Blog

Meet the ‘We’ in We Are In

We Are In is a community coalition of King County unhoused and housed neighbors, local advocacy organizations and philanthropies, service providers, and businesses who are uniting to end homelessness and create more affordable homes in King County. This is the first in a series of posts that will introduce you to some of our partners and members. First up: Symetra Financial.

Symetra, a key partner of We Are In, is an insurance company headquartered in Bellevue with a strong commitment to social impact. Read our Q&A with Beth Osborne, Symetra’s Director of Local Public Affairs, below.

Q&A with Symetra Financial

In February 2022, Symetra and other private partners announced their commitment to support Partnership for Zero, a public-private collaboration to dramatically reduce unsheltered homelessness in targeted areas of King County, starting with Downtown Seattle and the Chinatown/International District. Partnership for Zero is showing us what is possible when private capital aligns with a new model of government strategy, allowing us to catalyze much-needed infrastructure and systems change.

What led Symetra to join Partnership for Zero? What felt different about this initiative?

Addressing housing affordability and homelessness is a core focus of Symetra Empowers Communities, a program that specifically works to reduce barriers and improve outcomes for underserved women, youth and BIPOC communities. That is what led us to join We Are In, a community coalition of local advocacy organizations, service providers, businesses and philanthropies working to end homelessness and build more affordable homes in King County. Partnership for Zero stands out because it prioritizes the needs of people with lived experience and unites a broad group of stakeholders – from community, government, philanthropy, advocates and businesses – on a common goal to house individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in downtown Seattle.

Can you speak more about the role that you believe Symetra and other private sector actors play in our region’s efforts to create more affordable housing? Why is private sector involvement key?

As a company committed to our people and our communities, Symetra believes that we can influence and drive meaningful, positive social change. We combine our support through nonprofit giving, advocacy, employee engagement, and partnerships. On a broad and challenging issue like affordable housing, we believe our efforts are most impactful when we work together with aligned community members, nonprofit partners and businesses.

What would you say to peer companies who are looking to make a difference in this area? Why should they act and what should they do?

All companies – small, medium and big – have a role to play, especially when it comes to working together. This issue is essential to the health and vitality of our region, not just from a community perspective, but also from a business perspective. Businesses thrive in healthy communities that feel welcoming and safe to employees, visitors and all community members. The quality of life in Washington state helps attract and retain the best talent in our small businesses and companies. Through funding, advocacy or both, companies can make a difference by joining coalitions or supporting nonprofits that align with their values.

Why is Symetra committed to ending homelessness and the affordable housing crisis in our region?

Our vision is to create a world where more people have access to financial freedom. Historically, it has been systems that have created barriers that ultimately lead to homelessness. We believe a concerted effort to increase affordable housing and end our homelessness crisis will drive the long-term change needed to improve outcomes for women, youth, and students from underserved BIPOC communities.

Empathy Is Key In Our Fight to End Homelessness

By: Felicia Salcedo, We Are In Executive Director

Solving homelessness is consistently the most important issue for people in King County. This sense of urgency and concern can drive much-needed change –– and the path forward is clear: more affordable, permanent housing and genuine care for people experiencing homelessness. The people most impacted by homelessness are our most critical partners in this work, yet they are often shamed and scapegoated for the very existence of homelessness in our communities. The fight to end homelessness can’t be just about home values, or election victories, or cleaning up our streets –– it has to be about supporting the most vulnerable among us and ensuring a better future for us all by rooting out the structural conditions that allow people to become homeless in King County.

As an op-ed in the Washington Post aptly put it: “smart policy on homelessness requires empathy.”

Often, we talk about homelessness –– and the urgent need to act –– not because our neighbors’ lives and dignity depend on it, but because voters are fed up. Many find it easier to blame individuals experiencing homelessness, acting as though it is a choice, rather than being honest about the fact that the causes are structural (e.g. structural racism, housing market conditions). And media coverage of the issue often focuses more on political infighting among those with the power to make a difference, instead of staying focused on the people and issues for which they’re fighting.

None of that will truly move the needle on this issue. What we need is radical empathy and love for our neighbors –– that is what will fuel the bold change we need to see.

