February 14, 2025

From the desk of Derek Sciba Executive Director

Dear Friends,

I’m writing to you today to thank you and share some of the incredible impact you’ve had on families at Vision House.

Approximately 34% more families requested assistance in 2024 than in 2023. But you stepped up and gave generously, provided encouragement, prayer, and even volunteered your time when it was needed most!

Before coming to Vision House, Katie and her son had escaped a domestic violence situation, only to find themselves living in a house with no heat, electricity, or other utilities.

Instead, Katie was trying to keep her two-year-old son warm from the frigid winter temperatures with the heat from a fireplace that wouldn’t last through the cold, Washington night. As you can imagine, it was hard not having water, too, and Katie had to take her son over to a friend’s house for a bath every few days.

But you changed all of this for Katie. You gave her the help she needed!

You provided a safe, warm place at Vision House for Katie and her son, with running water for warm baths.

“After being at Vision House, I learned that anything is possible if you have the right help. My son and I would not be in the place we are today without this help, and we are so grateful!”

And I’m thrilled to share that you made it possible for Katie and her son to move into their own permanent housing, and now she’s working full-time and finishing her college degree.

This beautiful outcome for Katie and her son would not have been possible without your help – thank you!

Barb and her two children had been living in their car for a couple of months, struggling to keep warm. When we first met Barb, she was exhausted and discouraged, and it was difficult for her to focus on conversation, knowing her kids were cold and hungry.

But ever since you helped Barb move to Vision House, she has flourished. She’s now positive, nurturing, and determined to improve her family’s situation.

She greets everyone with a huge smile and she’s the first neighbor to reach out and welcome new families.

Barb is now in a job training program and is quickly gaining confidence. Her kids are working with a tutor and love going to school, too.

And during our Back-to-School event, after Barb’s children received backpacks filled with school supplies, Barb remarked about how her son’s backpack was so well-stocked with supplies that it practically weighed more than him!

“I’m so grateful for the generosity of donors who provided for all of the children at Vision House getting ready to go back to school.”

You’ve provided Barb with a safe, healthy home, and a loving community around her children.

Every time I see Barb smile and welcome a new family, I think of the way you changed her life and how she is now impacting others. You changed the trajectory of her life for the better!

Thank you for making sure that when Washington families like Barb’s are in crisis, they can find a safe and loving community here at Vision House.

None of these incredible outcomes would be possible without you.

For many families experiencing homelessness in the Seattle metro area, your gift was the difference between homelessness and finding safety, stability, permanent housing, a job, education, and ultimately independence!

I anticipate that this year will continue to bring more challenges and increased needs in our community. But I know that anything is possible with your help and God’s faithful blessings.

With my deepest gratitude,

Derek Sciba

Executive Director