Connecting with Donors through stories

A large part of my job as Executive Director is telling our story to donors. Sometimes we have a connection already and sometimes I'm telling someone for the first time about what you all do in the community every day. If the donor connects with the issues we are trying to solve or they know something about the needs of the people we serve, they may choose to spend their money or volunteer with LCSNW.

When we affiliated with Compass, I expanded my storytelling to include people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, so I really appreciated the information that Compass Executive Director Mary Steele shared at the recent Board meeting.

Mary let us know that each January, volunteers across King County count as many unhoused people as possible. Some startling numbers:

• On any given night, about 12,000 people are experiencing homelessness in King County
• About half are in shelters; the rest are split between tents and vehicles;

And these heartbreaking facts:

• The rate of minors (ages 12-17) experiencing homelessness has tripled: from 10% in 2019 to 30% in 2020.
• Between 25%-50% of young people exiting institutions or foster care will experience homelessness within a year.

I have met donors who don't want to support programs for those experiencing homelessness because the problem is bad and seems to be getting worse. But we now have a better story to tell and a better way to give, and that's to support the LCSNW and Compass affiliation. There's an effective, impactful, lasting way to give, and that's to help us expand our services.

Most people experiencing homelessness have underlying conditions--the same conditions LCSNW's services address, including substance misuse, mental health issues, and trauma. The day is coming soon when our teams will be able to refer clients to each other, and I'm so grateful for the rich conversations our teams are having now. Together, and with the financial support of donors who share our vision, mission and values, we are going to help people out of homelessness and have a far-reaching and exponentially positive impact on people's lives.

David

Health, Justice and Hope