It has been an entire year since Nyer Urness House (1753 NW 56th St) first opened its doors to provide formerly homeless men and women with safe and comfortable permanent housing.
The team at Compass Housing Alliance are proud of their achievements so far and are excited to celebrate this special milestone with the local community.
Nyer Urness House has assisted 80 members of the local homeless community within the past year, by providing them with a permanent place to call home.
The very first person to call Nyer Urness home was Cheryl (pictured above), who was left homeless after coping with mental illness and unemployment. Cheryl was living in Hammond House, Compass Alliance’s overnight women’s shelter, when she moved into her own apartment at Nyer Urness.
Cheryl had been without a home for four years and now, with her own apartment, she is able to better manage the symptoms of her mental illness. If she needs help or support she is now able to go downstairs and turn to the Nyer Urness staff.
“I owe this place everything,” Cheryl says. “I’m so grateful to everyone who contributed to making this possible.”
According to Amy Besunder, the Compass Housing Alliance Capital Campaign Manager, the first year at Nyer Urness has been “filled with miracles.” These miracles have included watching one resident successfully battle cancer and return safely home in remission to Nyer Urness.
Compass Alliance are currently working on their newest project, Peter’s Place, which serves the homeless community in Seattle’s Central Area.
The center offers fresh, nutritious food, hot coffee, showers, hygiene and laundry facilities and counseling/referral services for homeless men and women. At night, the Peter’s Place opens its doors as an overnight shelter to 40 men and 10 women.
The organization recently launched its $60K in 60 Days fundraising campaign to support the important services offered at Peter’s Place.
“When a person walks through the door, they’re taking the first step on their journey out of homelessness. For as little as $15, you can help provide a welcoming space at Peter’s Place for our neighbors who are homeless,” says Besunder.
Over here in Ballard it is clear that Nyer Urness House has become a key support for the local homeless community and has had a big impact on our neighborhood as a whole.
“A place to call home and a kind and caring environment can dramatically change a life for the better. We thank the Ballard community for welcoming and supporting Nyer Urness House,” says Besunder.
Happy Birthday Nyer Urness from the team at My Ballard!