Mary's Place

Homelessness profoundly affects children, impacting their health and development. Mary’s Place and its partners aim to reduce trauma and create stable pathways for families, addressing the generational cycles of homelessness. During a recent panel, experts highlighted that 90% of a child’s brain ...

Craig’s life changed dramatically when severe water damage rendered his apartment unlivable, forcing him and his two children, Tanner and Ellie, out of their home. The family lost many cherished belongings and faced significant housing debt, leading them to a difficult period of instability. They...

Shifali, a volunteer at Mary’s Place in Seattle, sought a way to give back and connect with her community after moving to the city. Initially drawn to the organization, she quickly became involved in activities with children at the shelter, particularly during her “Friday Fitness Hour,” where she...

Kristi Hanna-Cruz embodies the spirit of giving back, shaped by her upbringing where generosity was paramount. She actively participates in Raise Your Vibe, an event for women entrepreneurs to connect and support charitable causes. At a recent gathering at Posh Beauty Bar, Kristi donated a portio...

On Sept. 19, 2025, Mary’s Place and Mercy Housing Northwest broke ground on a transformative campus in Burien, designed to provide emergency family shelter alongside permanently affordable housing. This initiative aims to address family homelessness through a model that combines immediate shelter...

Melody returned to Seattle during her pregnancy, seeking a fresh start near family. However, the lack of affordable housing made stability elusive. King County requires 44,000 affordable homes for low-income families, yet only 1,595 units had been created by May 2021. Melody and her baby, Jordan,...

Mary’s Place has partnered with Ayan Maternity Healthcare Support, founded by Ayan Abdulahi, to provide essential support for pregnant women, particularly those facing homelessness, language barriers, or cultural isolation. Ayan, a dedicated doula with nearly 30 years of experience, aims to ensur...

Jaclyn and her son, Tyler, recently overcame a challenging period of homelessness, exacerbated by the summer heat and lack of stability. After reaching out to Mary’s Place, they received dedicated support from an outreach specialist who helped them search for a safe home suitable for their family...

Keisha, a single mother of three, faced significant challenges in maintaining stability for her family, particularly for her oldest child with autism, who thrives on routine. After years of hard work, she had created a stable life, but when her childcare fell through, she lost her job, leading to...

Nikki and her daughter, Sara, moved from Louisiana to Washington after a tragic loss due to gun violence. In their new home, Nikki secured stable employment at a fulfillment warehouse, and Sara thrived in school. However, Nikki’s health issues led to unpaid time off, resulting in financial strain...

A mother of three, Nikita reflects on her journey from grief to healing after the tragic loss of her partner, Thomas, who died following a car accident during a family visit to Washington. Initially living with her mother, Nikita faced homelessness after being asked to leave. She and her children...

Mary’s Place Make-a-Home program provides essential furnishings to families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing, helping more than 25 families each month. Many families, despite securing housing, find themselves without basic necessities, often sleeping on bare floors. The progra...

Mary’s Place has introduced user-friendly, self-service digital kiosks at its emergency shelters and the Allen Family Center, enhancing access to essential resources for families in need. Supported by funding from Comcast, these kiosks feature universal symbols and customizable language options, ...