As I was reading that op-ed, I was reflecting on the meaning and purpose of our organization, We Are In. “We” are a community coalition of King County’s unhoused and housed neighbors, advocates, philanthropies, service providers, and businesses, all united in the fight to create more affordable homes and end homelessness in our region. We believe in our shared responsibility and opportunity to support our neighbors and build a stronger, safer community for everyone.

We Are In’s work consists of advocacy, education, and sourcing capital for effective solutions –– we’re also cultivating the empathy and compassion that will continue to drive this movement forward by:

Uplifting the voices, stories, and leadership of folks with the lived experience of homelessness. Empathy is about learning and understanding the experiences of others. We need to listen to those most impacted and challenge ourselves to think about homelessness from their perspective, not ours.
Changing the narrative around homelessness and housing so that we’re centering the people most impacted, amplifying progress, and remaining focused on the why: getting everyone in our community into safe, stable, and dignified housing.
Encouraging folks to get involved in the community and connecting them to opportunities to support our neighbors. We Are In is about taking action, together. We all have a role to play in ending homelessness in our region, and it starts with simple acts of kindness and service. We always share ways to get involved in our newsletter (sign up here) –– if you’re looking to give, check out this article detailing what homeless service providers could use in King County or you can volunteer your time.

Importantly, our collective sense of urgency and care is already driving real progress. Over the past two years, our region centralized the funds and strategy for addressing homelessness through an innovative, independent agency: The King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA).

The KCRHA, with support from We Are In’s coalition of business and philanthropic partners, launched Partnership for Zero (PFZ), a public-private collaboration to dramatically reduce unsheltered homelessness in targeted areas of King County, starting with Downtown Seattle and the Chinatown/International District. As part of PFZ’s approach, formerly homeless outreach workers, known as System Advocates, are currently helping to secure long-term, stable housing for every person living outside in these areas.

And in June, King County’s Health Through Housing Initiative opened its fifth site in Northgate. With this new site, the initiative has now created nearly 500 available units, bringing us one step closer to getting all of our region’s unhoused residents inside and connected to the services they need to thrive.

We will continue to build on this progress, not only by increasing our stock of available, affordable housing, but also by inspiring others to act with empathy –– we can all be part of the solution.

Support for Partnership For Zero

GOVERNMENT LEADERS

King County Executive Dow Constantine: “King County is excited to join leaders from across the public and private sectors to work together to tackle the homelessness crisis, help those who are suffering, and put our region back together,” said King County Executive Constantine. “I am looking forward to seeing this initiative take hold, and to working with the Regional Authority and our partners to meet and ultimately end this crisis. Unsheltered homelessness in inhumane, unacceptable, and must be solved, here in Downtown Seattle, and across our region.”

Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harrell: “By uniting government and philanthropic, business, and civic organizations and leaders – not just to marshal resources – but to substantively act on our shared values and commitment to change, Partnership for Zero represents real collaboration and a vital step in addressing the homelessness crisis. The work ahead is by no means easy, but this is the kind of cooperation envisioned in the creation of the Regional Homelessness Authority and in my calls for public-private-philanthropic teamwork. Helping people experiencing homelessness get off the streets of downtown Seattle and into housing with services is an essential priority for my administration; Partnership for Zero is a bold plan of action to make progress possible – and permanent.”

Marc Dones, CEO of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority: “Solving homelessness, especially chronic homelessness, is not an easy task; the problems we are trying to solve reached this level because of years of inattention and underfunding. It requires time and focus to do it right — peoples’ lives depend on it — and this partnership is designed to work in a different way than what has been done before. Our “public-private partnership” is more than just an infusion of private dollars –– it’s about recognizing that homelessness is a whole of community issue that requires a whole of community response. This is about bringing our entire community together, centering the voices of people with lived experience, and moving away from analysis and towards action.”

Seattle City Councilmember Andrew Lewis: “This innovative new initiative from the King County Regional Homelessness Authority centralizes the leadership of lived experience and partnership with the public and private sectors to make long overdue progress on homelessness Downtown.”

Seattle City Councilmember Sara Nelson: “We’ve heard clearly that our neighbors, both housed and unhoused, have been frustrated with previous efforts and are ready to do what it takes to make a difference that is clear, caring, and effective. Together with KCRHA, we will use best practices and take the time to do this right.”

