Building Hope T R A N S F O R M I N G L I V E S

SPRING EDITION 2013 | www.plymouthhousing.org

PLYMOUTH NEWS

D oes your calendar have a circle around May 15? That’s the date

of The Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG online giving event.

GiveBIG makes it easy for King County residents to give both locally and generously. An online platform

DOUBLE DOWN ON YOUR GIFT TO PLYMOUTH!

PLYMOUTH’S NEXT BUILDING AT THIRD AND VIRGINIA

This building will provide affordable housing for Plymouth residents who have the stability and resources necessary for more independent living. As these residents move to the new property, their current units become available. This allows us to serve more people coming out of homelessness in need of more intensive support services.

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makes it simple and a “stretch pool” provided by The Seattle Foundation and GiveBIG sponsors increases the size of each gift.

That’s why we call May 15 a day of high-impact giving. Every dona-tion you make to Plymouth online through GiveBIG will be stretched, increasing your donation!

This makes a tremendous difference. We’re witnessing an increased need for permanent supportive housing for veterans, for the growing population of

homeless seniors, and for people deter-mined to achieve and sustain recovery. Unfortunately, this increased need comes during a tough economic time. GiveBIG provides Plymouth with a critical source of support for innovative, effective pro-grams and services that transform lives and save taxpayer dollars.

Please consider taking advantage of this remarkable opportunity to have a BIG impact. Just go online to donate to Plymouth at www.seattlefoundation.org any time on Wednesday, May 15.

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I n the summer of 1993, I walked

through the doors of Plymouth’s of-fices for the first time. When I did, I started a new job and began writing a new chapter in my life. I had no idea how profoundly this leadership role

would transform me, and I’m not sure I expected the chapter to be so long. But I’m grateful for both.

It’s been a remarkable 20 years. I’ve worked on behalf of a mission that has improved thousands of lives in dramatic, fundamental and lasting ways. I’ve been able to work alongside people with excep-tional compassion, intelligence, commit-ment and generosity.

Seattle and King County have changed a lot over the past two decades. Plymouth has changed a lot, too. When I started, we owned four buildings and operated two

others, providing homes for just over 300 formerly-homeless people. Today, we own 13 buildings and provide permanent hous-ing with wrap-around support services to more than 1,000 people. The Pat Williams Apartments, our newest LEED Platinum building, is a great example of Plymouth’s commitment to looking forward.

Forward progress is the defining feature of our next building at Third & Virginia. Some Plymouth residents have done so well in supportive housing that they’re ready to “graduate” to more inde-pendent living.

This building will provide that opportu-nity. And as residents graduate, their sup-portive housing unit will become available to someone who is currently homeless in our community.

Unfortunately, we’ve faced some opposi-tion. While some in the community have con-cerns, we’ve been deeply moved by the extent of community support. Many have reached out to tell us by phone, letter, and email how much they appreciate the transformation Plymouth’s programs bring to the lives of so many.

Plymouth has been successful for 33 years because our supporters—like you—eagerly take on the role of advocates and ambassadors. You promote our effective, nationally-benchmarked models and give us the resources to put them into action.

We’re preparing for a final design review of the Third & Virginia project later this month and hope to start construction in the fall. We would greatly appreciate your support, and will be in touch to let you know how the project is progressing.

Over the past 20 years, I have written a great many of these letters. I have used them to encourage you to take action, to invite you to think about issues, and to share wonderful news about Plymouth. I’ve done that again here. But this time, my most important message is: thank you for an incredible 20 years.

LOOKING BACK WITH GRATITUDE… MOVING FORWARD WITH COMMITMENT

BOARD OF TRUSTEESAngus Cunningham, presidentStewart Landefeld, vice presidentRobert D. Cook, treasurer

2113 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98121 > 206-374-9409 > 206-374-0602 fax > email@plymouthhousing.org > www.plymouthhousing.org

Mercedes Fernandez, secretaryDavid BeitelStuart C. CampbellDiane Castanes

Gregg DeRitisTyrone EdwardsJessica GibsonBetty Henry

Kate JoncasJohn McHaleBarbara NystromJon Okada

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paul Lambros

© 2013 Plymouth Housing Group All Rights Reserved

April PaceCraig ParsonsDavid PostonMaria Royer

Chris SchmaltzTracey Wickersham

YOU CAN HELP FILL PLYMOUTH’S WALLS WITH ART

P lymouth recently launched the Art in the Build-ings project. Our goal is to place donated art in the

entries, hallways and community spaces of Plymouth’s 13 buildings, where they will provide comfort and inspiration to hundreds of residents and visitors for years to come.

We’re asking for community donations of framed hanging artwork. This includes original drawings, paintings and prints; small quilts; framed fiber art; and reproductions and posters in good condition. We’re especially interested in donations of art representing diverse cultural traditions.

