South Puget Sound Community College

South Puget Sound Community College

Foundation

South Sound Solar

St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church

Starbucks Foundation: Neighborhoods Grant Fund

Stormans INC

The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound

Thurston County Realtors

Association

Thurston County

Title Company

Timberland Bank

TwinStar Credit Union

Weyerhaeuser

Windermere Real Estate/Olympia

WSECU

PROUD MEMBERS OF:

HOW YOU CAN HELP

CONTRIBUTIONS

Become a monthly donor!

Check/Cash

Online Giving Gifts in Wills

Workplace Giving

Combined Fund Drive Memorials Stock Property Give Local

DONATE SUPPLIES/ TOOLS

12” Chop saw

10” Table saw

A-Frame Ladders, a 4ft, 6ft, 8ft. Storage Sheds

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Heroes for Housing Breakfast

Landscape Support

Advisory Committees

Administrative Support

Painting Support

All Trades needed to help turn houses into homes

Electric drain/ sewer snake clean out 50’ x 1/2” cable

Want to support our work?

donate@homesfirst.org

Mary Roberts, Homes First Board Chair and Trudy Soucoup, CEO closing on another home purchase with the help of Chicago Title & Escrow.

WA Landlords Association

Homes

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES

SHARING THE STORY OF HOMES FIRST

Invite your colleagues, friends, family, neighbors, or faith group friends to a 1/2 hour presentation of the Homes First mission. The presentation can be held at your place of work or worship, your home, a coffee shop or restaurant or at the Homes First office. This is NOT a fundraiser and we do NOT ask for money but is our way to have the community know us better.

MEMBER OF A CLUB OR CIVIC GROUP?

Connect us with them and we would be happy to speak at one of their meetings to share our mission and community impact.

CONTACT

Shannon Michlitsch

to select a convenient date for you.

360.915.8176

developmentdirector@homesfirst.org

First 2022 Real Community Heroes: Shy-Anne Haney, Ti’eri Line, and Whitney Bowerman

BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

President, Mary Roberts Data Abstractor, WA State Dept. of Health

Joined 2018

Vice President, Chris Lester Business Development Manager, Thurston County Title

Joined 2017

Treasurer, Evette Temple VP, Commercial Lending Bank of the Pacific

Joined 2020

Secretary, Thomasina Cooper Executive Assistant to Thurston County Commissioner Tye Menser

Joined 2019

Leatta Dahlhoff Environmental Technical Analyst, DES, Council Member, Tumwater City Council Joined 2018

Joey DeBakker Student at Saint Martin University

Joined 2022

Shannon Glenn Outreach Manager, Thurston/Lewis Counties PSE. Joined 2020

Dannette Molina Talent Development Specialists, ResCare Youth Career Services

Joined 2019

Jeannine Roe

Broker, Greene Realty Group

Joined 2018

Rachel Schmidt

Case Manager, DSHS ALTSA

Joined 2023

Wayne Souza

Retired, Construction/ Property Management Joined 2020

As of 3.13.2023

HOMES FIRST STAFF

Trudy Soucoup Chief Executive Officer

Rachael Childs Deputy Director

Jena Embry Loes Director of People & Culture

Candace Wood Director of Finance

Shannon Michlitsch, CFRE Development Director

Ron Stewart Director of Programs and Assets

Keith Garlinghouse Property Manager

Amy Sewell Finance Coordinator

Dyana Todd Program Services Navigator

Felly Giorgianni Jr Maintenance Technician II

Ceder Blue

Maintenance Technician I

Carlos Calderon

Maintenance Technician I

Jens Eventyr

Maintenance Technician I

Luna Todd

Our loyal office mascot