The City of Renton has partnered with REACH (Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches), the local church community and human service organizations to provide a place for homeless women and their children in Renton.

“People become homeless for diverse reasons—from losing a job to having a medical crisis,” said Mayor Denis Law. “This partnership with REACH is an important first step toward helping homeless women and children find their way back to safe and affordable housing.”

Homelessness is a growing problem for our community.  More and more families are finding themselves without shelter and the resources they need to be safe and well. REACH has been working the last 12 months to bring churches and service providers together to find a way to help meet this growing need.

The REACH Center of Hope comprises two parts: a day center that will provide showers, food, laundry, mail services, vocational resources and community support; and emergency short-term overnight accommodation in local churches.

The development of the center was made possible through the efforts of willing and committed partners. The key partners of this project include the City of Renton, Communities In Schools of Renton, Catholic Community Services and the Renton Community Supper. St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and Renton First United Methodist Church will partner to provide overnight accommodation for our first family.

Public tours of the shelter will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.May 22 through May 24. An invitation-only ribbon cutting ceremony has been set for 2 p.m. May 17.

For more information about the REACH Center of Hope please visit us at the REACH website www.reachrenton.org or contact Maggie Breen at 425-238-7915, maggie@standrewpc.org or Linda Smith at 425-221-1504, linda-smith1@comcast.net