Lori Maxim, Executive Director of Fishline, spoke to Kingston North Kitsap Rotarians at their Oct 28 meeting. Fishline, headquartered in Poulsbo and serving North Kitsap, exists to provide a safety net for all people, including adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and employment. In addition to a food bank, they operate Second Season thrift store, help with rent and utility support, have dental assistance, and help with finding jobs.
Maxim spoke of the challenges and “re-modeling” of services as a result of the pandemic. For example, instead of a traditional shopping experience in the food store, they are operating an open air, drive-up, no contact, timed pick-up food experience. On average, Fishline feeds eighty people daily, and delivers food to twenty people daily.
Fishline recently launched a Fresh Start shower program, a portable shower facility supported by Clear Creek RV. The shower program pairs with the Clothes Closet program for folks to have a shower and get a fresh set of clothes for job interviews, etc. Additionally they operate Safe Park, a program supporting safe parking for homeless living in their cars, in church parking lots.
Fishline is staffed by eight full and three part-time staff, and supported by a volunteer force of 190. Maxim said Fishline’s success would not be possible without the support of local businesses, including Central Market, Safeway, Walmart, Red Apple, Olmsteads, Westside Pizza, Hill’s Moving, Sluys, Peninsula Truck Lines, and Clear Creek RV.
Their biggest needs are: volunteers, partnerships, Safe Park locations, and financial support. They have scheduled a virtual fundraiser and luncheon Nov 20 at 12:30p. Info on their website: fishlinehelps.org.
Food Drive. Kingston North Kitsap Rotarian Terry Pereida has installed a link on the Club website (www.rotaryknk.org) to the Satellite Club’s food drive page. The virtual food drive is in support of Kingston’s ShareNet. It’s a simple way for members of the community to give ten, twenty, thirty bucks - whatever - to ShareNet when food needs are so numerous. A good deed in this month of Thanksgiving.
Blood Drive. For the first time since the pandemic hit, Bloodworks Northwest will be in Village Green Community Center collecting blood. The two day drive is set for Nov. 11 and Nov. 12, noon to 6p each day. Bloodworks reminds one donation can impact THREE lives. Donations go to LOCAL hospitals. CDC guidelines will be followed on social distancing and mask-wearing. Appointments are REQUIRED. Book yours at: www.schedule_bloodworksnw_donate. Or call 800-398-7888.