Plymouth Housing

Plymouth Stories: Sedriece, a queer nonbinary (biracial) person of color, is a learning and development specialist at Plymouth. Sedriece helps to train our employees so that we can support our most vulnerable community members as they exit homelessness. We proudly celebrate Sedriece on International Non-Binary People's Day! "Growing up, I never fit in the box quite right: not white or black enough; never feeling quite right as a girl, while knowing that I wasn't a boy. As I have gotten older, I have grown to become a person younger me never would have dreamed of—but would be in awe of. Am I exactly where I want to be? Of course not. But I can honestly say that I know who I am: I celebrate that I don’t quite fit in those boxes perfectly. It is essential to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA2+ individuals—especially in housing—both as residents and workers. We have so much to give and to share. We exist and we aren’t going anywhere. I love working for Plymouth Housing because I am passionate about advocating for those who are often seen as less than human. Plymouth’s commitment to affordable housing resonates with my values of equity and social justice. It’s not just about providing a roof over someone’s head. It’s about fostering a sense of community, belonging, and dignity. Working here allows me to be part of a larger mission—a mission that goes beyond the bricks and mortar of housing. We do this work because we care about building a more compassionate, inclusive society where everyone has a place to call home." [ #PlymouthStories: A series that illuminates the shared humanity of people impacted by homelessness. Each story features a Plymouth Housing staff member, resident, or supporter. ]

Plymouth Stories: Giovanna, Plymouth rental office facilitator, is a transfem nonbinary person helping people on their journey out of homelessness. We proudly celebrate Giovanna in recognition of International Non-Binary People's Day (Sunday, July 14). "First, I celebrate the community I've become a part of, and the incredible people I've been blessed to meet. Second, I celebrate the alchemy of transition care, and how it's allowed me to feel comfortable in my skin. Last but not least, I celebrate my impeccable taste in fashion, now freed from the shackles of gendered clothing. I love working at Plymouth because I feel like I'm making a difference in my community. Sadly, trans people have higher rates of homelessness compared to cis people, and I've known friends and loved ones who have been homeless in the past. I take pride in being able to help get queer and trans folks—especially queer and trans elders—out of homelessness and into stable housing. People get into this line of work because they care about it. A lot of us care about it because we've been affected by homelessness, whether personally, through those we care about, or those in our communities. That means that the struggles we experience in this field can hit really hard. We should remember to give each other grace, help each other out, allow others space to grieve, and celebrate every win." [ #PlymouthStories: A series that illuminates the shared humanity of people impacted by homelessness. Each story features a Plymouth Housing staff member, resident, or supporter. ]

Plymouth Community Happenings | June 29 - July 12 Summer is in full swing at Plymouth, and our team at Almquist Place, located in Little Saigon in Seattle's International District, has been busy serving up community meals each week—including a BBQ for the Fourth of July! Thank you to Community Specialist Derrick and the whole Almquist team for providing delicious food and opportunities for connection for residents. As Derrick put it, "We are family here." Over at our Pat Williams Apartments in Denny Triangle, New York Times bestselling author Ingrid Ricks partnered with former Plymouth Board Chair Lainey Sickinger to bring Plymouth residents a unique experience. Ingrid hosted a few autobiography writing workshop sessions to empower residents and staff through the art of personal storytelling. Thank you to everyone who took part in these workshops for their courage and compassion. Whether stopping by for a good meal or exploring a new experience like memoir writing, events like these create moments for residents to build relationships and discover new passions in life. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from across our buildings! [ #PlymouthHappenings showcases the daily lives of our staff and residents here at Plymouth Housing. Follow us to stay updated and learn more at PlymouthHousing.org ]

Have you registered for Key to Hope: Pathway to Thriving? Plymouth Housing's signature luncheon returns on Wednesday, September 25. We can't wait to bring our region’s forward-thinking community together to take steps toward ending homelessness. Together we can create a brighter future—where everyone has access to the care and stable housing they need to thrive.

Plymouth Stories: Searetha, Resident "Hope to me means that there's a chance to change the situation from homelessness—because it's like my life has changed so much, having a chance to go to counseling and do different things that I needed to do for myself. I feel secure at Plymouth Housing, and it gave me the opportunity to feel safe when I didn't feel safe before. So, hope really is a lot of healing for me. I feel that everyone's role in ending homelessness is empathy and caring for people and seeing them as a human being, not as someone to throw away. No one should have to experience homelessness. There's enough resources that keep people housed, and with supportive housing, you have a chance to succeed and recover." [ #PlymouthStories: A series that illuminates the shared humanity of people impacted by homelessness. Each story features a Plymouth Housing staff member, resident, or supporter. ]

Student journalists from Inglemoor High School’s student newspaper, Nordic News, recently published a piece about Plymouth’s upcoming affordable housing project in Redmond. Writers Annika and Sofia interviewed Plymouth External Affairs Manager Sarah Dickmeyer, researched previous city-level legislative action, and crafted a thoughtful article that helps the Inglemoor community learn more about this project and affordable housing in the region. Read their piece here: https://lnkd.in/gNmQH_mU   Thank you for your interest in this project, Annika and Sofia, and for your well-researched and thoughtful article. We love connecting with student journalists, and appreciate the opportunity to share more about affordable housing in Redmond with you.  

