M’s Story

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M originally moved to Seattle with her son in hopes of finding stable employment and housing, leaving behind a difficult situation in New Mexico that no longer served her family’s needs. She arrived in Seattle with a job lined up, only for things to unexpectedly fall apart.

On Christmas Eve, M found herself in an unimaginable situation: she and her son and their cat living in her car on the streets of Seattle. She was eventually able to find some friends who were able to temporarily house her son, but this left M alone, navigating the complex housing system by herself. She understood that this was the best shot she had to get her family to a better place. 

After months of effort to rebuild their lives, M and her cat found safety and shelter at Aurora Oaks. Once stable, and with tremendous perseverance, she was able to find employment and – ultimately – a place of her own through the private rental market.

This holiday season, M will be spending the holidays inside her own home, once again able to cook her favorite holiday meals for the people she loves, a beautiful milestone compared to just one year ago. M, we are so proud to welcome you home.

W’s Story

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W was originally referred to us by our community partner, Aurora Commons. For weeks, W had been waiting patiently for an opening at our Aurora Oaks Enhanced Shelter, doing everything in their power to survive on the streets of Seattle.
From the moment W arrived at Aurora Oaks, they proved to be nothing but an engaged, respectful and caring member of our community. As their stay with us came to an end, an exciting opportunity became available; through our partners at Lavender Rights Project, W was connected to a brand-new housing unit in a building that had just opened in October.
For W, this new home represents more than just stability; it marks a fresh start and a safe space where they can fully embrace their truest, most authentic self.
Congratulations on your new home, W! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all the wonderful things this next chapter will bring.

J’s Story

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Lake City Partners first met J during their initial intake at Aurora Oaks. During their stay, our Client Services team met repeatedly with J and developed a close rapport, which allowed us to understand their needs and secure an appropriate service match.
Now, after 15 years of homelessness, J has officially moved in! Stable housing has already allowed J the space to grow and reconnect with their extended family. As an avid sports fan, J has been thrilled to attend their nephew’s high school baseball games and is looking forward to having their father — whom J considers their best friend — visit J at their new home. We are so excited for you, J, and this new chapter in your life! Welcome home!

C’s Story

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C was a lifelong resident of Shoreline, well-known among many local service providers who have worked together over the years to provide him support. Despite these efforts, there was one essential need that has remained unmet: housing.

C faced significant physical disabilities that made it difficult to maintain full-time employment, and this created long-term barriers to stable housing. After connecting with several Shoreline-based services, C was eventually referred to Lake City Partners. Our team met with him and successfully secured him a placement at our Aurora Oaks Enhanced Shelter.

However, after spending over a decade living alone and outdoors, the transition to a structured shelter environment was a challenge for C. After an attempt to stay at Aurora Oaks, he chose to leave the program, though he maintained an active housing referral.

Eventually, C’s apartment became rent-ready . . . but our team was unable to locate him. This was heart-wrenching for us, knowing all that C had been through, but thanks to the patience and flexibility of our partners at DESC, we were able to keep the opportunity open as we searched for C.

After several weeks, a Shoreline provider contacted Lake City Partners directly with great news – C had stopped by and was once again seeking shelter! By a stroke of luck, C was able to sign his lease that very day for an apartment located by everything familiar to him.

We are thrilled to see C take this next step and begin a new chapter in the area he has always called home. Congratulations, C! Welcome home!

M’s Story

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Born and raised in Seattle, M found himself homeless after a series of difficult setbacks. When he first joined Lake City Partners at Aurora Oaks, he was understandably hesitant and nervous about entering the shelter environment. For many individuals who have experienced prolonged homelessness, adjusting to a structured setting can be a significant challenge.

Through consistent, reliable engagement and compassionate care, LCP staff worked to build a trusting and supportive relationship with M. He slowly began to open up and feel more comfortable and soon became one of our most valued community members, always ready to lend a helping hand to staff and clients.

As M grew more connected to the community, we were happy to share some life-changing news: he had been selected for housing. After more than five years without stable shelter, M was on the verge of a new beginning.

But even at the paperwork appointment, M’s hesitation lingered. The transition from homelessness to permanent housing is not just a change in location, it’s an emotional and psychological shift that can feel overwhelming. LCP staff remained by his side, offering reassurance and standing by him at every step of the process.

