Greetings friends,
I hope you had a wonderful holiday with those dear to you. Thanks to your support for Camp Unity Eastside, we have much to be grateful for.
Hosts: Bear Creek United Methodist Church has provided a warm and generous welcome back for Camp Unity. There are currently 16 residents staying there and Camp Unity will be hosted by Bear Creek UMC until mid-February. We’re thrilled that Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Woodinville has committed to host Camp Unity next and the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer Kenmore has committed to host after that. Thank you hosts!! For more information about hosting Camp Unity, please contact Michael Rader at mikejrad69@gmail.com.
Housing Opportunities: We are actively engaged, together with area local governments and other partners, to help Camp Unity residents pursue housing through the Emergency Housing Voucher Program. This new program is similar to other HUD housing vouchers though it also has several special features, including that it is considered a permanent housing resource. The program provides rental assistance funds at least into 2030 and likely beyond that. Please contact Lori Peckol at peckolvanwormer@gmail.com for more information and to volunteer to help support this effort.
Your Support: We are grateful to everyone who has helped Camp Unity with meals, supplies, financial gifts, or other support. Because of you, residents have a safe and supportive place to stay and take the next steps forward in life.
As we look ahead to Giving Tuesday, November 30, will you help us to continue this momentum with a gift of support? Your gift helps ensure that Camp Unity can continue to provide a safe place for people experiencing homelessness to find shelter and community until they can regain housing. Please use this secure link to make a financial gift.
If you prefer to help in other ways, please check out Camp Unity’s meal calendar or supply needs. We are thankful for any help you provide so that Camp Unity can continue to provide shelter and support for people in need.
Join the Board: This is an exciting time for Camp Unity and we are thankful for new opportunities such as the housing voucher program. The Camp Unity Board is seeking additional individuals to serve on the board of directors. If you or someone you know might be interested in volunteering as a board member, please check out info on how to apply at https://campunityeastside.com/board-of-directors/ or contact Karl Brackmann at karlbrackmann@msn.com.
Leadership: Michael Grimm, who has served with Camp Unity for more than a decade, stepped down recently to focus more of his attention on youth ministry. Michael served as president of the Camp Unity Board for many years and helped guide the organization through much change to be a well-managed organization. We are forever grateful to Michael for the wisdom, compassion, and love he brought to everything he did for Camp Unity and its residents.
The Camp Unity Board of Directors has unanimously elected Karl Brackmann as President and Alphonso Carter as Vice President. Karl joined the board in 2019 and previously served as Vice President. Alphonso joined the board in 2015 and has served in a variety of ways, including with outreach to hosts. Thank you Karl and Alphonso for your continued commitment and leadership for Camp Unity.
With gratitude,
Lori Peckol
Friends of Camp Unity Eastside