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.

C and D’s Story (part 1)

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This is part 1 of 2 New Places, Happy Faces posts about a couple’s joint path to housing! Lake City Partners was first introduced to this resilient couple through a referral from a former participant, someone who had successfully transitioned into permanent housing and was now working downtown doing outreach. It was a full-circle moment that reminded us of the lasting impact of our work.
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 us, they received a housing referral and spent several weeks working closely with the provider. Unfortunately, that opportunity fell through, leaving both C and D heartbroken and discouraged. But even in the face of disappointment, they refused to give up.
LCP continued supporting them, helping them navigate new options and rebuild hope. In time, they were connected to the right services, and eventually secured other housing referrals, this time, successfully! Last week, D moved into her own studio apartment, and is cheering on C, who will be moving into a separate unit in a few weeks.
Stay tuned for part 2 and the day C receives his keys to his new home! Congratulations, D! Welcome home!

R’s Story

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R is officially moved in! R has been a part of the Lake City and GLA Day Center community for years. Known for her kindness toward staff, R was always respectful and appreciative, even as she faced challenges. Our staff was supportive, ensuring R’s basic needs were met and that she felt welcome in the space.
After several short stays in shelters and many months of persistent efforts to connect her with appropriate housing resources, R was finally referred to a supportive housing program. When she heard the news, she was in disbelief. “Thank you for not forgetting about me,” she said.
We helped R complete the necessary paperwork, she selected a move-in date, and has officially moved into her new apartment. One of the big wins for R was her own bathroom that she could stay in as long as she wanted!
We are so happy for you, R! Welcome home!

P’s Story

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We first met P at the GLA Day Center, where he was among many new clients arriving from Tent City 4. He quickly became a regular visitor, using the Center to meet basic hygiene needs and access meals through our community kitchen. As we spent more time with him, P became a familiar and welcome face to our staff.
Taking the time to build a relationship with P allowed us to better understand his needs and identify the most suitable housing options. Initially, P worked with our Case Management team to explore the possibility of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). However, after thoughtful consideration, it became clear that PSH wasn’t the best fit. As we continued to learn more about P, we recognized that he was an excellent candidate for the DESC Keys to Home (K2H) program—a housing initiative designed for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness who can succeed with less intensive support in market-rate housing.
P was soon accepted into the K2H program after completing the necessary paperwork. While awaiting final approval and apartment placement, he was offered a temporary spot at Aurora Oaks Enhanced Shelter. He spent several months there, preparing for the next step in his journey.
We are thrilled P has finally received his keys and moved into his new apartment—into a place he can now call home. His journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that relationship-building, personalized support, and service integration can have in helping individuals transition out of homelessness and into stable housing. Welcome home from all of us, P!
(P did not want a photo of himself shared, but he did want to share his story, and we thought it was an important story to highlight.)

A’s Story

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A is a well-known member of our community who had been homeless for nine years, during which he had experienced many tragedies including the loss of his life partner. In the past year, A and his two dogs, Vegas and Felony, became friendly faces at our GLA Day Center and Housing Assistance Point sites. Thanks to these stable and reliable programs which allow individuals to grow trust at their own pace and on their own terms, our outreach team was able to connect with A and build a reliable relationship.

After many cold nights out on the street, our outreach team was finally able to secure permanent housing for A. He, Vegas and Felony have successfully moved indoors and are excited to begin cooking tamales in their new kitchen. Stable housing will now allow him to fulfill his lifelong dreams of buying a car and visiting relatives in Tennessee.

Congratulations, A! Welcome home!

JS’s Story

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JS had been staying at Tent City 4 for a while when he first began visiting Lake City Partners’ GLA Day Center. What started as occasional check-ins soon became a regular part of his routine as he sought resources to help turn his life around. After several months, JS met with the Center’s case manager who was determined to assist him in finding a stable place to live. They completed the King County Regional Homelessness Authority Coordinated Entry enrollment, and it quickly became clear that JS was an ideal candidate for 55+ housing.

Despite a lengthy wait and no immediate opportunities, hope was not lost. Months passed, and the search for the right place continued, until finally, a promising listing for a 55+ building surfaced. The staff at GLA Day Center didn’t waste any time — they nominated JS right away. The very next day, JS was selected.

With the approval came a whirlwind of paperwork, but with the team’s support, JS navigated the process smoothly. Just a few weeks later, he stood in front of a new door, his name on the lease, keys in hand.

It was when he stepped inside his new apartment that the reality hit. Walking through the apartment, JS realized this wasn’t just another place he would pass through. This was home. No more carrying his life in a backpack. No more uncertainty. It was a fresh start, and for the first time in a long time, JS felt something he hadn’t in years — security. Welcome home, JS!

A’s Story

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A first arrived at Lake City Partners’ GLA Day Center in June 2024, one of the newest residents of the nearby Tent City 4. From the start, he stood out—his upbeat personality and knack for storytelling made him a beloved presence among staff and fellow guests of the Day Center. Whether reminiscing about his past or sharing his dreams for the future, A brought warmth and energy to every conversation.

As A grew more comfortable with the regular and stable routine of the Day Center, staff members asked if he would be open to a referral to the Aurora Oaks Enhanced Shelter—a step towards more stable housing. With the encouragement and support of the team, A navigated the referral process smoothly. Before long, he was accepted into Aurora Oaks, marking a significant turning point in his journey.

At Aurora Oaks, A finally had the space and support to focus on his well-being. Stabilizing both physically and emotionally, he made remarkable progress. Within weeks, the Client Services team helped him secure permanent housing—an achievement that once felt out of reach.

Originally from Florida, A had moved to Seattle years ago, drawn by his love for the city’s energy and beauty. His new home isn’t just a home—it’s a fresh start, filled with the hope and stability he has been searching for. Welcome home, A!

M and R’s Story

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After an unexpected and abrupt end to their living situation, M and R found themselves displaced and uncertain of where to turn. With nowhere else to go, they sought refuge at Tent City 4 in Lake City. It was here, in the midst of their struggles that they first came to Lake City Partners’ GLA Day Center in October of 2024. That visit marked a turning point in their journey, as they were plugged in to a housing pathway to begin rebuilding their lives.

On that very first day, we completed a referral to our Aurora Oaks Enhanced Shelter. By December, we were able to offer them a shelter spot. In the background, our Client Services team worked tirelessly to connect them with additional resources to ensure that M and R had a solidly built path to get them from tent to front door.

Within just a few weeks, M and R were enrolled in the Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) program, an important step toward securing stability. After enduring the hardships of homelessness together for years, February 2025 finally brought the breakthrough the couple had been waiting for—permanent housing. This milestone marked not just the end of a long struggle, but the beginning of a hopeful new chapter in their lives. Congratulations, M and R! Welcome home!

𝘞𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘓𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴. 👉 https://lakecitypartners.org/donate/