Hello Friends of FUSION,
It has been so great to see so many of our friends again as we begin to experience the “new normal.” With summer in full swing and the reopening of our community, we wanted to take a moment to share with you some of the recent milestones reached at FUSION on behalf of our mission to provide housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness in our community so they will have a safe, secure environment as they work toward self-sufficiency.
As you may know, FUSION purchased the former Econo Lodge hotel in Federal Way in November 2019 and we have spent 14 months renovating the facility, developing the Pete Andersen FUSION Family Center innovative programming, and hiring professional staff and volunteers to assist our shelter guests. The Family Center provides up to 90 days of emergency shelter paired with supportive services that includes assistance in securing gainful employment and permanent housing.
On Christmas Eve 2020, we received our first family into the center and have since been able to serve more than 57 families. Many of these families have already transitioned into self-sufficiency. In addition, our Transitional Housing program continues to thrive as it serves families experiencing homelessness with housing and supportive services. We are currently on track to serve 140 families in our programs — more than 450 individuals this year.
In addition, on June 18, FUSION reopened the iconic Poverty Bay Café which is now called the FUSION Poverty Bay Café. Soon, this popular bistro will provide employment development opportunities in culinary arts and food services to assist FUSION families and community members with case managed employment building skills.
FUSION is making incredible strides in expanding our programs. However, we could not do our critical work without your support! We are thrilled to share that our FUSION Annual Art Event themed “Garden of the Gods” will be LIVE at the Dumas Bay Centre on Wednesday, August 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. You can have a direct hand in helping families escape homelessness and gain self-sufficiency, hope and stability! We do hope you will join us as we raise funds to support our mission at this year’s event. Here’s what some of our guests are saying about FUSION:
“I am so very grateful for the support and stability I have received in FUSION housing. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to have a 2nd chance with my family.”
“My case manager and FUSION staff were very instrumental in helping me and my family get back on our feet. I have maintained employment and was able to lower my bills and pay them every month because of FUSION. I admire this organization because they help you independently grow and push you to be better. I have gotten back on my feet.”
Robin O’Grady is FUSION’s Executive Director. Contact: robin.ogrady@fusionfederalway.org
