This month Hospitality House had the pleasure and honor to host an Open House at our shelter to celebrate, reflect and dream up new ways for us to continually stand in the gap, advocating and giving agency to all homeless women that walk through our doors.
The open house was a wonderful time of delicious food, remembering and honoring the history and legacy of Hospitality House, and celebrating 20 incredible years Hospitality House and our partners have remained faithful and devoted to helping homeless women access basic needs such as a bed, shelter, food, shower, and a laundry facility. Providing these basic needs coupled with wrap-around support to give each Resident the appropriate rest, space and capacity to start envisioning the life she wants, is all part of our strategy in assisting each client toward reaching her personal goals and stability.
The Open House was a powerful time to be together. Especially, to see the amazing talents of local artist and muralist, Davie Ross. Davie presented her gorgeous mural painted in the courtyard, that is a shared space by the Residents of Hospitality House and the children of the Lake Burien Presbyterian Church’s After School Program. This beautiful mural of a woman embracing a child can symbolize many things to the eye of the beholder – life flourishing, female strength, nurturement, rest, love and an overwhelming sense of hope. Between Davie’s mural and the showcase of her second works a convicting progression piece, displaying the very raw reality of what it is like to be displaced from home, one could not deny the feeling and sense for a call to action.
We are beyond thankful for all who attended our Open House – Volunteers, Donors, Board Members, Friends and especially our distinguished guests: King County Superior Court Judge Marshal Fergauson; and Des Moines City Council Members Traci Buxton, Luisa Bangs and Robert K. Back. This day could not be possible or as meaningful without all of you.
As Davie’s progression piece reminded us all – There is still much work to be done. While we continue to work covering every woman who comes to Hospitality House seeking hope, health and home – we hope you too will continue to be there right beside us, standing in the gap.