Slog - Comments on Once a Year, We Do Something Good

Comment by Eric

Eric — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:31:30 -0800

I was hoping one of the choices would be an animal shelter... What about the pit bulls...?!

Comment by Ivan Cockrum

Ivan Cockrum — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:33:41 -0800

All I can see in the poll iframe is your ad banners for the Stranger Personals and Hump. No poll. This was the case with the last poll I saw posted here. Using Firefox 3.0.3, ditto for Safari 3.1.2.

Comment by Fnarf

Fnarf — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:35:22 -0800

Clear your cache, close and restart your browser, Ivan.

Comment by kerri harrop

kerri harrop — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:37:27 -0800

I nominate Country Doctor.

Comment by brinsonian

brinsonian — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:40:29 -0800

826 Seattle!

Comment by kid icarus

kid icarus — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:42:11 -0800

Second for 826 Seattle.

Comment by jezbian

jezbian — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:45:31 -0800

i second country doctor! those people ROCK!

Comment by Lorelei Berndt

Lorelei Berndt — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:46:50 -0800

Solid-Ground is amazing- they help with everything from the best food bank in king county to helping people keep their homes during this banking crisis, they provide voice mail numbers for the homeless- so they can seek resources and even get jobs. There's more. THey rock.

Comment by curiousadam

curiousadam — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:49:15 -0800

I'd like to nominate Lambert House

Comment by Fremonter

Fremonter — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:50:22 -0800

Family Services -- doing great work in helping homeless families. www.family-services.org

Comment by leek

leek — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:51:01 -0800

Those links are opening the pages inside the poll window, which I can't imagine is what's intended...

Comment by I fucking hate the homeless. THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS much.

I fucking hate the homeless. THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS much. — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:59:52 -0800

I nominate Pony. What? Fuck charity. Let's give something to someone who will give something back for a change.

Comment by Sweeney Agonistes

Sweeney Agonistes — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:03:09 -0800

826 Seattle, please.

Comment by pgc

pgc — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:03:41 -0800

I voted Solid Ground because I saw Tavis Smiley on their website and he is hot.

Comment by Steve Laine

Steve Laine — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:09:38 -0800

Solid Ground is the most deserving. Their management and staff do great work and the money will be put to good use.

Comment by Steve M

Steve M — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:10:28 -0800

Those are great choices. I also suggest Family and Adult Service Center.

Comment by Gurldoggie

Gurldoggie — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:12:38 -0800

The Urban Rest Stop is a great great organization, working down in the trenches of poverty with realistic goals and a modest budget. I donate to them every year already, and a gift like this would go so far for them.

Comment by Kim

Kim — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:13:48 -0800

THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT THE VERA PROJECT

(you get the idea)

Comment by Anon

Anon — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:17:15 -0800

Urban Rest Stop makes homeless people stink less, and stank-free air is something we can all enjoy. I hope the annual regrets issue regrets the Urban Rest Stop being last in the polling.

Comment by kerri harrop

kerri harrop — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:28:06 -0800

@18: The VERA Project is a fine organization, staffed with wonderful people. That said, they have received more than a fair share of charitable giving over the years, particularly from the music and arts community.

If you would like to support VERA, I suggest taking part in their forthcoming "A Drink For The Kids" benefit, which begins this month and is an effective way of raising cash.

My vote is for Solid Ground, although I'd still like to see the Country Doctor receive a little Strangercrombie love.

Comment by jj

jj — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:29:58 -0800

Solid Ground hosts so many different social justice programs - they deserve all the help they can get!!

Comment by erin

erin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:31:21 -0800

Planned Parenthood needs help- all the cuts in funding by Bush Administration + drop in donations from both individual donors and foundations etc, is making it difficult for them to take care of reproductive health needs in Seattle and elsewhere. They are the preferred place for std testing and birth control, not to mention the advocacy work they do daily. Donate to Planned Parenthood!

Comment by Mikki

Mikki — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:35:40 -0800

I agree with Erin @22.

Comment by Megan Seling

Megan Seling — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:44:01 -0800

@11 Problem fixed. That was my fault. Thanks for letting us know about it.

Comment by Think of the Children

Think of the Children — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:45:29 -0800

Arts Corps provides in school arts education for schools that have lost their arts funding (or never had any). They have measures in place to insure they are reaching the most needy schools in Seattle and King County.

They are also on the cutting edge of new research regarding the effect that art has on a child's ability to learn, think critically, develop socially, and synthesize information.

