Spotlight on Penny

Penny (not her real name) has finally moved into a community she can truly call “home.” A single mom with an eight-year-old daughter, life has had its ups and downs. However, moving into Croft Place Townhomes has given Penny hope and a strong sense of belonging. Thirteen families have already moved into this community of 21 low-income families. “I already know all of my neighbors and I am not afraid to let my daughter play outside with all of the other kids at Croft Place,” explains Penny with a smile that would light up any room. “Some of the children that have moved in (to Croft) already call me ‘auntie.’ This community feels like my extended family." Many of the families stay up late for evening barbeques to talk and get to know each other. Penny explains that she has participated in a community art project (picture above shows residents working on art provided by a grant from the Satterberg Foundation) that will place uniquely designed door hangers above each unit. The three projects | one community campaign also built a community building at Croft Place with laundry facilities, a multi-purpose room and technology lab that provides free computer time, e-mail and internet access to residents.

Capital Campaign Update, August 2005

A Message from the Board Presidents
The Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) and the West Seattle Food Bank (WSFB), together with dedicated volunteers, have raised an astounding $29 million dollars for the three projects | one community capital campaign. However, we still need your help. Without a clear vision, a solid plan and passionate individuals that care deeply about their community, this astonishing endeavor would have remained a dream and never have been brought to full expression. It has been a season in each of our lives that we can feel very fortunate to have experienced. When Martha Kongsgaard, campaign Co-Chair, was asked why this collaboration has been so successful, she stated very clearly and concisely; “community.” Since the inception of this incredible undertaking, the community has been at the pivot point. This project represents all that is great in West Seattle and is a gift to OUR community.

The “one community” campaign will support the Historic Cooper Cultural Arts Center, the West Seattle Food Bank & Community Resource Center and Croft Place Townhomes. The construction of Croft Place Townhomes is complete and families have moved in. Construction on Cooper is 40% complete and on target for opening in January 2006. The West Seattle Food Bank & Community Resource Center is working on land clean up and final property acquisition and is expected to break ground this fall. Through this process, we have continued to work hard to produce high quality, sustainable buildings with an eye to the future. Croft Place was actually completed under budget and on schedule. Historic Cooper restoration is on track and on budget. The Community Resource Center will move into its new home in the fall of 2006. However, we need the last $300,000 to fully complete all three of these projects to the degree this community deserves; beautiful buildings that are sustainable and environmentally sensitive. Please help us finish this incredible effort by giving a gift that will impact the lives of over 25,000 individuals annually.

We invite you to read on and learn more about the impact of these projects on our community and how you can help build an even stronger West Seattle.

Steve Daschle and Christi Sifri-Steele

Watch the campaign video

Check out the article in Affordable Housing Finance – June 2005, page 1 & page 2

Our Heroes in Government
The campaign has received tremendous support from all levels of government and we'd like to thank our government heroes for making that happen. In this time of tight government budgets, it was the fire and passion of a few of our elected representatives that helped us achieve success. Special thanks go to Dow Constantine, our representative on the King County Council for spearheading a $150,000 grant for the West Seattle Food Bank and Community Resource Center (CRC) and on the State level. Senator Erik Poulsen made it his top priority in the Senate to secure $500,000 for the CRC while Representative Joe McDermott and Eileen Cody worked hard for the same funding in the House of Representatives. Many thanks for all that you do to help West Seattle thrive!

A Community within a Community - Making a Difference

Winemakers Dinner
85 individuals enjoying the Winemakers Dinner

At the corner of SW Ida Street and 35th Avenue SW sits a large brick and wood church building that has been run by a number of groups, the latest being a group of caring and generous individuals who call themselves Doxa Church. Their mission is “a creative community inspiring people through love.” Bree and Craig Friedl own Jardin Wines, and are members of Doxa. They expressed their desire to support the “one community” campaign and sponsor a Winemakers Dinner. Bree thought it made sense to use the Flying Lion Café located in the lower level of the church as the venue. The event was spectacular. Scott Erickson created an original oil painting during dinner that was auctioned off at the event and Candace Yoo graced us with a solo violin. The five course meal served by volunteers was delectable and yet another demonstration of community which has been the theme throughout this adventure. Jardin Wines, Doxa, Flying Lion Café and Blue Willow Catering co-sponsored the evening. The Flying Lion is open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings for dinner. The Winemakers Dinner raised a whopping $13,760 for the campaign!

Businesses are Making a Difference
As you entered the Beveridge Place on June 2nd, located at 6451 California Ave. S.W., you could feel the excitement and camaraderie among the patrons. Everyone was there to grab some beer and pizza, and support a good cause, the “one community” campaign. Owners Gary Sink and Terri Griffith donated all the beer tasting and pizza sales proceeds that night to the campaign. The Beveridge Place is in its fourth year in the Morgan junction, still a fairly new business, and understandably has many priorities. However, supporting the West Seattle Community in this way says a lot about Gary and Terri who live in West Seattle and build community while they do business here. The Beer Tasting Party raised $12,000 for the campaign.

West Seattlelite Sponsors a Birthday Bash for "one community"
Everyone enjoys going to a party or better yet inviting your friends and family to a party for you. However, Karen Williams went a step further. She planned a bowling party, invited friends, neighbors, and relatives and asked them to join her in supporting the West Seattle community to make sure all of our neighbors will have the opportunity to improve their lives. She asked that in lieu of gifts, donations be made to the “three projects”. Her brother called from Florida and agreed to pay for all of the bowling. Proceeds from Karen’s party went to the “one community” campaign. The Birthday Bash raised $920.

Project Updates

The Croft Place Townhomes Project is is complete! The construction fence came down on July 13 th. The project received its certificate of occupancy and eight families moved in over the 4th of July weekend. All of the other units are leased and ready for an August 1 st move in. Learn more about Croft Townhomes

The redevelopment of Cooper is moving along well. Walsh Construction is currently 40% with construction. All of the refurbished windows should be re-installed soon and demolition is underway for the new drive way ramp up from Delridge Way. The design of the Delridge History Exhibit has begun. Randy Engtrom has been selected as the Founding Cultural Center Director. Learn more and take a photographic tour of the Historic Cooper School

The Food Bank and West Seattle Community Resource Center (CRC) received notification from the Washington State Housing Trust Fund that the project will receive $962,000 which completes the funding package for the housing portion of the project! The building permit application was submitted to the City on June 30th and construction of the CRC will commence this fall. In August 2006, the West Seattle Food Bank will open its doors at its new location at 35th Ave SW and SW Morgan Street. Learn more about the new West Seattle Community Resource Center

Get Involved
Join the three projects | one community campaign