FUSION's History

In 1993 Peggy LaPorte, a bed-and-breakfast owner and interior designer, read in the local newspaper that Federal Way's only homeless shelter was about to close for lack of funds. That struck her as a really bad idea. She decided to visit the shelter. What she found was not a facility full of people who had lost hope, but rather gentlemen who were trying hard to restructure their lives. She had had her introduction to the new face of the homelessness. A missed paycheck, health crisis, or unexpected financial bill can put you on the street. With a group of a dozen women, they selected a name for the organization, FUSION; Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy. Within two years they had purchased their first condominium with a Community Development Block Grant. Deciding to center their efforts on women with children, (who sadly are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population) they went to work involving the community in their grass roots effort and fundraising. Ten years later FUSION's all volunteer organization owns and operates nine units in the Federal Way Community. With the help of the YWCA and service programs, FUSION is helping to create new and better lives for the women and children who come through its doors.

In its ten years of existence, FUSION's annual Summer Arts Event on the beautiful grounds of Dumas Bay has become a coveted event, selling out every year and raising a substantial amount of the funds through its silent auctions and art sale.

With help from corporations, foundations, service groups, and local businesses who donate goods, as well as financial support, FUSION has consistently raised over 70% of their budget needs through volunteer efforts, and relies on the on-going support from the community.

..."FUSION will continue to provide safe shelter and a secure nurturing environment for the growth and empowerment of women. The spirit is here, thriving, expanding, and growing"....            -Peggy LaPorte-