Facing Homelessness

smallTALK:

How you doing?

"I probably should get to the hospital for my back, probably should get some deodorant too."

You smell fine to me. Did you grow up in Seattle?

"No. I was born in Oregon. In 1974."

Did you grow up there?

"No. We moved to California, then Ohio, then Washington."

With not much more conversation Michael shows me his tattoos. Afterwards he looks at me squarely and asks, "What are you doing out here?"

I told him I was interested in meeting folks who were living outside. That I took photos and told stories for a nonprofit called Facing Homelessness, whose singular goal is to show how beautiful we all are. All in the hopes community will get involved to address the crisis of homelessness.

"That's awesome."

A little more conversation and I ask, Can I take your picture?

"Me? Sure. If you want."

I do. You are beautiful. I mean that. When I am done I show Michael the photos on my camera.

"Damn. That's a nice picture. That's a nice camera you got."

After a bit more back and forth I tell Michael how good it was to meet him, and that I hope his back feels better soon.

As Michael turns to walk away, he says, "It's just really nice to talk with somebody."

S**O Neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you’re moved by the goodness of this community, please consider a $5 monthly recurring donation on our givebutter account. Your donation helps cover operational expenses. https://givebutter.com/jfdABb A heartfelt THANK YOU!

newFRIEND:

When driving under the Spokane Street bridge you will see a number of tents. I drove past several until I saw a large shelter made out of pallet boards. Maybe it was the architect in me, as it was an impressive structure, that had me pull up onto the curb out of traffic.

In my car I had donations from Claire, a fifth grade student at the Meridian School, who put together a clothing drive for those living homeless. Sidenote - Claire is an amazing young person who has it in her to make a beautiful difference in the world!!!

Pulling up alongside the structure I saw a man that was about 6'-5", maybe taller, standing inside the enclosure. We said hello and I asked if he needed some clothing. He replied, "I'm pretty tall."

To his surprise, about 5 of the pants were his size! It was a meant to be happen-chance-moment!

Stewart invited me into his home to chat. I agreed. He cleared off a bunch of stuff piled on a crate, threw a pillow on top, and pointed to it as he plopped into a chair and lit up a joint.

Stewart is 70 years old. His childhood was spent in foster care. It was a horrible experience, second only to the disgust he has for his parents.

"My parents are a piece of s**t. My dad is a real serious piece of s**t. Wealthier than you can imagine but no money to help feed his son."

His father has passed, but his son's anger has not.

Stewart is worried he will be swept soon. An 8-10 person tent would make a world of difference. We are asking the Facing Homelessness community to raise $250 to make this happen.

https://givebutter.com/tent-for-stewart-ziiz2i

For the constant struggle Stewart has lived through, he has remained profoundly beautiful. Without hesitation he openly invited me, a total stranger, into his home of pallet boards. It's good to be reminded how easily new friendships can be made.

S**O Neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you’re moved by the goodness of this community, please consider a $5 monthly recurring donation on our givebutter account. Your donation helps cover operational expenses. https://givebutter.com/jfdABb A heartfelt THANK YOU!

stillSMILING:

When the Facing Homelessness community first met Justin and Shelly it was October of last year. They were living in their car. Their back passenger window had been smashed out and most of their belongings stolen. Winter was approaching. They were at a real low point.

This community stepped forward with funds to fix the window and provided warm clothing for the both of them. They were beyond grateful.

Meeting in an abandoned lot on Aurora, Justin shared they have continued to struggle. Their vehicle was impounded and the fees quickly exceeded their ability to get it back. Several days ago the two bins that contained all their belongings, which they had hidden outside, were stolen. They stood their with nothing to their name.

Justin finishes by showing the blood clot in his leg, exasperated by all the walking they are now doing without a car. He looks up and smiles, saying, "Right now we are sleeping in doorways without even blankets."

We are hoping the Facing Homelessness community can raise the needed funds for 3-4 person tent. It will mean the world to them if we do.

https://givebutter.com/a-tent-for-justin-and-shelly-ha21no

Asked if they still love each other, both smiled and said they do, through thick and thin!

