Reach Out
For the past number of years, during the month of December, our parish has hosted up to 25 homeless men during the night in our social hall. The program, called Reach Out, is administered by Catholic Community Services (CCS). Since the outbreak of Covid-19, Catholic Community Services has been hosting the homeless in an area motel to provide greater safety. The program has proved incredibly successful. Fifteen people have been moved into permanent housing. Five additional folks have found fulltime employment. Nine individuals are preparing to move into the new Thea Bowman Apartments in Kent when they open in December.
Sheltering at the motel will cease December 30th. Bill Hallerman, directory of CCS stated: “We are patiently waiting, enthusiastically advocating and constantly praying for a more permanent solution and enhanced shelter options for the individuals we serve.” He goes on to say: “There is some hope in that area, as King County approved a sales tax last month which contained capital and operating dollars for emergency housing. We are advocating that these dollars must go to support our homeless neighbors in South King County, and that they should go to pat for a 24/7 facility beginning in the new year.”
Just as our parish was instrumental in establishing the Federal Way Day Center for our homeless neighbors, I hope the parish will be able to support and work for a 24/7 shelter here in South King County. The track record shows that when those experiencing homelessness have a safe and caring place to stay, they are empowered to find solutions to their situation. Pope France reminds us that if we touch Christ in the Eucharist, we also are called to touch him in the suffering of the poor.
-Fr. Bill