Shared Housing Services Supports Local Organizations in a Big Way!
In early November, it was announced that as a result of a merger agreement between Shared Housing Services (SHS) and Associated Ministries (AM), effective January 1, 2022, all programs, staff members, and assets of SHS will become part of AM. This bold move to combine resources is to address the growing crises of homelessness and the lack of affordable housing.
As part of its dissolution plan, SHS awarded $180,000 to six local organizations making a difference in the lives of Pierce County residents. SHS’ Board of Directors compiled a list of organizations whose mission and work touch a broad set of needs in the community such as hunger, domestic violence, lack of affordable housing, LGBTQ youth and young adults, refugee resettlement, and mentorship for young men. As one SHS Board member put it, “We wanted to make a significant donation that would truly help these organizations increase the good work they are doing in our community.” The following organizations each received a $30,000 donation; Emergency Food Network (EFN), YWCA of Pierce County, Tacoma-Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium (TPCAHC), Oasis Youth Center, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, and Young Business Men of Washington (YBMW). On December 17th, SHS held a reception at its offices to present the checks.