(contributed by Fredrick Branchflower)

Kingston Cares Projects

December 2013

 

Kingston Cares is an informal group of concerned citizens who have been meeting since mid-October 2013 to explore ways to help homeless youth and adults in Kingston.  Two ideas have emerged as short-term projects: 

1) A Severe Weather Shelter, which will be opened as needed (determined by weather) to allow homeless individuals a warm and dry place to sleep during extremely cold, wet, or stormy weather.  It will be staffed by trained volunteers.  A similar Severe Weather Shelter has been operating in Bremerton for the last several years, increasing in usage each year.  This project is being developed in partnership with the Kitsap Department of Emergency Management, the Red Cross, and Bayside Church. 

2) A Community Bulletin Board, to be located near the Village Green, which can be used to advertise community services and available resources for low-income and homeless individuals.  This project is being supported by funding from the Kingston Rotary and also has support from Kitsap County Metro Parks.

Other key partners in these projects include the Greater Kingston Kiwanis Club, North Kitsap Fire & Rescue, the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, the Village Green Pea Patch, Leadership Kitsap, Coffee Oasis and many other citizen volunteers.  The Kingston Cares group plans to continue meeting to develop additional longer-term projects to assist those in need of emergency housing in Kingston.