“Homelessness is a problem far from solved - and there has never been a more urgent time to address this great American tragedy.” — Nan Roman, President, National Alliance to End Homelessness

One Night Count

The number of homeless counted in a single night in Federal Way, Washington, in 2010 increased 56 percent from the previous year. The late-January survey tallied 181 people with no homes, spending the night in vehicles, parks and other outdoor locations. Three of these were minors. 

Federal Way has the largest number of unsheltered homeless after Seattle’s nearly 2,000. Many additional families were in temporary shelters.  One Night Count highlights the often hidden nature of family homelessness.

Did You Know? 

• Two trends are largely responsible for a rise in homelessness over the past 20 years: a growing shortage of affordable rental housing and a simultaneous increase in poverty.
  
  
• Families with children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, accounting for almost 41 percent of the nation's homeless.
  
  
• The most common causes of homelessness for families include a lack of or reduced incomes, medical and family emergencies, and domestic violence.
  
  
• Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women, also a key reason why families become separated from their extended support systems. Entering the homeless system, they have no financial resources and are without credit, employment and housing histories.
  
  
• Children in homeless families face disruptions in every part of their lives. Untreated health problems, academic setbacks, inappropriate behavior, developmental delays, anxiety, depression, and learning difficulties are all documented effects. These conditions too often fuel the next generation of homeless people.
  
  
• Homelessness costs in many ways. Taxpayer dollars are spent caring for homeless people through expensive emergency services. Once housed, use of emergency services declines sharply, becoming less costly for society and better for the individual.
  
  
• Job training and educational opportunities leading to living wage jobs are essential to moving families out of homelessness.
  
  
• Since 1993, nearly 200 families have been helped by FUSION.
  
  
• FUSION maintains an 85 percent success rate, of families completing the program and becoming self-sufficient.
  
  
• It costs more than $10,000 a year to provide a home and support services for each family FUSION serves.
  
  
• Homelessness can be eliminated, one family at a time. You can help.
  

How to Help

There are many ways FUSION, based in Federal Way, WA, can use your help in providing housing and support services to homeless families. As a nonprofit volunteer organization we gratefully welcome: 

• Financial contributions to support FUSION operating cost.
• Furniture and household goods to furnish homes and condos
• Sponsors for our Summer Art Event
• Your volunteer time and skills
  Do you have a few hours to give, a professional service to donate, talent and expertise to share? Get started here.

Join our fusion of community members helping homeless families become self sufficient.