To donate artwork, please contact Kathy Roseth, Plymouth Chief Operations Officer, at kroseth@plymouthhousing.org or 206-374-9409, ext. 121.

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“San Juan Island Morning” — Gary C., Plymouth resident and Path with Art student artist.

On March 2, nearly 500 guests packed Fremont Studios to enjoy

the most entertaining show in town, the 4th annual Seattle Dances! An evening of glamour, glitter and glory went down in history as Plymouth’s most success-ful gala, raising close to half a million dollars. In recognition of their com-mitment to ending homelessness, Bill Block and Sue Leavitt were the eve-ning’s honorees.

This hugely popular event puts a fresh, local, and philanthropic spin on TV’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Each year, local luminaries perform specially-choreographed dances with professional partners.

This year’s celebrity dancers were: Connie Blumenthal, Realogics So-theby’s International Realty; Ernie Pino, Producciones Pino; Patti Savoy, Community Volunteer; Ian Smith, Hitachi Consulting; Charlene Strong, LFB Advocacy Group; John Teutsch, Teutsch Partners; Shelley Tomberg, Columbia Hospitality; and Jane Zalutsky, JZ Works.

While they were rehearsing and per-forming, the dancers were also raising money for Plymouth. Supporters voted for individual dancers with monetary pledges online and at the event and

judges cast votes for their favorite dance couple. Congratulations to this year’s winners: Judges’ Choice winners Patti Savoy & Mark Kihara; People’s Choice winners Connie Blumenthal & Marcelo Garces; and Cyber Choice winners John Teutsch & Alison Cockrill.

Plymouth is grateful to all of the dancers for their hard work and exuberant commit-ment. Likewise, we extend hearty thanks to event co-chairs Stacy Lill of DeLille Cellars & Carese Busby of Cobalt Mortgage; Emcee Patti Payne; Hallie Kuperman & Century Ballroom; and celebrity judges Karen Bryant, Seattle Storm; Gordon Prouty, Puget Sound Business Journal; Joyce Taylor, KING-5 TV; and Simon Woods, Seattle Symphony.A standing ovation to our Sponsors!

Gold: BNBuilders, JP Morgan Chase, Marpac Construction; Silver: BECU, Capital One, SMR Architects; Bronze: Bank of America, Enterprise Community Invest-ment; Supporting: Effective Design Studio, McCarthy & Schiering Wine Merchants; Sequin: National Equity Fund; Media: Seattle Magazine and Puget Sound Busi-ness Journal; Mirror Ball Raffle: Columbia Hospitality; Style Sponsor: Angela Welsh Designs; Dancer Costumes: Jamie Von Stratton; Photography & Video: Team Photogenic.

Editor: Shari Kooistra Contributors: Rosemary Coleman, Elisabeth Vasquez Hein, Mary Ann Lambert, Kathy Roseth

1. Event Co-Chairs Stacy Lill and Carese Busby (left to right)

2. Jane Zalutsky and Jonathan Wingard-Phillips dance the Bachata. 3. Ricki Mason and Charlene Strong danced the Hustle. 4. Katie Lake and Ernie Pino dazzled with the Tango. 5. Ian Smith and Deron Hayes rock the West Coast Swing. 6. Shelley Tomberg and Michael Cahn wow the crowd with Salsa. 7. Connie Blumenthal and Marcelo Garces took the People’s Choice Award with their Salsa. 8. John Teutsch and Alison Cockrill won the Cyber Choice Award with their Cha Cha. 9. Patti Savoy and Mark Kihara won the Judges’ Choice Award with their Lindy Hop.

10. From left: Kitten LaRue with Century Ballroom Owner Hallie Kuperman and Lou Henry Hoover leading off the Exhibition Dance. Twenty celebrity and professional dancers celebrated “Gangam Style” as choreographed by Hallie.

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DANCING TO THE TUNE OF $482,000!

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CELEBRATING PLYMOUTH’S NEWEST BUILDING:

THE PAT WILLIAMS APARTMENTSOver 300 Plymouth supporters attended pre-opening celebrations at

The Pat Williams Apartments February 1-14, 2013.

Our 13th and newest building, The Pat Williams Apartments, opened in February. This is a groundbreaking place in many

ways. On-site programs will provide focused, daily support for all 81 residents as they work to leave chemical dependency behind. Half of the apartments are reserved for military service veterans. We’re proud that the building received the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Homes Mid-Rise Platinum certification, because sustainable design

is part of Plymouth’s commitment to environmental and financial stewardship. The Pat Williams Apartments are Washington state’s first affordable housing to earn this certification, and only the second Mid-Rise project of any kind in the state to do so. Development of The Pat Williams Apartments was made possible by our recent $22M Sustain-ing Hope Capital Campaign, through which $4.1M was contributed by individuals and foundations.