The classes they offer range from visual art and theater to breakdancing and spoken word. Their program works, and it needs help *constantly*

http://www.artscorps.org/

Comment by Kim

Kim — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:45:48 -0800

@20: I agree that Solid Ground is a great organization. That being said, looking at their 990 for the year ended 2006, it had $17.5M in gross receipts, $2.5M of which was from direct public support. In comparison, Vera's budget is $500K a year.

In any case, I think that Strangercrombie is great and the organization that receives the funds are very lucky (and all very in need)!

Comment by cinnimin

cinnimin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:52:01 -0800

I'd like to nominate Seattle Youth Garden Works. Homeless and underserved youth grow produce and sell it at the U-District Farmers Market. The young people learn job readiness skills while earning minimum wage and a share of the market profits. When they leave the program, the youth are empowered with the confidence and skills to succeed. They also have a new understanding and respect for organic food and the environment.

Comment by keshmeshi

keshmeshi — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:58:05 -0800

@26,

What does Vera do that merits more contributions than a half million a year? I'm hardly objective, I really couldn't care less about that organization, but Solid Ground is helping people who are hungry and unemployed. It needs $17.5 million; Vera does not.

Comment by Sarina

Sarina — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:34:59 -0800

I'm a little surprised that there has to be a wrestle over ONE organization -- why not have multiple beneficiaries, especially if you're expecting to raise something like last year ($60k)?

For many of these organizations that people have suggested, perhaps Solid Ground excluded, $6,000 means a whoooole lot to their programming and getting through the first few months of a new fiscal year -- especially if they're not expecting it.

I'd like to vote that Seattle Young People's Project, Urban Rest Stop, Lambert House, 826 Seattle, Planned Parenthood, The Vera Project, and Home Alive are all beneficiaries.

(Or, shucks, people could just donate directly to them!)

Comment by Yep

Yep — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:51:41 -0800

I second Sarina (@29)'s suggestion! All those orgs should get something that'll be significant for them.

Comment by nickj

nickj — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:09:17 -0800

Solid Ground gets my vote,over 30 programsn,300 staff providing so many needed services from shelter,to Commumity Voice Mail,Mortgage counseling,and a leader in the undoing institional racism mission that prohibits so many from getting ahead.They provide a hand up not a hand out!

Comment by rob

rob — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:10:59 -0800

I vote for Hot Snowbound Half-Naked Dude in Earmuffs. He must need help with... um... something.

Comment by asteria

asteria — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:33:12 -0800

I agree with Sarina about donating to more than one organization. I think with this year's shitty economy many groups are struggling and a few thousand dollars can make a HUGE difference. Plus food banks and organizations that provide rent assistance need some extra help this year.

I would also like to see some money go to NW Harvest - they provide food to a ton of food banks, which I don't think Solid Ground does. Didn't the Strangercrombie money go to NW Harvest before?

Comment by Sarah Davies

Sarah Davies — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:50:08 -0800

I vote for ArtWorks (http://urbanartworks.org). They take at risk youth and pay them to paint murals around the city after school. I'm on the board, and we really need cash!

Comment by Solid Ground Fan

Solid Ground Fan — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:53:12 -0800

Solid Ground brings all the food from Northwest Harvest to the food banks. Solid Ground drives the trucks and loads the boxes. They also do rental assistance, and help thousands of families who are homeless or about to become homeless. These are the homeless you don't see -- not the drunks stumbling around Pioneer Square, but the families with children shuttling from their car to their friend's couch to shelters back to their car. They also run one of the area's best domestic violence shelters.

Comment by jkjk

jkjk — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:41:13 -0800

I voted solid ground too (previously known as the fremont public association)

Comment by Dance Fever

Dance Fever — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:30:57 -0800

I voted for Solid Ground. One of Solid Ground's many programs is Community Voice Mail. Think about Community Voice Mail National (www.cvm.org and communityvoicemail.blogspot.com/) for next year's Strangercrombie. Community Voice Mail is a national organization based in Seattle and has been providing free voice mail to people in crisis for 15 years. On average CVM serves 40,000 people in tough situations (domestic violence, homelessness, unemployment, etc) connecting them to jobs, housing and hope each year.

Comment by Greer

Greer — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:24:18 -0800

FYI: In addition to voting to put money into worthwhile non-profits, we should also vote to ensure that non-profits don't lose current funding. Ballot Initiative 985, though the it may seem harmless at first glance, calls for a removal of an estimated 290 million from the General Fund to put into the Transportation Fund. That means that the Health and Human Services budget (funded by the General Fund) will be cut. If I-985 were to pass, it is inevitable that those organizations currently receiving state money will not be getting those needed funds to run the programs that we all admire so much. Such a cut would critically threaten an agency, like Solid Ground, for example. So, spread the word: Vote NO on I-985!

