Greetings friends,
This year has been significant in increased opportunities for people in need to move to housing, thanks to a new federal voucher program. We are grateful for your care and generosity which has sustained and encouraged Camp Unity residents until they can move to housing.
Housing Update: During the past couple months, an additional 4 residents moved to apartments with the help of the Emergency Housing Voucher Program. So far, a total of 11 residents have moved from Camp Unity to their apartments. We have heard repeatedly what a welcome change this is and what a difference it makes for residents’ quality of life.
A big thank you to everyone who has provided or assisted with securing household items, furniture, and other apartment essentials. This has been tremendous in helping residents to get started. A special shout out to Mattress Firm, Woodinville for generous discounts on several mattresses.
Camp Unity Eastside has a commitment through the voucher program to stay in contact with residents who moved to apartments for at least one year to help support transition needs and maintain stable housing. For more information, please contact Lori Peckol at peckolvanwormer@gmail.com.
Shelter Capacity: St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church is Camp Unity’s current host. We are grateful for the parish’s generosity and warm welcome. Currently, there are 4 people staying at Camp Unity and we have the capacity to readily shelter many more. If you are aware of someone in need who might be a good fit or if you can help spread the word, we would love your help. CUE’s website includes more information, a flyer, and the intake process: https://campunityeastside.com/new-campers/. The camp provides essential services for men and women age 18+ who comply with CUE’s code of conduct and operations, including no drugs (including marijuana), alcohol, or weapons.
Update – Michael Grimm: Michael served with Camp Unity for more than a decade, many years as President of the Camp Unity Board. He stepped down from this position in late 2021. He advocated and worked many years on behalf of Camp Unity Eastside.
We shared in our last e-news that Michael is facing a personal challenge with cancer. Great news – Michael’s PSA decreased significantly between January and April and is now much closer to the normal range. He is grateful for your prayers and support.
Your Support for Camp Unity: Your generosity with meals, supplies, financial gifts, and other support means so much. Because of you, residents have a safe place to stay and support to take the next steps forward in life. Thank you!!
Meals: For the first 4 months of the year, volunteers signed up on Camp Unity’s meal calendar to bring a meal each day! That is amazing and we are grateful for your help.
Supplies: Camp Unity is well supplied – thank you!
Financial gifts: Camp Unity is participating in GiveBIG 2022. Your gift helps support people who are homeless and in need. It helps provide a place to get a good night’s sleep, safely store personal belongings, shower, and wash/dry clothes. Gifts also help with essential needs for residents’ move to permanent housing.
We are very thankful for your support. You are truly making a significant difference in people’s lives.
With gratitude,
Lori Peckol
Friends of Camp Unity Eastside