Former Governor Christine Gregoire, CEO of Challenge Seattle: “Public-private partnerships are how we led the nation during COVID-19, and together, we must embark upon a new partnership to address chronic homelessness. With a plan based on proven strategies by the Regional Homelessness Authority paired with new investments for emergency housing and services at the state level, we can make progress on this complex crisis.”

PHILANTHROPY AND NONPROFIT LEADERS

Connie Ballmer, Co-Founder of Ballmer Group Philanthropy, lead funder of Partnership for Zero: “The King County Regional Homelessness Authority is an incredible asset to our region, helping to design a stronger, more coordinated county-wide response to a humanitarian crisis. We and the philanthropic community are pleased to be able to provide bridge funding to support the Authority to quickly launch Partnership for Zero, a proven approach to substantially reduce homelessness.”

LaMont Green, Chair of the Washington State Lived Experience Coalition: “With Partnership for Zero, we are building a homeless response system that is co-architected by those most impacted. This human-centered approach to homelessness treats people experiencing homelessness as people, meets them where they are, and gets them the resources they need. By coming together to build a more empathetic approach to homelessness, we can make a transformative difference for our communities that leans into our vision for a racially and socially just King County.”

Derrick Belgarde, Executive Director of Chief Seattle Club: “We Are In and KCRHA are taking an important step forward, one that many providers like Chief Seattle Club have been advocating for since this crisis began. Paying individuals with lived experiences a living wage in our region has been difficult with the stigmatization of currently and formerly homeless individuals. We are excited that this partnership is modeling a new industry standard, and we hope that this step influences all funders and policy makers to follow-suit.”

Sonya Campion, President of the Campion Foundation: “As a region, we must apply what makes us a dynamic community – our innovation, big visions, hunger for equity, and an all-hands-on deck approach – to solving the unacceptable crisis of homelessness. We can and will do this. Partnership for Zero is an unprecedented collaboration between government, philanthropy, business, nonprofits, and people with lived experience of homelessness. Together, we will create a response system that works. I encourage everyone to join us.”

Sheri Schultz, Co-Founder of the Schultz Family Foundation: “Chronic homelessness is a crisis in our community that can only be solved if we all come together. Government, businesses, philanthropy, service providers and every day citizens must adopt an emergency mindset to address the urgent needs of our unhoused neighbors. Everyone deserves access to critical services. No one should have to sleep outside. If we want our city to change, it’s time to take action.”

Jane Broom, Senior Director of Microsoft Philanthropies: “Partnership for Zero is a critical step for our region to address the homelessness crisis as the emergency that it is. Microsoft has been working alongside the King County Regional Homelessness Authority and We Are In to support this collective effort. This is our region’s opportunity to ensure that everyone in our community has not just a roof over their head, but a place they can call home.”

Amy Carter, Community Engagement Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: “Every person deserves a place to call home and build their life. This new Partnership offers the people, resources, and solutions needed to make this a reality for the people of King County. We join this effort with optimism about what’s possible when we take action against homelessness together.”

Dennis Quirin, Executive Director of the Raikes Foundation: “Partnership for Zero is about seeing the humanity—the pain, the suffering, but also the spirit and potential—of our unhoused neighbors. This unprecedented coalition, led by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, We Are In, and, most importantly, people with lived experience with homelessness, represents a different path forward for our community and an opportunity for real change. We’re taking brave steps together to make our community one where everyone has a safe place to call home.”

Gordon McHenry, Jr., President & CEO of United Way of King County: “Housing is a basic human need and right. We can’t have an equitable recovery from the pandemic without helping our most vulnerable neighbors access the housing resources they need. United Way is excited to see this collaboration from the public and private sector and eager to bring our neighbors inside.”

BUSINESS LEADERS

Michelle Seitz, Chairman and CEO of Russell Investments and Co-Chair of Challenge Seattle: “The past two years have provided unprecedented opportunities to build bridges between businesses, government, and the communities we serve. Washington has been Russell Investments’ home for 85 years. We live here, we work here, we raise our families here, and we want a healthy community for all. Working side-by-side with the Partnership for Zero coalition, I believe we can create a better future for everyone and help lift up those who so desperately need our help.”