Sustaining Hope Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Stewart Landefeld and Paula Reynolds at the February 5 reception for major donors. Paula was honored with the Paula Rosput Reynolds Reading Room in The Pat Williams Apartments.

Exterior of The Pat Williams Apartments. Photo Credit: William Wright.

Sylvia Odom, Catherine Colwell and Sue Jones at the February 10 Alumni Board Reunion held at The Pat Williams Apartments. More than 50 board members from the past 33 years gathered over a catered brunch to tour the new building and share stories.

Plymouth Clinical Supervisor Michael Quinn led tours at the February 5 public opening of The Pat Williams Apartments. Speakers included local elected officials and nationally-recognized experts in supportive housing for veterans.

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Pat Williams played an instrumental role in the design and construction of Plymouth residences for more than 20 years. She was a true partner in our efforts to end homelessness and the building is our highest tribute to her.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

PYRAMID ALEHOUSE, SODO

SUMMER IN SEATTLE! That’s always worth celebrating—especially when it supports Plymouth’s work to end homelessness in our community.

PoP: Promoters of Plymouth is Plymouth’s new young professionals group. Please join us for a frosty brew, great food, and live music from bluegrass band Million Dollar Nile and indie duo Mikey & Matty Gervais.

SPACE IS LIMITED…Grab your tickets now at www.plymouthhousing.org/pop. Admission includes one food ticket and two drink tickets.

COST: $25 PER PERSON IN ADVANCE/ $35 PER PERSON AT THE DOOR

MORE INFO: Find Plymouth Housing Group on Facebook to see all the latest updates or contact Mary Ann Lambert, Plymouth Event Manager at 206-374-9409, ext. 144 or mlambert@plymouthhousing.org.

W hen Laura Ward moved to Seattle a year ago, she decided to volunteer

with Plymouth “because it provides a long-term, sustainable solution to homelessness.” Community volunteerism is an essential part of Plymouth’s social services model and key to achieving a sustainable solution.

Laura’s volunteer experiences—serving a holiday meal, supporting the fundraiser gala, computer mentoring, and one-on-one companionship—have deepened her connections to the people in the Plymouth community and to the often-complex reali-ties of their lives.

An active listener, Laura is eager for resident stories. She’s heard what it’s like to lose your home to Hurricane Katrina, to be a veteran with PTSD, and to flee your home country because of war. Stories like

WHAT YOU DO ISN’T AS IMPORTANT AS THE CONNECTION YOU MAKE

these build strong bonds between volun-teers and residents. “The Plymouth com-munity is remarkably stable,” she notes. “They’re good people who have suffered bad circumstances.”

Laura’s volunteer work builds connec-tions in other important ways. Her first as-signment was to provide monthly computer mentoring. Residents now cultivate and sustain friendships within the Plymouth community through e-mail and Facebook. Some residents even use these tools to reconnect with family.

Laura makes sure to come to Plymouth consistently. She knows that consistency builds relationships and that relationships can transform lives. Her advice to potential volunteers is reassuring: “What you do isn’t as important as the connection you make.”

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Laura Ward, Plymouth Volunteer

Plymouth Housing Group works to eliminate homelessness and address its causes by preserving, developing and operating safe, quality, supportive housing and by providing homeless adults with opportunities to stabilize and improve their lives.

WE CARENewsletter printed on an FSC certified 30% recovered fiber.

OUR MISSION

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGEPAIDSEATTLE, WAPERMIT #22

2113 Third AvenueSeattle, Washington 98121www.plymouthhousing.org

Bob Woodruff joined ABC News in 1996 and has covered major stories throughout the country and around the world. In 2006, while reporting on U.S. and Iraqi security forces, Woodruff was seriously injured by a roadside bomb that struck his vehicle near Taji, Iraq.

His traumatic brain injury and painstaking recovery give him special insight into the lasting challenges faced by veterans. The Woodruff family started the Bob Woodruff Foundation to support all injured service members, with emphasis on traumatic brain injury and combat stress.

Suggested Donation: $150 per person. 100 percent of the luncheon proceeds will go directly to support Plymouth’s award-winning programs and services.

To register as an Individual Guest, please visit www.plymouthhousing.org.

To register as a Table Captain, please email lunch@plymouthhousing.org or call Mary Ann Lambert at 206-374-9409, ext.144.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Keynote Speaker: Bob Woodruff, Anchor and Reporter, ABC News

DATE!SAVEthe PLYMOUTH’S 10TH ANNUAL KEY TO HOPE LUNCHEON

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 12:00 – 1:30 PMWESTIN HOTEL, SEATTLE