Slog - Comments on Re: What's Your Cause? http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause Last week, we asked you all about your favorite local causes and where we should donate the proceeds from this year's Strangercrombie auction. (Briefly: Strangercrombie is our annual holiday gift auction; all the money goes to a worthy local cause. In the past, that cause has been Northwest Harvest. This year, we're thinking about spreading the generosity—your generosity—around.) So: we've winnowed your suggestions down to five, including Northwest Harvest. Before we return to our regularly scheduled programming (Ahmadinejad mocking, Larry Craig stalking, pet goats), take a look and let us know if you have a favorite: 1. Treehouse: An organization... Copyright 2008 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:55:50 -0800 Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:40:37 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Comment by monkey I like Treehouse and FareStart

]]> monkey http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810559 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810559 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:52:34 -0800 Comment by James I'll gladly donate to whichever organization takes the emo hipster kids off the streets and puts them behind a counter working at Burger King.

]]> James http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810560 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810560 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:54:26 -0800 Comment by ellarosa tell me if i'm wrong, but the foster care system is adminisitered by the state and county gov'ts, no? if abuse and neglect is such an issue in these homes, (which, sadly, appears to be the case) how about improving the gov't oversight of said homes? where's the political will?

]]> ellarosa http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810564 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810564 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:55:50 -0800 Comment by Original Monique I think Farestart as the best. Second, I would pick Treehouse.

So excited for Strangercrombie!

]]> Original Monique http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810571 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810571 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:02:06 -0800 Comment by seattle98104 If this were a poll I'd vote ...

]]> seattle98104 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810576 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810576 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:06:21 -0800 Comment by Brendan Kiley We're working on a poll, 98104. Stay tuned.

]]> Brendan Kiley http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810583 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810583 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:08:54 -0800 Comment by Skot Northwest Harvest

They are consistently well-run and it really sucks having no food.

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm/bay/search.summary/orgid/4247.htm

]]> Skot http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810584 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810584 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:09:47 -0800 Comment by ramjak I still say you should give the money to Clay Bennet

]]> ramjak http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810595 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810595 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:16:04 -0800 Comment by Miss Stereo Urban Rest Stop. Without a doubt.

]]> Miss Stereo http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810596 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810596 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:17:37 -0800 Comment by SDA in SEA Treehouse gets my vote. How can it not?

Northwest Harvest is a great organization, and well worth supporting. Urban Rest Stop more-or-less serves the same community. So if your goal is to spread the donation dollars around, by donating to both of these organizations, you're double covering the same group.

FareStart is also a worthy org. However, I think they are pretty well funded, and your dollars are more desperately needed elsewhere.

A medical assistance organization is a swell idea, but if we don't have one here (yet), then you have no place to donate your money to. Unless you are willing to seed the start of a new organization, which would require a whole lot more money than Strangercrombie raises. And I do think you need to keep your donations in Seattle.

]]> SDA in SEA http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810608 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810608 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:22:46 -0800 Comment by Joey the Girl Not sure if my non-Seattle voice gets to be included, but I vote for FareStart, followed by Northwest Harvest.

]]> Joey the Girl http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810651 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810651 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:31:53 -0800 Comment by me I'm cool with any of them, but I prefer Treehouse. Strangely enough, child abuse prevention organizations generally have a very hard time raising money because, well, child abuse is really secretive, depressing, and isn't the type of feel-good charity where people can go to a location (soup kitchen, restaurant, drop-off location, etc.) and feel like you did something to help.

]]> me http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810652 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810652 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:31:55 -0800 Comment by keshmeshi I vote for Treehouse as well. Keep in mind that a lot of those people you see on the street started out in foster care. I don't know about Seattle, but in New York something like 90 percent of the homeless went through the foster care system.

]]> keshmeshi http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810671 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810671 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:37:02 -0800 Comment by violet Although the other organizations are certainly worthy, I can't believe anyone would vote for anything but Treehouse after reading the hypodermic needle story this morning!
But no seriously, I was really glad to read this after I read about that because I've been sitting here thinking "Why isn't anyone doing anything about this kind of thing???"

]]> violet http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810685 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810685 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:41:02 -0800 Comment by June Bee I'm gonna hafta offer a write-in candidate:

Jim's Camera's in the U-District.