Last week the Supreme Court, in the case of City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, ruled that localities will be able to arrest, ticket, and fine people for sleeping outdoors on public property, even if there is not enough affordable housing or other shelter in the area. We are angry and heartbroken at the ramifications that will come from this shameful decision that criminalizes people experiencing homelessness and goes against everything we are working for at Plymouth Housing.   We know that the solution to homelessness won’t come from tickets or jail time, but rather safe, supportive, affordable housing for our vulnerable community members. Displacement without a safe place to go, criminal records, fines, and trauma only worsens the cycle of homelessness, making it harder for someone to find housing and stay housed.   Plymouth and our partners will continue to advocate for what is just and right in our communities, our state, and our country.

Last month, our Plymouth Housing community came together to celebrate Pride in a vibrant and inclusive way. Hosted by our dedicated Plymouth Pride committee, the Pride party at Blake House on First Hill was a joyous event. Residents and staff enjoyed delicious food, music from DJ Ty (Housing Case Manager Ty Owen), and a captivating performance by local drag star Aleksa Manila. On June 30, Plymouth Housing proudly marched in the Seattle Pridefest Parade. This event provided a meaningful opportunity for staff and residents to express their true selves and celebrate the welcoming community we strive to create. At Plymouth Housing, our mission to end homelessness and address systemic inequities includes unwavering support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Studies show that LGBTQIA+ people represent 20–40% of the unhoused population. Discrimination is prevalent; one in five transgender individuals in the U.S. has faced housing discrimination, and over one in 10 have been evicted due to their gender identity. Our senior residents, a significant portion of whom identify as LGBTQIA+, are particularly vulnerable. According to an Equal Rights Center report, 48% of older same-sex couples applying for elder housing experience discrimination. This marginalization increases their risk of chronic health issues, social isolation, poverty, and premature death. By participating in Pride, we honor and support our LGBTQIA+ community, reinforcing our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable society for all.

Plymouth Community Happenings | June 14-28 First up, Vuu's Beauty School volunteers provided free manicures and haircuts to Almquist residents. Seven beauty school volunteers treated 16 residents, spreading joy and confidence throughout the community. Almquist Community Specialist Derrick Eskridge summed it up perfectly: "When you look good, you feel good!" The staff are excited to offer more opportunities like this in the future. Next at the request of resident Harvey, Simons hosted a belated Father's Day celebration on June 21. Residents enjoyed pizza, board games, and music, creating a lively atmosphere. Special thanks to Residential Specialist Randall for generating excitement and engaging with the residents, and to Tony from the 2nd floor for curating the music. To celebrate the warmer weather, Humphrey House staff kicked off the summer with a rooftop barbecue. Residents enjoyed burgers, chips, and sodas while taking in the beautiful Seattle weather. It was a perfect start to the season, bringing the community together for some fun in the sun. At Plymouth Crossing, we had a blast on Tie Dye Day! Clinical Lead Marissa and Senior Director of Change Management Kendall led the fun on our back patio. Residents and staff created colorful T-shirts, socks, and bandanas (even for our furry friends). And finally, Simons residents had an adventurous day at the zoo, despite a little bit of rain. They managed to explore about half of the zoo and had a fantastic time. A big thank you to everyone who helped secure the tickets and made this memorable outing possible. These events are wonderful opportunities for our residents to heal, gain confidence, and enjoy new experiences. We look forward to bringing you more updates and stories from across our buildings! [#PlymouthHappenings showcases the daily lives of our staff and residents here at Plymouth Housing. Follow us to stay updated and learn more at PlymouthHousing.org]

Join us for Key to Hope: Pathway to Thriving on Wednesday, September 25! Plymouth Housing's annual luncheon brings together our forward-thinking community to take steps toward ending homelessness. Together, we can create a brighter future where everyone has access to the care and stability they need to thrive. This year’s event features a keynote presentation by Esmy Jimenez, senior reporter for the Boston Globe and co-producer of the podcast “Lost Patients.” Don’t miss this timely and inspiring talk that delves into mental health and systemic inequities, providing insights into improving behavioral health care for the most vulnerable—those whom Plymouth also serves. Learn more about the event and register now here: https://lnkd.in/gHF5Fafk