Aurora Avenue Neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you’re moved by the goodness of this community, please consider a $5 monthly recurring donation on our givebutter account. Your donation helps cover operational expenses. https://givebutter.com/jfdABb A heartfelt THANK YOU!

beingRELIABLE:

Fifteen years ago, when Pablo was 30 years old, he and his girlfriend found out they were pregnant with a baby boy. Motherly instincts kicked in and she felt a strong need to be with her family in the United States. They left Mexico City and moved to the Tri-Cities, in eastern Washington.

In Mexico, Pablo had been working in a call-center. He was initially hired on because he spoke English, French, and Spanish. Over time, his responsibilities included helping with the computers. It was a job he enjoyed, one that he would have continued if not for the move.

In Tri-Cities he worked construction for 5 years. When his relationship with his girlfriend fell apart, and she married, his heart broke. He moved to Seattle.

It was easy to find construction work and a small apartment in Seattle. Life was moving forward. Then, two years ago, he lost everything when a car hit him, messing up his legs. Two months on crutches cost him his job, several months later, his apartment. He fell into homelessness.

“Time is different when you are homeless. You lose track of what day it is, and how much time has passed. The days, months, and years - they blend together.”

Pablo wants to get a job and get back in touch with his family. He is battling substance use at the moment and doesn’t want them to know how much he is struggling.

“At first I didn’t do drugs, but then, to be part of the community, to connect, I did. You are here, they do it, then you do it. I don’t know.”

Pablo is in need of a phone. We would like to ask the Facing Homelessness community for $100 to make this happen. He says, “With a phone I can reach out for construction jobs and be available when there is work. It would make a big difference for me.”

https://givebutter.com/phone-for-pablo-otmh16

"Everyone that knows me knows they can count on me. They can rely on me. I like that, knowing I am someone they can reach out to."

Mt Baker Neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you’re moved by the goodness of this community, please consider a $5 monthly recurring donation on our givebutter account. Your donation helps cover operational expenses. https://givebutter.com/jfdABb A heartfelt THANK YOU!

adaptCONSTANTLY:

Hans is still living at TC3. To make money, he has been driving and delivering food. Recently, he reached out for help raising funds to replace his car after it broke down. Buying a reliable vehicle and paying for gas is expensive, and while Hans is not committed to delivery work long term, his disabilities limit what he can do consistently.

Before that, Hans worked as a chef, often putting in 10-, 12- and 16-hour days leading a team to create high-quality dishes. Cooking was more than a job — it was a passion he developed in elementary school, when his grandmother taught him traditional Korean recipes and techniques.

That changed when a side effect of medication for bipolar disorder left him with a muscle movement disorder. He now experiences unpredictable muscle contractions, spasms and rigidity, making it impossible to continue the work he had done his entire life.

“It was really shocking when it first started happening,” Hans said. “I can’t safely use a knife. I might be holding something — like a glass jar — and not even realize my grip is failing until I drop it.”

Hans said he has worked with his doctors to try to alleviate the symptoms. They have tried two different medication regimens with no improvement. At this point, his doctors believe the condition may be permanent and are focused on managing symptoms.

For now, delivering food is the closest he can get to the work he once loved, but it is not the same.

“I miss people being wowed — watching my knife skills, stopping their conversations just to see what I was doing,” he said. “Seeing their reactions, hearing the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs,’ and then that first bite where you know you nailed it. That moment — that’s what I miss most.”

Homelessness has shifted his focus from long-term goals to immediate needs. Hans is now looking for work he can do consistently — something that does not require lifting or carrying.

He has always worked closely with others, both leading and supporting teams and likes the idea of returning to working with people.

“In kitchens, you have to adapt constantly and wear a lot of different hats. This is just a different kind of hat now,” he said. “The discipline and training are still there — the tools have just changed. It’s not a knife anymore; it might be a pen or a computer.”

Hans recently started a door-to-door sales job that pays on commission. We’re hopeful it works out well for him, but in case the income isn’t consistent, we’re reaching out to the Facing Homelessness community to help us track down any job leads or opportunities for Hans.

For more about Han's story, see the FH April 7, 2026 post.

Tent City 3 Neighborhood | Brendan

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you’re moved by the goodness of this community, please consider a $5 monthly recurring donation on our givebutter account. Your donation helps cover operational expenses. https://givebutter.com/jfdABb A heartfelt THANK YOU!