P.S. If you want to really spread the word, Poverty Action, a program of Solid Ground, is phone-banking in October. Sign up to phone-bank at www.povertyaction.org.

Comment by Sarah Schuyler

Sarah Schuyler — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:20:07 -0800

Hey, consider voting for First Place School. It's an accredited K - 6th grade school that serves children from homeless and displaced families--a very important part of a social safety net for families in crisis. First Place changes lives in positive ways every day. It deserves your consideration, and is even in second place now, despite being much less well-known than Solid Ground! Website: http://www.firstplaceschool.org/

Comment by Jody

Jody — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:58:58 -0800

First Place does amazing things for children who are dealing with the crisis homelessness brings. It offers case workers to the entire family, so children attending First Place receive support from 360 degrees. Vote for First Place -- you won't be disappointed!!

Comment by lil

lil — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:45:05 -0800

Please consider voting for the First Place School, they are truly a fantastic organization that doesn't get much love, but does so much. All of the charities are very worthwhile, but until we, as a nation, address the issue of children that are homeless, inevitably we are not going to be able to put an end to end any of these situations. If you get kids started out right, the likelihood of success, is going to be that much greater.

Comment by non-profit-lover

non-profit-lover — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:47:29 -0800

powerful voices is a great organization that makes big differences in the lives of girls. just sayin'.

Comment by Eriberto

Eriberto — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:52:10 -0800

First Place is awesome. I have had the opportunity of working with some of the kids served by this program. The program reminds me of a very successful program in Guatemala City. They have an understanding that you must support the family in order for the student to be successful in school and later in life.

Comment by Eriberto

Eriberto — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:55:09 -0800

Comment by Outreach

Outreach — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:42:04 -0800

the Vera Project!

Comment by Bernice

Bernice — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:16:31 -0800

My vote would be for prosthetics Outreach Foundation www.pofsea.org

Comment by Mari

Mari — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:01:24 -0800

Here's a vote for First Place - - - for the kids.

Comment by Gina

Gina — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:22:49 -0800

To all who have voted or will vote for First Place School...I appreciate and hug each one of you. First Place is a place where kids in crisis are Honered and Respected with a DIGNITY they take with them the rest of their young lives. It is imperative to keep their spirits up-lifted and wanting to move up and out of poverty as they grow. PLEASE SUPPORT FIRST PLACE.

Comment by Lou Contreras

Lou Contreras — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:18:34 -0800

And please don't forget to vote in November!

Comment by Reba Haas

Reba Haas — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:54:08 -0800

Team Reba has supported Treehouse for years in their back to school clothing drive and other activities. One reason I am drawn to this organization is due to the fact that I am adopted, and I know that had my parents not taken me in at the young age of 3 weeks, it would have been very likely that I would have ended up in a foster program.

The kids that are in foster programs need more support than what the state and their foster family can give them. Typically they suffer from lower grades from being moved around, the stress of being in foster care, and this usually results in lower graduation rates � and foster kids, when they �age out� at 18, also have a higher rate of homelessness than any other demographic group (50% or higher). This also increases the likelihood that these kids will end up being the victim of assault, forced prostitution, drug/alchohol abuse, or murder.

As a person who�s living revolves around the successful housing of others, and whose own work in non-profit is geared toward lowering the incidence of human trafficking and sexual assault, reaching and supporting these kids in their younger years is imperative to improving their life-long condition.

I hope you�ll take a moment to do �a couple of clicks� that won�t cost you anything more than a few moments of your time. While these are all worthwhile organizations, I hope you�ll help support Treehouse in their quest to win this year�s generous program. Vote and forward it on!

Comment by Stephanie

Stephanie — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:19:52 -0800

Treehouse is a wonderful, extremely well run non-profit that benefits the most in need-foster children in our community. Treehouse provides stability for children who's lives have been turned upside down. Torn from family, Treehouse steps in to provide support for hundreds of local kids with School supplies, clothing, Holiday gifts and many other items when they otherwise would go without. With our current economy the way it is, the most helpless, these children, will suffer the most. This donation will provide so much for so many children!

Comment by Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:32:12 -0800

Treehouse Rocks!
Please vote for Treehouse

Comment by Meryl

Meryl — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:58:07 -0800

In addition to clothing and supplies, Treehouse has tutoring and other school coaching programs to support and encourage these kids, overall making a huge difference in their lives.

Every single one of these programs in the poll and mentioned above are reputable and contributes to our community in vital ways; each of them deserve all the support they can get. In addition to voting, please consider donating privately to these places or volunteering your time.