Camille Hymes, Vice President of Community Impact, Starbucks: “For 50 years, Starbucks has worked with our neighbors and partners (employees) in Seattle to strengthen and uplift our hometown community. Chronic homelessness is the most pressing issue facing our community today, and we’re proud to be a part of Partnership for Zero through the We Are In coalition to advance solutions that address this major issue and help eliminate chronic homelessness in King County.”

Alice Shobe, Global Director of Amazon in the Community: “Amazon is pleased to support Partnership for Zero as it works to bring together local government, non-profit organizations, and businesses to continue to address the homeless crisis with urgency and compassion.”

Erik Nordstrom, Chief Executive Officer of Nordstrom: “It has long been our aim to support the communities where we serve. We have been proud to call Seattle our home for more than 120 years and believe that all residents deserve a safe and stable place to reside.”

Margaret Meister, CEO, Symetra Financial: “Homelessness and a lack of affordable housing are a crisis in nearly every major city in America. As an organization and We Are In member, Symetra wholeheartedly supports policies and initiatives that help provide individuals and families with safe, affordable places to live while addressing the variety of root cause barriers that contribute to chronic homelessness. The Partnership for Zero offers all of us, working together, a meaningful opportunity to take a critical step forward on defining issue for our region.”

Rachel Smith, President & CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce: “The Seattle Metro Chamber welcomes this important turning point in our region’s approach to helping people experiencing homelessness come inside. Led by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority and We Are In, Partnership for Zero demonstrates how our region can listen to the experts, focus and coordinate resources, and develop infrastructure that urgently addresses unsheltered homelessness. It is a demonstration of something we have known for a long time –– when we work in coalition and in common purpose, we can make real change. I’m proud to see the historic investment from business and philanthropy that has made it possible for our region to take this innovative, unified approach today.”

Jon Scholes, President & CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association: “In Seattle, we get the best results when the private and public sectors work together. There’s no bigger issue in our city today than the crisis of homelessness, and the greatest concentration of people experiencing homelessness is downtown,” said Downtown Seattle Association President & CEO Jon Scholes. “This partnership will ensure the King County Regional Homelessness Authority has the resources needed to bring 800 individuals living un-housed in downtown off the streets and connect them to critical services. Not every community can come together like this and we’re grateful the Seattle business and philanthropic community is rising to the challenge in partnership with the city and county. This plan and strategy can be a game changer in how we address homelessness in the heart of Seattle.”

This is Our Opportunity to Create Affordable, Permanent Housing

By: Felicia Salcedo, We Are In Founding Director

It is evident –– here in King County and across the country –– that the solution to homelessness is housing. There simply are not enough apartments, townhomes, or houses that regular people can afford. Rents keep going up, and people are paying more and more for housing as a percentage of income.

Nationally, we are short nearly seven million units of affordable housing; in King County, we are short nearly 160,000 additional affordable units right now, with a total of 244,000 additional units needed by 2040. Our region is an attractive place to live and work, but housing stock has not kept pace with population increases, job creation, and wage growth, driving up prices to the point of unaffordability. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, two full-time minimum wage jobs won’t cover the fair market rent for a two bedroom apartment in Washington. That means people like waitstaff, childcare providers, delivery drivers, grocery clerks, warehouse stockers and airport workers are struggling to make ends meet.

For years, policy-makers have disproportionately invested in short-term solutions to homelessness, such as congregate shelters and tiny wooden huts, stopgaps and band-aids that were meant to be temporary but tend to become permanent. That habit is not sustainable and perpetuates the cycles and harms of homelessness. Instead, we should be building community by helping people who have been marginalized move into safe and stable housing. The stability of having a place to call home is proven to increase engagement with supportive services — stability means people have a chance to breathe so they can address health needs, substance use, and job training — and reduce the chances of returning to homelessness.

To solve homelessness, we must prioritize investments in stable, permanent housing options that are not segregated or redlined away but are woven into the fabric of our thriving, inclusive communities. Our neighborhoods can and should reflect our shared values.