Eventually, M accepted the housing opportunity and wound up thrilled with his new home. Witnessing his transformation has been a powerful reminder of the resilience within each person and the impact of patient, compassionate support. Congratulations, M! Welcome home!

C and D’s Story Part 2

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We are thrilled to be able to share part 2 of a New Places, Happy Faces story about a couple’s joint path to housing! Last month D moved into her new home, and we are pleased to report that C has received the keys to his home as well!

C and D have faced immense challenges over the years, yet through it all, they found strength in each other. Together for over a decade, they were determined not to let homelessness define their future.

During their time with Lake City Partners, they received a housing referral and spent several weeks working closely with the provider. Unfortunately, that opportunity fell through, leaving C and D both discouraged. But even in the face of disappointment, they refused to give up.

LCP continued supporting them, helping them navigate new options. In time, they were connected to the right services, and eventually secured other housing referrals, this time, successfully! D moved into her home a few weeks ago, and now C has moved into his own studio apartment that is just a 15 minute drive from D. Congratulations to both C and D! Welcome home!

G’s Story

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G had been experiencing homelessness since 2011 after enduring significant family hardships, and they came to Seattle to start a new chapter. Lake City Partners first connected with G during their intake at Aurora Oaks. Through many respectful and attentive conversations over the course of many months, the Client Services team was able to build trust with G and gain an understanding of their unique needs and challenges. Together, G and the team navigated the path to stable housing to secure a supportive living arrangement that aligned with G’s goals.

Today, after so many years of challenges, G has officially moved into their new apartment, a space that not only offers safety and comfort, but the opportunity to grow, heal and thrive. They’re already dreaming of adopting a cat to share their new life with.

G’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of embracing our true, authentic selves. Congratulations, G, your courage inspires us all! Welcome home!

S’s Story

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S had been homeless since 2016, but earlier this year through a partnership with REACH/Evergreen Treatment Services, S arrived at the Aurora Oaks Enhanced Shelter. From the moment she joined our community, she brought warmth, kindness, and a spirit of connection. S was not just a participant; she was a valued and uplifting presence whose determination to find herself a home and community inspired us all.

We are delighted to share that S has received her keys to permanent housing. While she will be missed at Aurora Oaks by staff and residents alike, we are overjoyed to see her step confidently into the next chapter of her life. Congratulations, S! Welcome home!

J’s Story

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Throughout the years, J had taken on a wide range of odd jobs to make ends meet. As he grew older, he was unable to work those jobs and was placed on a fixed income. Unfortunately, the rising cost of living in King County – which displaces many seniors like him – affected him as well after the loss of his life-long partner, and he soon found himself priced out of housing. He was homeless for the first time in his life.

Fortunately, J had at least a van to shelter in. While navigating the challenges of homelessness, he connected with a case manager at the Salvation Army, who referred him to Aurora Oaks. When a spot in our shelter became available, we were able to welcome him in and offer support.

J was initially connected with a program that offered him housing. However, due to changes in federal funding, the opportunity was unexpectedly revoked. Despite this setback, J persevered and continued working with the Aurora Oaks and Enhanced Client Services teams to explore new housing options.

We’re thrilled to share that we have connected J with a fully furnished studio apartment and he has just moved in. His rent is income-based, ensuring that it remains affordable and sustainable. He has even been able to reconnect with his daughter and granddaughter, and has invited them to his new place. Congratulations, J! Welcome home. 

T’s Story

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Lake City Partners’ staff first connected with T at our Housing Access Point (HAP) at North Seattle College in January 2025. T shared that he had been living without housing or shelter for nearly 20 years. He began regularly checking in with LCP staff at the North Seattle College HAP, gradually and carefully building rapport.
After being presented with the option to stay at our Aurora Oaks Enhanced Shelter and discussing the possibilities that that shelter could offer, T decided to give it a try. Staff understood that entering shelter can be a significant change—sometimes even a positive change can feel daunting and uncomfortable. But T thrived at Aurora Oaks, and several months later, he was connected to supportive housing with Solid Ground and moved in shortly after that.
Congratulations, T! Welcome home! And thank you to our amazing partners at North Seattle College and Solid Ground. We love working with you because together we move people from tent to front door.