Johnson Hill, one of our properties in Issaquah, has eight homes that are set aside for our permanent supportive housing program. These homes are reserved for families transitioning out of homelessness. Families can reside as long as they need and desire to which helps allow our residents to think about their long term aspirations. While in the program, heads of households work with their case manager to address barriers that are keeping the family from obtaining self-sufficiency and address the circumstances that caused them to become homeless.

Jessica has been a resident at Johnson Hill since 2008. Previously she stayed in transitional housing for little over a year. I have been Jessica’s case manager since January of 2013.

Throughout her childhood Jessica was a victim of sexual abuse perpetrated by a family member and later was a victim of domestic violence from her ex-husband who no longer has contact with her or her children. Jessica has done extensive work to break this cycle of abuse and separate herself from destructive and unhealthy relationships. She is now in a place of liberated self-sufficiency and stability.

Jessica has attended an abuse-survivor support group through Overlake Church since 2009 and still attends, but now as a mentor. Jessica serves an active role as a leader, empowering women who have gone through similar experiences and circumstances to help them survive, recover, and reach their greatest potential.

Jessica has been connected with community organizations that help meet her needs. These range from help paying rent and utilities, access to business attire through YWCA’s Working Wardrobe program, to much needed items for her children through Eastside Baby Corner. Moreover, Jessica has received funds to help offset high energy costs during the winter season through Hopelink’s Energy Assistance Program.

Between 2010 and 2011 Jessica was enrolled full-time at Bellevue College to study nursing. She maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout but abruptly stopped to provide her older son Samuel with more attention as he was having behavioral issues and needed to begin attending special education classes.

While her children have felt adverse effects from the violence they’ve witnessed and have experienced trauma themselves, Jessica has worked tirelessly to provide a nurturing and safe environment for them. Jessica currently works six hours a week cleaning homes while also homeschooling her eight year old son Samuel and caring for her three year old son Kenny. In addition, Jessica helps look after her sister’s children, her aunt’s children and occasionally working as a part time nanny for another family. Jessica has done a great job of creating a support network that assists her in maintaining a balanced lifestyle while also reciprocating that support back to those in her life.

Long term, Jessica’s goal is to get her degree in music therapy to help others recover from abusive relationships and experiences through the use of music. For the time being, her biggest priority is ensuring the stability of her children through consistency, familiarity and stability. Imagine Housing’s permanent housing subsidy provides her with the safety net to manage her life in this way and to provide her children with the support and education they need during their most formative years.

~Paul Kim, Resident Support Specialist

Our Washington Legislature just recently passed House Bill 1319 that establishes March 30 every year as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” Governor Inslee signed the bill on March 29. This bill offers long overdue recognition for our Vietnam Veterans and Imagine Housing decided to celebrate and commemorate the first ever Washington State “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.”

As many of you may know, Andrew’s Glen has 20 homes dedicated to veterans transitioning from homelessness. This year, a group of veterans from different eras and supporters gathered on Saturday March 30 for an ice cream social at Andrew’s Glen.  It was a day to remember and a very emotional one for some.  Upon returning from military service during the Vietnam conflict, many of our veterans of that era were made to feel unwelcome by their fellow citizens.  The event on March 30th provided an opportunity for us to tell our stories and share experiences that have been left unsaid for the 40 years when the last American soldier left Vietnam. We were also able to acknowledge how many of our brothers and sisters did not return and the some 16,000 who remain missing and unaccounted for to this date.

At the same time we were able to enjoy the company of friends spanning from a veteran of WWII & Korea to young children. This multi-generational event also ensured that the younger generations have an opportunity to learn about the history of the war and appreciate the sacrifices made by all of our veterans. There was no shortage of bowls of ice cream with a wide variety of toppings and cookies. A good time was had by all and memories were made that will last for a lifetime for many of us.

~Dave Marcrander, Volunteer and Legacy Leader