With an increased investment that prioritizes housing in the short term, we can save significant costs in the long term by reducing the strain on things like emergency room care, law enforcement, and by maximizing the potential of our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

The question then becomes, where is the funding going to come from for additional affordable housing units and how do we ensure that the funding is spent swiftly, effectively, and equitably?

Earlier this week, I hosted A Conversation on Homelessness and Housing with Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, State Rep. Nicole Macri, and King County Executive Dow Constantine where we discussed what homelessness and housing funds exist or will soon be available to the King County community and the steps necessary to ensure equitable, sustainable, and impactful implementation.

Congresswoman Jayapal highlighted the urgency of passing the Build Back Better Act, which as it is written, constitutes the largest federal investment in housing in the history of our country. Build Back Better would not only invest in much needed repairs and improvements to the existing public and affordable housing stock, but also incentivize the development of new affordable housing. Congresswoman Jayapal emphasized the importance of federal, state, and local officials working together with service partners and advocates to ensure that these federal investments reach our communities. While Build Back Better’s passage is now in doubt, Rep. Jayapal was optimistic that important pieces of the legislation can still become law during this Congress.

King County Executive Dow Constantine and state Rep. Nicole Macri provided updates on progress at the local and state level to get vulnerable residents into housing, including the acquisition of the 10th Health Through Housing site and proposed legislation such as HB 1866 that would invest in more supportive housing while also expanding the capacity of providers.

All three of our speakers reminded us of the importance of our continued advocacy. It is critical that we tell our elected officials at all levels to prioritize investments in housing. You can join We Are In and the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance in asking our state legislators to invest in ending and preventing housing instability. You can also join the House Washington coalition in calling on state leaders to make homelessness and affordable housing a top priority this legislative session.

You can watch our full conversation below.

How to Safely Live In Your Car This Winter

By: Kelly M.

It’s getting colder at night. I know firsthand how critical it is to prepare for cold weather, so I compiled my tips for surviving in a car in winter in the Pacific Northwest. We all know that living in a car is not ideal, and that we need more shelter and housing options that will work for everybody.

In the meantime, I hope my experience can help people who are forced to sleep outside stay safe, and can give other people an idea of the day-to-day challenges that we face.

Here’s my checklist for people who have to sleep in their cars.

1. Write down the address of where you are parked and keep it close at hand.

It’s important to have the exact address of your location in case you need emergency support. When calling 911 while experiencing a medical emergency (such as hypothermia) or panic, it can be difficult to think clearly.

2. Ensure your car is in decent running order before winter.

O’Reilly’s will typically check and test batteries for free. If you don’t know how to check your car fluids and tire pressure, you can ask about that as well. Call 2-1-1 to check for free basic auto support.

3. Buy jumper cables (and make sure you know how to use them).

If you feel safe, an open hood is universal for “I need a jump”.

4. Try to always have at least a half tank of gas.

5. If it is snowing heavily, check to make sure your tailpipe is not blocked by snow.

This will put you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

6. Keep your window(s) cracked, on the side away from the wind.

You want to vent out moisture (which you create by breathing and sweating), but you want to stay as dry as possible.

7. Purchase Reflectix from Walmart or Auto Stores (also cheap scissors, if you don’t have any).

Reflectix is a thermal insulating material. Use it on your windshield for privacy and insulation, using the visors to hold it in place. You can also hang it across the inside of the car using bungee cords connecting it to the grab handles above the front doors); with this method, you’ll also want to drape a synthetic material blanket across it to help trap your body’s heat to the side you’re on.

8. Closed cell pads (i.e. sleeping bag mat or a yoga mat) are ideal for trapping body heat beneath you.

A lot of body heat gets lost from underneath you, and fluffy blankets and sleeping bags get flat from your weight and car seats/floors don’t insulate. Any material you can blow air through is not closed cell. In a pinch, reflectix will also do the job, as will a silver survival blanket, though neither are very comfortable.

9. Never use candles, space heaters, or open flame of any kind in your car.

Just don’t do it.

