UDSM collaborates with several nonprofits, organizations, and University of Washington based-efforts to help address the urgent crisis of homelessness in our community. Our community partners provide invaluable knowledge of the community, continuity and leadership needed to power change.
partners' spotlight
Elizabeth Gregory Home
EGH was chosen as a community partner due to their focus on women-identified people experiencing homelessness. The homeless population is vulnerable on its own, but homeless individuals who identify as female or trans are at a higher vulnerability. Additionally, women’s health and trans health are historically under-supported areas of healthcare, so the opportunity to provide specialized care and educational opportunities in what has been established as a safe space for this population quickly became a high priority for UDSM.
St. Vincent de Paul at Blessed Sacrament Church
St. Vincent de Paul Society has been sponsoring a weekly Sunday Dinner program for individuals needing a hot meal in the University District for the last 50 years. This site also serves as a primary host to older homeless individuals and traditionally hard-to-reach individuals due to their “come as you are” philosophy.
Tiny House Village
UDSM has had an ongoing relationship with the North Lake Tiny House Village since 2016. One of several Villages, the clients have been in conflict over governance issues. UDSM advocacy has been part of an effort to keep the village intake through the spring of 2020.
The Doorway Project
The Doorway Project is an initiative co-led by the University of Washington and YouthCare to address youth and young adult homelessness in the University District through continuous community-engaged collaboration with U District service providers. UDSM members participate in Doorway Project Event.
University Heights Center
The University Heights Center "promotes life-long learning, creativity, culture, [and] community activism" in its historic U District building. In addition to community events, University Heights also offers health and hygiene services to unhoused community members; UDSM is a partner in providing care on the first and third Fridays of each month.
UW Center for Health Sciences Inter-professional Education, Research, and Practice (CHSIE)
The Center for Health Sciences Interprofessional Education, Research and Practice (CHSIE) is dedicated to transforming practice by furthering collaboration between the healthcare professions. As UDSM is intentionally inter-disciplinary, we hope to partner with CHSIE in bringing awareness of the power of interprofessional education to the outreach sites. CHSIE is also a co-sponsor of the HS Van pilot.