We Support VOA Helping Our Family, Friends and Neighbors
Images courtesy of Volunteers of America Western Washington.
I recently found out that like me, Live in Everett Co-Founder Tyler Chism is a Champion for the 2020 Volunteers of America (VOA) Western Washington Give Hope Fundraiser. I gave him a call to find out about his involvement with the organization and why he has committed to help fundraise.
We started by talking about all the ways VOA is involved in the community and Tyler said that they might be Western Washington’s best-kept secret. I think he is right. In addition to food and shelter services that you may be aware of, they also offer behavioral health and disability services, dispute resolution, 211 community helpline resources and referrals, and even preschool.
Click to donate to Team Support.
Tyler serves on VOA’s Marketing and Business Development committee. They meet monthly to discuss and plan how VOA can grow their reach.
I asked him why he signed up to be a champion for the Give Hope 2020 Fundraiser. He said, “I've seen how badly COVID-19 has hurt our community. Volunteers of America is uniquely capable to support us through the COVID-19 pandemic. They can deliver a whole host of services that meet our diverse set of needs.”
He went on to say, “Some people, me included, struggle with mental health issues. VOA's National Suicide Lifeline has had a 67% increase in calls through the pandemic. People close to me have committed suicide recently. It's tragic, and it's unbearable to think about how bad people are hurting. I'm grateful that the National Suicide Lifeline is there to help.”
Click to donate to Team Food.
He added, “VOA's work depends on the support of those who have a little extra time or money to give. Like everyone, the pandemic has affected my family too. We literally had COVID. We're depressed and scared of losing our jobs, but thankfully we're still above water and able to give some. I encourage anyone with a little extra time or money to give to Volunteers of America Western Washington.”
Like Tyler, I signed up as a fundraising champion because VOA is equipped to support the community during the pandemic. I was amazed at how responsive and agile VOA was at the beginning of the pandemic to provide food to my neighbors when layoffs and furloughs began. I live in southwest Everett which includes Casino Road and other nearby areas with many food-insecure families. VOA partnered with Connect Casino Road and in what seemed like overnight, opened up a pop-up food pantry.
Families without enough food is not a new problem in my neighborhood. Over 75% of students at our two neighborhood elementary schools qualify for free and reduced lunch because their families are below 185% of the poverty line.
Click to donate to Team Shelter.
That was before the pandemic. These are my son’s friends at school and my neighbors and I alone can’t feed everyone, so I invest money in VOA because they have the know-how to get the job done. Since the pandemic started VOA has provided food for 56,000 people in Western Washington. To put that in context, that's almost half the population of Everett.
If you are able, I encourage you to join Tyler and me in supporting the Volunteers of America Give Hope Fundraiser. VOA is focusing on raising funds in three key areas impacting people during the pandemic - food, shelter and social support. You can give to the area you are most passionate about.
The Volunteers of America Give Hope Fundraiser ends October 2. Please consider donating if you can.
If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, learn more here.
Team Food
Your Gift: Feeds Families
$50 Provides 29 meals for individuals in need.
$100 Delivers meals to 58 home-bound seniors.
$250 Provides 25 children with weekend meals.
$500 Feeds a family of four for three weeks.
Team Support
Your Gift: Gives Support To Those Who Are Struggling
$50 Connects 10 community members with resources through 211.
$100 Can save three lives through online crisis chat support.
$250 Suicide Lifeline Clinicians answer 10 calls for help.
$500 Funds a COVID Crisis Outreach Counselor for 3 days.
Team Shelter
Your Gift: Keeps Families Housed
$50 Keeps the lights on for one family for one month.
$100 Pays the utilities for one family for one month.
$250 A Family stays at our Maud’s House shelter for 8 days.
$500 Keeps a family in stable housing for 10 days.
Linda War Bonnet represents south Everett on the Live in Everett Team. When she isn’t working, she is running the Westmont-Holly Neighborhood Association. You might spot her walking her dog in the Holly neighborhood.