10. Smart clothing layering is critical.

You want synthetic material next to your skin and as an outer shell (such as a large garbage bag with holes cut for arms, head). Cheap exercise clothes are synthetic and they pass moisture away from the skin. Long or short sleeve synthetic shirts work well, along with additional layers of whatever you have on top. It’s critical to finish with something water resistant if you have to go outside. Wear fleece tights, thermals, and/or long johns. Jeans can go over them but try to keep them dry, and roll them up if they drag on the ground. On your feet, thin synthetic socks with thick fluffy socks, preferably wool/synthetic blend, are best. Wear a hat and scarf. Thin synthetic gloves with flip top mittens are good for the hands. Flip tops usually have room for a hottie.

11. Layer your bedding.

Flannel is a great bedding material if you can keep it dry. Sleeping bags won’t let drafts in. Again, go synthetic. Add blankets on top. Use a mat.

12. Know the signs of hypothermia and seek emergency support immediately, if symptoms arise.

Hypothermia symptoms include: Excessive shivering, exhaustion or drowsiness (particularly when you were wide awake), confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and blue-ing of fingers, toes, or lips. If you call 911 and they are slow to respond, you could set your car alarm off to get a faster response, go to a business that has lights on and ask for help, or try to get skin contact for warmth. Don’t ever be embarrassed to ask to enter a business while having a medical emergency — your life depends on it.

The Truth About Health Through Housing

King County recently purchased a hotel in Redmond to be converted into emergency and supportive housing units through Executive Dow Constantine’s innovative Health Through Housing initiative. By the end of 2022, King County aims to create up to 1,600 units of supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness––and all of our region stands to benefit. With affordable housing in our area out of reach for so many, providing permanent supportive housing for people most in need is a central strategy in the fight to end homelessness.

Unfortunately, there are harmful myths about the hotel purchase spreading rapidly throughout communities in Redmond and Bellevue — fueled by disinformation and misconceptions about the initiative and publicly owned housing more broadly. Fears about this purchase, however, are misplaced. In this blog post, We Are In shares seven facts about the Redmond purchase and the importance of the county’s Health Through Housing initiative.

1. Providing permanent supportive housing plays a critical role in addressing the homelessness crisis.

A study out of the University of California San Francisco found that supportive housing is one of the most effective ways to permanently house people who have experienced chronic homelessness. Through a range of recovery support services, supportive housing facilities can help address some of the root causes of homelessness. For example, all Health Through Housing facilities have staff and case managers on site who connect residents to health and behavioral health services as well as assist them in finding a job, applying to school and enrolling in benefits programs.

2. The new Health through Housing facility will likely increase surrounding property values in Redmond and Bellevue.

A NYU study found that permanent supportive housing developments tend to correlate with increasing property values in surrounding neighborhoods, in part because permanent supportive housing is one of the best tools to reduce visible homelessness by helping people move inside.

3. Affordable and public housing developments like the Redmond facility will improve overall neighborhood unity and economic stability for all residents.

Despite claims to the contrary, numerous studies have shown that the presence of affordable housing developments does not contribute to an increase in crime; in fact, the National Crime Prevention Council encourages the construction of affordable housing as a tool for decreasing crime.

4. Supportive housing is the most effective way to get tents off the streets.

Providing access to housing is our best tool to reduce visible homelessness. Further, having a roof over your head allows for a shift from a survival mindset toward long-term recovery planning, such as finding a job and permanent housing.

5. There will not be a safe-injection site at the Redmond facility.

The Redmond facility, like all Health Through Housing facilities, does not have a safe-injection site.

6. Emergency and supportive shelter for people experiencing homelessness is critical in our efforts to dismantle racism and inequity more broadly.

Today, more than 11,000 people are experiencing homelessness in the region, with people of color or of Indigenous descent overwhelmingly overrepresented, reflecting decades of racist, inequitable housing and economic policy. The Health Through Housing initiative is a critical step in changing that reality.

7. Permanent supportive housing is critical to house people with disabilities.

According to the 2020 Point in Time Count, up to a third of people experiencing homelessness self-report having a physical disability and/or a chronic health problem, and 20% self-reported having a traumatic brain injury. People with these disabilities are heavily overrepresented in the homelessness population, and permanent supportive housing is an important way for them to get the support and care they need.

We can end homelessness in King County—and it starts with providing safe, dignified, housing and stability to those who need it. You can read more about King County’s Health Through Housing initiative at the King County website.