You've got me cornered from all angles here, they're all so good, I can't decide who to vote for!

Comment by anonymous

anonymous — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:19:18 -0800

treehouse is such an amazing organization, vote for them! they help so many kids, and we've all heard horror stories about foster care in america. treehouse is one of the organizations that helps the situations and

Comment by Grandma

Grandma — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:11:14 -0800

When the state brings me a child in the middle of the night wearing nothing but hospital pajamas, traumatized from whatever abuse brought them there, knowing that you won't have a check for that child for at least a month or so (or when someone can get to the paperwork), Thank god Treehouse was there to help us get clothing, car seats, back packs, what ever they needed.
These are all good programs, but kids need clothing to be able to get to those programs for help.

Comment by Jeanette

Jeanette — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:55:01 -0800

Treehouse rocks! Foster children desperately need resources and Treehouse is there with clothes, turoring and helping pay for a yearbook or Summer camp. Every cent goes to services.

Comment by Debra Kumar

Debra Kumar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 22:13:49 -0800

How can one choose from the selection? They are all worthy.

Comment by sizzle

sizzle — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:31:43 -0800

There are a ton of worthy non-profits in Seattle and among those, these four are also worthy and in need. Thank you for putting Treehouse in the mix!

Comment by Natac

Natac — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:33:37 -0800

VOTE TREEHOUSE! Keep kids out of jail!

Comment by Natac

Natac — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:33:51 -0800

VOTE TREEHOUSE! Keep kids out of jail!

Comment by Natac

Natac — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:34:24 -0800

VOTE TREEHOUSE! Keep kids out of jail. . . and tacky orange jumpsuits!

Comment by Khrista

Khrista — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:24:57 -0800

VOTE TREEHOUSE!!! We want to keep the kids out of jail!!!

Comment by Khrista

Khrista — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:25:37 -0800

VOTE TREEHOUSE!!! We want to keep the kids out of jail!!!

Comment by gabriela

gabriela — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:21:54 -0800

I volunteer with Treehouse and donate $$ every month. Treehouse provides a holistic approach to the needs of foster children operating under the belief that every child deserves a childhood (hence, the theme of the treehouse). The foster care program provides little more that a roof and food for children. Treehouse provides advocacy, tutoring, school clothes & supplies, and special wish help for baseball uniforms or ballet lessons. It's a very successful and inspirational program.

Comment by Fnarf

Fnarf — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:43:39 -0800

Treehouse is obviously gaming the vote here.

Comment by Julie-Ann Traub

Julie-Ann Traub — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:05:52 -0800

I vote for Solid Ground knowing they need help and do a good job. Thank you.

Comment by Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:20:52 -0800

I am so sick of this help for the homeless. Lets help people that help themsevles. Most homeless people are drug addicts who deserve to be where they are. Let help the kids or the single parents trying to better them selfs. We need more funding for things like MOMS HOUSE. they watch your children so you can go to college. GOOGLE it. We need more of these!

Comment by Gerald Peterkin

Gerald Peterkin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:42:02 -0800

I vote for Solid Ground as they provide a wide range of services that impact many demographics in the community.

Comment by hey hey

hey hey — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:47:38 -0800

What date and time does voting end? Just curious. Thank you.

Comment by Tess

Tess — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:24:31 -0800

There is no greater gift to give than a hand up for children who are in need through no fault of their own. Please vote for Treehouse and the many children it serves in so many ways. They do awesome work for children. I am a foster parent and I am thankful for the assistance Treehouse provides. There are many activities and services my children would not have without Treehouse. Tess

Comment by anonymous

anonymous — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:37:50 -0800

Treehouse is not gaming the vote. Clearly a lot of people know of the good work they do for foster kids.

Comment by Melanie

Melanie — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:39:18 -0800

I think all the money should go to each of these things because they all are need money

Comment by poltroon

poltroon — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:44:10 -0800

Treehouse has a four star rating from Charity Navigator. First Place has two stars, and the others aren't listed. So I'm inclined to think Treehouse would make good use of the money, but the others might be ok too *shrug*.

Comment by Reba Haas

Reba Haas — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:37:42 -0800

I am thrilled to see the surge of votes for Treehouse and hope that The Stranger will consider them as the beneficiary this year. Thanks to everyone whose been voting and brought up Treehouse from 11% a few days ago to being in the lead at this time.

I was just suggesting to my assistant today to donate some household goods to be used in their program to give items to foster kids that are moving out on their own after "aging out". This is yet another of their awesome programs to help these kids/teens get a footing toward a successful adult life.