Yes, he may rip you off. Yes, his prices may vary according to customer. Yes, he's persistent with the curmudgeon attitude. BBBBBBUUUUUUUTTTTTT

The place is a museum. I'd almost vote to have a 50 cent admission like they had down below the P.P. Market at the exotic bird store (is it still there?).
In fact, fuck this poll - Next time I take it to the streets (busking guitar), it will be in front of Jim's.
Glazer's, Best Buy, Ritz, sorry, "there ain't no need for ya, go straight to hell, boys."

Plus, Jim (or whoever the salesman is) does a pretty good mime performance just doin what he do.

]]> June Bee http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810700 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810700 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:45:03 -0800 Comment by seattle98104 Yeah, I'm going with treehouse. How many days usually go by between each DSHS screwup?

]]> seattle98104 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810714 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810714 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:48:04 -0800 Comment by chris NO on farestart. come on, they just finished a huge capital campaign, and built a brand new facility downtown. they're flush with cash right now. plus their success rate with the population the serve isn't all that impressive (more smoke and mirrors there).

put your money where it will have the most impact. treehouse (kids = heartstrings) or northwest harvest are much more deserving of the stranger's fine fundraising effort.

]]> chris http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810719 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810719 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:49:23 -0800 Comment by Gurldoggie Urban Rest Stop is really an exceptional service. The folks who work there are giving much more than just meals, providing completely necessary services that are available nowhere else in this town. I already donate to them, but they get my vote for sure.

]]> Gurldoggie http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810815 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810815 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:13:56 -0800 Comment by Brooke I am voting for the Urban Rest Stop. While each one of the organizations listed are very worthy causes, the Rest Stop offers basic human services that are available no where else in the downtown area. Showers, tooth brushes, laundry facilities, etc. Things that most people take for granted.

]]> Brooke http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810865 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810865 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:29:29 -0800 Comment by duncan These are all good organizations. Can you just divide it five ways?

Next year I hope that Rise N' Shine is one of the nominees.

]]> duncan http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810907 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810907 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:42:09 -0800 Comment by Giffy Urban Rest Stop=less stinky people on the bus.

]]> Giffy http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810913 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c810913 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:44:39 -0800 Comment by me #21, you make a hugely compelling arguement there, but I'm still going with Treehouse.

]]> me http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811011 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811011 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:21:26 -0800 Comment by Bauhaus Do you have to choose only one? All of them sound more than worthwhile. I like Treehouse AND a medical clinic for uninsured children.

]]> Bauhaus http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811017 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811017 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:24:10 -0800 Comment by Marg Are you serious? Did you really say that FareStart is flush with cash and has non impressive outcomes? While they have a great new facility - if they plan on doubling the number of students they serve it in - that costs $$. Also - did you know they provide 2500 meals a day to shelters and child care centers in addition to helping the homeless gain a new skill and get housing? FareStart Rocks!

]]> Marg http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811025 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811025 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 12:28:23 -0800 Comment by Melissa They're all great groups. I agree with the idea of dividing the donation up between all five.

Urban Rest Stop is FREE laundry, showers, and restroom facilities. No referral needed, all are welcome.

Very worthy.

]]> Melissa http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811332 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811332 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:37:47 -0800 Comment by chris @ 24, yes, in comparison to the other organizations up for the stranger's donation, i think farestart is more than generously funded. IMHO, it's a showboat organization that already has it's fair share of funding and notoriety. farestart's trick is to allow smug, "liberal", middle-class seattleites to feel good about themselves because they bought a sandwich and fries made by a homeless person. sure they have great *initial* placement rates, but the recidivism over the long run (back into homelessness, drug addiction, etc) is very high. the root causes of these problems are never fully addressed in my opinion, because the business concerns of farestart (ie running a restaurant, producing 2500+ shelter meals per day) are so pressing, that there isn't the ability to work with people on their deeper issues. farestart admits so many people to their program in order to keep the restaurant and other businesses fully staffed, not because they're so altruistic. the stranger really should consider either splitting the money between all the orgs mentioned (minus farestart) or giving to one org where $40K + will have a real and lasting impact on the community. farestart isn't that org.

