Community Editorials

Guest editorial: YMCA helps foster open and honest dialogue

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties Bridge of Hope initiative sponsored two community dialogues on the topic of “Exploring the Complexity of Homelessness in the Gig Harbor Key Peninsula Community.”

The Bridge of Hope‘s purpose is to “gather people within Pierce and Kitsap Counties who desire to increase civility, understanding, hope, and trust by participating in meaningful civil dialogues around complex issues with those of differing experience and perspectives.”

 A follow-up session to the dialogues took place on May 10, 2023, to explore what has and has not worked in addressing homelessness in the greater Gig Harbor community.  The panel discussion and share out included representatives from: Pierce County Human Resources; Tacoma Pierce County Health Department; Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Housing and Homelessness Coalition; staff from Gig Harbor Mayor Tracie Markley’s office; Associated Ministries; FISH Food Bank; Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare; Homelessness Prevention/Upstream Interventions and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties.  Bob Vollbracht, one of the speakers who was unable to attend, associated with the GH KP Housing and Homeless Coalition, informed me that if anyone wanted to volunteer, they could contact him at 206.930.7754 or email him at [email protected].

Additionally, Jay Worley presented what it means to be homeless: the personal impact and most pressing needs concerning people who have lived this experience.

In written comments following the session, one person reflected, “multiple resources and programs that I was not previously aware of and appreciate learning about finding ways to support.” Another stated, “found out about new areas to help that didn’t know were around.” A third stated they learned “sacrifice values beliefs in order to be eligible to access Christian housing resources.” The high cost of housing and the difficulties faced in attempting to transition from homeless to sheltered were also shared.

The process used by Bridge of Hope created an environment for open and honest dialogue where all voices were heard and respected. The Gig Harbor Key Peninsula Community came together in a positive way to discuss and move forward in facing the challenges.

Respectfully submitted,

The Bridge of Hope Core Team

Guest editorials and letters to the editor may be submitted to [email protected].