Model homeless camp relocates to Kenmore
Camp United We Stand (CUWS) homeless encampment set up its current location at Kenmore's Northlake Lutheran Church, 6620 NE 185th St. It houses up to 35 individuals in a strictly regulated community. It is designed by homeless for homeless individuals in transition.
The residents are screened at intake. No sex offenders or people with outstanding warrants are permitted. No weapons are permitted in the camp. No street drugs or alcohol are permitted in the camp. The rules for CUWS are strictly enforced.
The group is a 501c3 organization with a board of directors that works to provide a safe place for its campers to find their way back to the life they desire. Member campers are assured of returning to the same place night after night to lay their heads. Through donations there is garbage pickup, port-a-potties and recycling. There is toilet tissue, paper towels, paper plates, and other necessities.
The group accepts food donations from local churches, food banks and businesses. Local churches provide breakfast or dinner. The camp kitchen is equipped with a propane camp stove and microwave ovens as well as refrigerators.
The group receives no government funding from the city, county, state or federal agencies. It relies entirely on the generosity, compassion and monetary support of its friends and neighbors. The group is able to accept monetary donations via PayPal.
If you want to help, the group maintains a website with list of needs that people can donate.
The following items are always welcome:
Comforters, blankets and pillows
Warm socks (men's and women's)
Men's and Women's pants waist sizes 30-38
Jackets and T-shirts,
Underwear (men's and women's)
Propane for heating and cooking
Garbage bags, paper towels, paper cups, bowls, plates and plastic utensils
Coffee, Coffee and more Coffee, non-dairy creamer
Cots
Small lamps, and fans
Razors and shaving cream
Source: CUWS website