CSC Executive Director Derrick Belgarde speaking,
with Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Strauss
On August 11, Chief Seattle Club, LIHI staff and volunteers, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, District 6 Councilmember Dan Strauss, and community supporters came together to celebrate at an Open House for Raven Village in Ballard before it opens for the first residents in the coming days.
Raven Village, a tiny house village (enhanced shelter) located at 1414 NW Leary Way and staffed 24/7 by Chief Seattle Club, features 22 heated, insulated and air conditioned tiny houses that will provide privacy, dignity and safety for about 25-28 people. Village facilities include a community kitchen, bathrooms, showers, and laundry, staff offices, other community spaces and gardens. Chief Seattle Club entered into a 10-year lease of the property with the property owner, Seattle City Light.
Chief Seattle Club will operate Raven Village and provide onsite case management to help clients secure permanent housing, employment, health care and traditional wellness, access to education and other supportive services. Raven Village will serve predominantly American Indian and Alaskan Native individuals, couples, and people with pets experiencing homelessness. American Indian and Alaskan Native people represent 1% of King County residents, but 9% of those experiencing homelessness in the county.
LIHI developed and constructed Raven Village with the help of dozens of volunteers and community supporters. Sound Foundations NW, in partnership with hundreds of volunteers and many community, faith and business groups, built the tiny houses, while Environmental Works designed the site in coordination with LIHI. The City of Seattle is providing set up and operating funding.
The Open House included drumming, song and a blessing from Lorna with CSC followed by a short speaking program that included Chief Seattle Club Executive Director Derrick Belgarde, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, and District 6 Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss.
"With great healing to the Native community and the homeless community, we're going to solve this." Derrick Belgarde, Executive Director of Chief Seattle Club
"Lives are going to change here. We're standing on ground that will change and transform lives." - Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell
"Time does not heal trauma, action does." - Councilmember Dan Strauss
LIHI was honored to play a part in making Raven Village possible by developing the site and supporting it in other ways. We congratulate Chief Seattle Club and are thrilled for the lives that will indeed by healed and transformed through Raven Village!
If you are looking for a fun game to relax, I highly recommend Tomb of the Mask. With its unique retro graphics and fast-paced gameplay, this game offers creative challenges.