$1 Million Gates Award to Serve Homeless Families in Seattle

SEATTLE -- Family Services is $1 million closer to building a much-need one-stop hub for homeless families in King County as the recipient of an award by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. On November 27, the Foundation awarded the local non-profit a challenge grant that will help provide the funding and momentum necessary to create the Rotary Support Center for Families, slated to open in Seattle on Rainier Avenue South in 2009.

“Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, and our vision surrounding the Support Center is to put an end to this statistic,” said CEO/President of Family Services, Ruthann Howell. “Our success will not be possible without the generosity and support of the community. The Gates Foundation is committed to improving the lives of low-income families and this endorsement of Family Services is reflective of our common goals.”

Since 1892, Family Services has provided a range of necessary services including mental health care, domestic violence treatment and stabilization for homeless families in locations scattered throughout the county. Given the complexity of issues homeless, low-income and families in crisis experience, the agency recognizes the need to provide under one roof a continuum of services that address the root-causes.

Within the new facility, Family Services is committed to providing prevention and intervention services that over 10 years will end homelessness for 5,000 families; help 7,500 children grow and develop successfully; and nurture healthy families by providing mental health services to 30,000 people.