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The Interfaith Works Emergency Shelter team has been operating a Winter Warming Center every day for the past 4 months.

When surrounded by people in crisis who are experiencing trauma frequently in their lives, tragedies somehow become less surprising over time. They do not become any less painful, though. In fact, they tend to have a cumulative effect.

December 21, 2016, is National Homeless Persons Day of Remembrance. This day comes in the form of many unique events across the country, organized by advocates and people experiencing homelessness in each city.

Last week, many people across the world observed Drug Users Remembrance Day--a day to remember those who have lost their lives due to substance use challenges and the failed war on drugs.

In our work at the shelter and our community education efforts, we understand that we can't talk about poverty without talking about issues of race, gender, sexuality, ability, access, age, mental health, substance use, and class.

Two weeks ago, I received a call from the Thurston County Coroners' office inquiring about a man who had been found deceased.

I had the great privilege of attending the third national Housing First Partners Conference this past week. I gave a presentation about the shelter program that was well received.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write today in memory of Ariel Stone. Ariel, our youngest guest, would be turning 25 on February 7th.

Tonight, I am grateful to see the longest day of winter come and pass--this means that, in some small way, spring is coming and that winter will not last forever.

I can't quite believe it, but as of today, the Interfaith Works Emergency Overnight Shelter has been operating for one full year!

Two of our founding members and shelter managers have decided to move on for now, and to them I owe the deepest gratitude. Please join me in thanking them.

TEDxOlympia is a locally produced one-day event showcasing 11 speakers from our region and three local performers.

THIS Saturday, August 8th, will go down in history as the First Annual IW EOS Up In Smoke BBQ extravaganza. 

Last week, we lost a former shelter guest and all-around beautiful human, Chris Fabrizio.

Together with Partners in Prevention Education, the Interfaith Emergency Shelter is helping to host a Dinner at the Wall to bring our communities together.

The Interfaith Works Overnight Emergency shelter opened Nov. 1 with 30 beds and has been full ever since. In fact, the waiting list has reached nearly 200 people, said program director Meg Martin.

After two years of planning, Olympia’s newest homeless shelter opened its doors for the first time Saturday night.

We have been working SO hard to get the shelter ready for our grand opening TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY!!! A million thanks to Breathe Easy...