]]> chris http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811460 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811460 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:33:11 -0800 Comment by brock #26 - I understood that FareStart does a lot of training on things besides the culinary -- like resume' preparation, conflict management, and other life skills. Lots of classroom stuff. Each student is also assigned a case manager who helps them through the program - they provide things like counseling, medical care, housing, etc. If I ran a restaurant and was going to hire someone new to the field -- I would appreciate their real life restaurant experience.

]]> brock http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811493 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811493 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:48:11 -0800 Comment by chris @ 27 yes they do provide life skills training, but it is limited, because classes interfere with food prep and meal service. farestart does not provide housing or medical services, but they do provide referrals to services for people in their program. and sure they get food service experience, but at 16 weeks, even that isn't very extensive.

]]> chris http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811503 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811503 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:55:15 -0800 Comment by stiletto Both Treehouse and Farestart are the obvious choices. Both ascribe more to the 'teaching the man to fish' school of advocacy.

]]> stiletto http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811523 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811523 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 16:07:43 -0800 Comment by mg Working for a nonprofit and knowing how our budget planning works, I recommend giving it to NW Harvest again this year and let them know it may not happen next year. Then they could take that knowledge in planning their budget for the next fiscal year.

If they were used to getting a chunk of change from this auction, that revenue was more than likely applied to this current fiscal year's budget. It's a sizeable sum and if not donated, they'd have to scramble to make up the loss.

]]> mg http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811604 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811604 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:15:22 -0800 Comment by mg In case anyone wondered about my comment at #30, I do not work for Northwest Harvest. I work for a queer nonprofit here in town.

But I see our budget process and how next year's revenue is projected, based on past giving. It would be a shame that something worthwhile could end up causing an unnecessary hardship.

]]> mg http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811616 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811616 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:27:12 -0800 Comment by bruce All these organizations are worthy. As a volunteer with FareStart I know that the individuals who go through that program, working full-time for 16 weeks or more, are incredibly motivated and working harder to turn their lives around than most of us will ever work at anything. You can't expect 100% success, but every time I see one of the many who did succeed, I think what a tragedy it would have been if this resource had not been available for them. While the organization works hard to prevent relapses, it's important to focus on the successes, who are worth every penny.

]]> bruce http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811817 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811817 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 21:16:53 -0800 Comment by Mahtli69 I agree with #30. I think all of the organizations you listed are worthy of donations, but the gift to NW Harvest has turned into an annual event. For a non-profit, it's a pretty big deal when a long-time large donor goes somewhere else.

]]> Mahtli69 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811843 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811843 Strangercrombie Tue, 25 Sep 2007 22:01:22 -0800 Comment by Gabe Global Farestart has a sexy mission but I've never really been impressed with their results. Training someone to do one of the lowest paying jobs around doesn't seem like the best use of time. More marketing (fuck fishing) than substance.

I'd like to support Treehouse but agree that it's bad form to pull such funding from another org. I'm sure Northwest Harvest also does a lot of the promotions and groundwork for Strangercrombie, so I think it would be a shame to take it away from them.

]]> Gabe Global http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811911 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c811911 Strangercrombie Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:05:47 -0800 Comment by Gurldoggie Whoa,
I checked back in to see how the poll went, and am impressed that more than 600 people have voted. Whether or not this poll determines how Strangercrombie funds are divided up, it's clear you've struck a nerve by talking about these non-profits in the first place. Maybe one of the holiday issues could run profiles on these groups to encourage folks to donate a little money regardless of the auction.

]]> Gurldoggie http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c812239 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c812239 Strangercrombie Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:54:41 -0800 Comment by Dan Johnson To Chris and any others,

I work at FareStart and would love to have you come in for a visit and get the real skinny on the work we do. In fact, we do provide long-term shelter and medical services to clients in the program. But more important is the community we provide for folks so that they can engage in some incredibly transformative work. Please drop me a line at dan@farestart.org and I'll be happy to chat and/or arrange a visit. Thanks!

