Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) disproportionately experience homelessness due to systemic and historical racism. In King County, while only about 7.4% of residents are Black, 88% of families served by Mary’s Place identify as BIPOC. This stark disparity highlights the need to confront the racism embedded in housing, healthcare, and education systems. Historical practices such as racially restrictive covenants and redlining have long excluded families of color from homeownership, the main route to generational wealth. Gentrification has exacerbated these issues, pushing Black families out of their communities.

Mary’s Place aims to address these inequities by examining its services. By disaggregating data by race, the organization identifies disparities in housing outcomes. For example, Black families often faced displacement from their communities more than white families. Staff now focus on community support rather than solely on affordability.

Mary’s Place also collaborates with community organizations to provide culturally responsive services that address the unique barriers families face. Moving forward, it emphasizes the importance of centering the voices of those affected to create effective solutions and ensure all families have access to safe, stable housing.