Summary

Vine Maple Place is a nonprofit charity based in Maple Valley that works with single-parent families to break the generational cycle of homelessness.

Story

A recently “retired” King County employee started its new career with the delivery by Metropolitan King County CouncilmemberReagan Dunn of a surplus Metro Vanpool van to Vine Maple Place.

“Vine Maple Place has done a great job working to end local homelessness,” Dunn said. “It is my honor to present this well-deserving organization with a retired Metro Van.”

Vine Maple Place is a nonprofit charity serving South King County that works with single-parent families to break the generational cycle of homelessness. They provide a safe and stable environment and equip those in their care for self-sufficiency. They will use the van to transport clients and their children to weekly meetings and activities that foster healing and skill building. It will also take clients to job fairs and interviews, doctor appointments, life skills classes, children’s field trips, and court appointments.

Councilmember Dunn with staff members of Vine Maple Place. Dunn delivered the keys to a surplus County Vanpool Van to the non-profit that works with families working to break the cycle of homelessness. (l-r) Toroid Ryan, Gabby Derosales, John Boire, Jackie Gould, