Lydia Place Executive Director Emily O’Conner and Development and Outreach Director Schultzie Willows made the presentation.
In his introductory remarks, Tim outlined that Lydia Place has been a Whatcom County nonprofit since 1989 with a mission to help homeless women and their children by providing housing, supportive services, advocacy, education and raising awareness. They provide services on their own and in collaboration with city and other non - profits with an objective of eliminating homelessness in our community by breaking the cycle of poverty. Their programs are designed to provide hope and strength to these families to become self-sufficient when they leave Lydia Place. They regularly counsel over 20 people a day, about twice the number of 4 years ago, assisting some 300 families each year.
The project is a second phase of a remodeling and addition project. Phase 1, supported by the Bellingham Bay Rotary, will remodel the program space adjacent to the Transitional Living Facility. RCOB funding will support Phase 2, which will add a full story to that same building, thus Raising the Roof. Both phases are scheduled for completion in late 2017.
Emily O’Conner and Shultzie made a bravura presentation, speaking from their hearts rather than notes, on the work of Lydia Place. Point census data shows Whatcom County has 719 homeless individuals in 2016, down from 2008, but up from several years ago. Of these, there are 89 currently homeless families with children. As an indicator of Lydia Place’s impact, despite the fact that the unsheltered population locally is 20% higher this year than last, there was no increase in the number of homeless families with children.
Local government funding accounts for only 30% of their budget, and the balance requires foundation and individual donor support.
They measure success broadly, counting only those families which are able to exit the support of the programs and survive independently. It is astonishing that they have achieved a roughly 90% success rate. “We know what we have to do, and we can do it” she says, provided they have the financial and volunteer support of the community.
A child exposed to 8 or more ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) have a 30% chance of becoming a homeless adult. Lydia Place’s emphasis on families with children is designed to reduce those adverse experiences, and enable the child to grow up experiencing a healthier environment than is possible in a homeless situation, thus paving the way to break the cycle of poverty.
Shultzie built on prior speakers, noting the publicity which will support their project.
A lively Q & A followed, eliciting several interesting statistics, such as:
One of the biggest problems in Bellingham is finding suitable rental space, even when funding is available.
70% of persons served are our neighbors. 75 to 80% are people originating in Whatcom county
Tim closed the presentation with the thought that this project is a great way to celebrate 99 years of RCOB support to the local community.
Debbie Ahl and Megan Stanfield let us know that they will be facilitating contributions to this Major Project, and also introduced the concept of a raffle – with the chances of winning one of several prizes enhanced by early commitment to its funding.
Our goal is to raise $100,000, with 100% participation by all members. There will be a raffle with prizes for all those who pledge by December 4th, with the opportunity to earn 3 tickets for the raffle if you pledge by 10/24; 2 tickets if you pledge by 11/14, and one ticket if you pledge by 12/5. The drawing will be held on 12/5. Additionally, if we achieve 100% participation of all members, all member names will be entered into a drawing the first Monday we meet in January, with the opportunity to win a night at the Lynden Inn and dinner at Drizzle, courtesy of Teri Treat.
President Del closed the meeting with reminders about a Fundraising Committee meeting and Rotation Day on November 21st. and a nearly forgotten raffle drawing.
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