Ferguson secures county vans to benefit veterans, homeless families, and disabled adults

September 19, 2012

Summary

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson secured three surplus vans from the King County VanPool Program on September 17 for three local organizations in North King County: Parkview Services, Vision House Jacob’s Well, and Compass Housing Alliance.

“I am excited that these vans will be given a second life helping folks in our community access needed programs and services,” said Ferguson, whose King County Council district includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, and parts of Woodinville, Kirkland, and North Seattle. “By serving veterans, homeless mothers and their children, and disabled adults, the organizations receiving vans assist those in need in North King County.”

• Vision House Jacob’s Well housing complex, located in Shoreline and expected to be completed later this year, will provide transitional housing and support services to homeless mothers and their children. When complete, Jacob’s Well will serve up to 20 families and 65 children at the on-site licensed child care center.

“We are tremendously excited about receiving this van,” said John Camerer, Operations Director and Co-Founder of Vision House, the organization behind the Jacob’s Well housing complex. “The van will be used to take children to and from school, on field trips and for other educational and family activities. Transportation can be a major issue for homeless families, so having this van will be a huge blessing in helping families get to the places they need to go.”

•Parkview Services is a non-profit organization headquartered in Shoreline that provides inclusive housing solutions to people with disabilities. The van will be used at the Parkview Group Home and benefit the six young adults with developmental disabilities who live there.

“We are extremely appreciative of this donation,” said Parkview Services Executive Director Jane Elise Bloom. “This van will help us provide transportation to work, medical appointments, and activities.”

•Compass Housing Alliance’s Shoreline Veterans Program provides transitional housing for formerly homeless veterans, assists with residents’ basic needs, counseling, life skills training, and helps find permanent housing. The van will be used to transport residents to counseling, medical, and other appointments.

“This grant of a van is exceptional news,” said Compass Housing Alliance Veterans Program Manager Tracy Jones. “This van will help us provide services for homeless veterans, men and women in recovery, and those who are overcoming mental health and physical issues.”

In 1995, the King County Council began donating retired vans to non-profit groups and local governments to help provide transportation for youth, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities or who are low-income. The donation of retired Vanpool vehicles provides mobility for a diverse array of King County residents, supports the positive work of various local organizations, and relieves traffic congestion by reducing the need for single-occupancy vehicles.

Interested organizations can contact Councilmember Ferguson’s office at (206) 296-1001 or bob.ferguson@kingcounty.gov for more information on applying for a vehicle.