Strengthening Community

Interfaith Family Shelter Garden

"Our Interfaith Family Shelter provides a truly unique experience for our shelter guests and community members. Vegetables, fruits and flowers have been grown for at least eight years. The garden has several rows of raised beds, a pumpkin and squash patch, raspberry bushes and apple trees. Master Gardeners contribute greatly to its success while shelter guests learn the skills of small gardening and giving back to community. The garden is SO abundant that in season, we are able to share our harvest with local food banks.

Children participate in the garden by planting in pots (which start out in the greenhouse), having their own digging spots, being encouraged to work at their own pace and to work in appropriate age groups. Our hope is that gardening and learning about the science of gardening and nutrition will be a part of shelter life throughout the entire year. Thanks to Cedar Grove Compost in Everett for donating compost as well as the hours and hours of Master Gardener attention we all receive." 2009 Staff Comments

Community Dinner Program

Through the assistance of faith groups,individual volunteers and a City of Everett Human Needs grant, a nutritious weekly hot dinner is prepared and served in a welcoming family-friendly environment at1st Congregational UCC in downtown Everett. A special effort is made to reach seniors and families in our community; however, all are welcome. Currently an average of 30 people attend each week.

Homelessness Prevention

Our services help prevent homelessness in several ways. Limited funding is available to assist families with expenses to move from our shelter into stable housing. Also current and previous Interfaith program participants are eligible for assistance in areas typically difficult to find adequate local resources. For example, a family may be at risk of losing employment or housing without counseling, daycare, acute medical treatment, translation services, or minor car repair. In addition, Interfaith serves families referred directly from congregations that financially support our homelessness prevention efforts – including one-time assistance with rent, utilities or emergency needs, and referral to other existing programs and resources.