March 2019: What's new with GSC?

What makes snow beautiful to us? I often wonder whether we would find it so pretty if we weren’t able to get warm and dry. During the recent snow event, at Tent City 3, many tents collapsed, including the supply tent. Campers doubled up with friends, or stayed in the dormitory tents, and some had to move out entirely. Vital supplies were buried under sheets of ice. It was days before enough snow could be removed, damaged assessed, and the camp reset itself. Your caring and contributions are what allow us to speed up recovery from such disasters and get folks warm and dry again.

With your contributions, we continue to regularly support Tent City 3, Camp United We Stand, and Tent City 5 with items needed on a daily basis like trash bags, hand sanitizer, gas for generators, batteries, food, clothing, blankets, and office supplies. We also supply camp infrastructure including tents, tarps, microwaves, coffee makers, plywood, pallets and move supplies.

Through gleaning we occasionally receive and pass on bedding, battery chargers, clothing, laundry soap, toiletries and other items. More often though, we meet urgent and basic needs through the funds provided by our donors. Gleaned items that the encampments can’t manage such as sacks of raw rice and beans are routed to various food banks and shelters. Through gleaning we take items that would be thrown away and provide them to people who can really use them. This reduces waste for local retailers and allows store employees to participate in making a difference in people’s lives.

Tent City 3 continues to shelter a few younger children in residence who need diapers and warm clothing. During the warmer, drier months we would see one young boy riding a little toy car up and down the ramp in front of the camp’s front desk. This week his mother is just trying to keep him dry and warm.

Over the next few weeks, and even months, we will be working hard to replace damaged tents, to repair winter damage, and to bolster camp facilities against the coming spring storms. Please consider helping us in this effort with a donation today. Visit http://greaterseattlecares.org/ and select “Donate Today.” Donations can also be mailed to PO Box 77815, Seattle, WA 98177-0815. Thank you for your heart to help those experiencing homelessness, and we hope you will stay in touch with us.

Camp United We Stand at Haller Lake UMC

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Hinkofer,
Secretary, Greater Seattle Cares

Please Help with Camp Unity's Move - March 1 and 2

It’s time again on March 1 and 2 to move Camp Unity Eastside!  We depend on volunteers like you to help us in packing, moving and setting up the community and personal tents, platforms, and camp supplies.  Won’t you join us?   It’s a great opportunity to meet and work along side men and women of the camp and other volunteers in the community.  See below for more info on ways to help with the move, needed supplies and meals.

Move Essentials

• Current camp location: 17401 133^rd Avenue NE, Woodinville.  Next to the Carol Edwards Center on the Woodinville City Hall campus
• New camp location: St. Jude Parish, 10526 166^th Avenue NE, Redmond

Day	Tentative Schedule and Logistics
Friday, March 1	8:30 am to 5 pm:  Planned start is at St. Jude Parish, Redmond.  Focus will be on unloading trucks and setting up community tents and platforms.
Saturday, March 2	8 am start, duration to be determined: Planned start is at the Woodinville site to pack up and move any remaining items and finish site clean-up, and then complete camp set up at St. Jude Parish site

Let Us Know You Can Join

Sign up here: Camp Unity Spring 2019 Move

We’ll update you on move logistics including updates for start times and locations

What to Bring

• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, sturdy shoes, gloves, and rain gear if needed
• Tools:  We need several cordless drills, Phillips head bit size #2 and fully charged batteries
• Bring personal water and snacks.  Lunch will most likely be provided.
• Trucks and trailers are greatly appreciated
• Kids are welcome

Want to Help By Providing Supplies or a Meal?

• Provide supplies from the needs list for the move such as zip ties, duct tape and work gloves.  Please bring donated supplies to Camp Unity in Woodinville by February 25.
• Provide a breakfast, lunch or dinner during the move. Email Lori for more info if you can help.

Thank you for helping the men and women of Camp Unity in this tremendous way!