Sheltering Homeless Families

FUSION provides transitional housing for families facing homelessness. Each family we serve in the safety and security of a FUSION home can stay for up to 24 months as they work toward self-sufficiency.

Starting in 1993 with a one-bedroom condominium, the Washington-based organization now owns 10 two-bedroom condos in Federal Way.

Funding for the purchase of nine condominiums has been through Community Development Block Grants. The tenth housing unit, a condominium in Federal Way, was purchased with funds raised by FUSION. An additional housing unit owned by Marine View Presbyterian Church in Northeast Tacoma, is managed by FUSION with a lease-free agreement with the church.

Two single-family houses and a duplex in Tacoma were added to FUSION’s inventory of housing when the Joseph Foundation merged with FUSION in 2009. These three-bedroom homes accommodate larger families.

Each of the 15 housing units is fully furnished to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere. They include furniture, appliances, kitchenware, dishes, linens, bedding, and even toys and games for children. Rooms are cheerful and functional to the needs of a family, with tastefully coordinated décor throughout. Nearly all of this is done with donated items!

Partnership with Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation ensures a selective screening process as applicants must meet definitive criteria before they are admitted to a FUSION home. To work toward eventual self-sufficiency, families must agree to set goals and meet regularly with a case manager as crucial steps in a successful transition from poverty to self-reliance.

Housing Forum

Managing and maintaining FUSION’s lovely homes takes a considerable volunteer effort.

• A Housing Coordinator oversees management of the homes and is a liaison between the FUSION Board of Directors and Valley Cities.
  
  
• Unit Managers are assigned to each home as point of contact for household emergencies. They also have the fun of furnishing, decorating and stocking the units. During vacancies between residents, they clean and restore the home.
  
  
• A Transition Manager assesses the condition of units upon vacancy and helps coordinate a plan for cleaning or renovation to prepare homes for new guests.
  
  
• The Transition Team assists Unit Managers with cleaning, painting, repairing and refurbishing units.
  
  
• A Renovation Crew of handymen donate professional fix-it skills to keep units in top repair.
  
  
• The Storage Team monitors donations of furniture and household goods and keeps storage garages organized.
  
  
• A Holiday Coordinator arranges pick-up and delivery of food and gift baskets donated by community organizations for residents at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

You can help FUSION furnish and maintain safe, secure homes for homeless families working toward self sufficiency. Consider donating usable furniture and household goods. See what we need.

Get Involved. The Housing Forum needs volunteers to manage and maintain homes. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to get started.

There are other ways to share your time and talents with FUSION. See our volunteer jobs.

We also gratefully welcome financial contributions to support FUSION operating costs.