]]> Dan Johnson http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c812278 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c812278 Strangercrombie Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:32:30 -0800 Comment by cellular fareStart is an amazing program. i have worked with their students for a year now, and they have been nothing but motivated and well trained. if you know anything about social work, you know that recidivism comes with the territory, regardless of what kind of service your agency provides. quit dissing fareStart and go have a look at their program. hell, ask them for a tour: i'm sure they'll accomodate you if you're professional and open-minded.

]]> cellular http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c812672 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c812672 Strangercrombie Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:35:48 -0800 Comment by kydavi all of these are great organizations, but TREEHOUSE please! i worked with a non-profit that served youth for years and besides all the abuse that the majority of foster kids have to suffer through, when they turn 18 they are turned out on the street with no money and no skills. treehouse is an amazing organization and a worthy cause (not to say any of the others are not!)

]]> kydavi http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c813574 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c813574 Strangercrombie Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:18:29 -0800 Comment by Heyrae This vote is super tough because Tree House, Fare start & Northwest Harvest are amazingly well run nonprofits (I would know because I'v been in the NPOs for a decade..but I have to go with Urban Rest Stop. It's about basic human diginity and the simple human need for hygiene. Imagine going two days or two months without bathing. If you are trying to get out of the streets, and you're filty, you're fucked. SOciety will not allow you to "enter" back in if you stink. I'M VOTING FOR URS.
Peace be with you.

]]> Heyrae http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c813806 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c813806 Strangercrombie Fri, 28 Sep 2007 04:20:40 -0800 Comment by rob Hey, they are all great causes but the urban rest stop allows marginalized men women and children to shower regularly and wash their clothes. this i feel plays a big part in making someone feel like a human being!! its also a great way to start the ball rolling with job interviews etc!! also there are alot of places that feed people and offer jobs but very little places like the urban rest stop!! p.s there's no hidden religious or political agendas with the URS. You just go in and do what you gotta do!!

]]> rob http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c813970 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c813970 Strangercrombie Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:03:19 -0800 Comment by johnny I second #40, access to clean clothing and good hygiene empower people to apply for more services, jobs, etc. The impact is actually pretty far reaching. Very important.

]]> johnny http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c814035 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c814035 Strangercrombie Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:11:21 -0800 Comment by JAG All are great causes, however (although biased having worked on the construction of the expanded facility), the Urban Rest Stop easily gets my vote, as there is virtually nothing like it in Seattle, or many other cities in the U.S. for that matter.

With the help of funding like this, the URS can continue to offer much needed services and act as a model for other such facilities in Seattle and on the west coast.

]]> JAG http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c814062 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c814062 Strangercrombie Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:29:43 -0800 Comment by Team Nerd I'm an employee @ the Urban Rest Stop and here's a few reasons why you should vote for us:

1. We Got Free showers and Free Laundry and Free Public Bathroom. That means homeless folks can clean up after sleeping outside, or after leaving shelters with nasty facilities. It means they can find jobs and apply for housing. Good Hygiene is the basis of good health.

2. The folks who use our services are amazing people from all over the world.

3. We play the best music of any social service provider ever. Steady Streaming 60s and 70s soul, underground Hip Hop, Showtunes and other eclectica.

]]> Team Nerd http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c814963 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c814963 Strangercrombie Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:05:18 -0800 Comment by C-Horse C-Horse agrees with all those in support of every single one of these organizations and is also glad to have cast Her vote for the Urban Rest Stop. In conjunction with places that feed and shelter, the URS completes the package of feeling like a million bucks!!!! Peace.

]]> C-Horse http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c815866 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c815866 Strangercrombie Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:42:52 -0800 Comment by Ronni Gilboa I am the Program Manager of the Urban Rest Stop. I want to thank everyone who is participating. I'm glad that you are discussing, voting with passion, and expressing interest in vital community services.

Anyone is welcome to come and visit the Urban Rest Stop, 1924 9th Avenue, ( downtown Seattle, between Stewart and Virgina. Weekday hours are from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Weekends hours are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You can visit us online also: lihi.org (click on the projects link, and then on Urban Rest Stop) or try urbanreststop.org

Thank you for your interest and support!


Ronni Gilboa

]]> Ronni Gilboa http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c816728 http://slog.thestranger.com/2007/09/re_whats_your_cause#c816728 Strangercrombie Tue, 02 Oct 2007 16:40:37 -0800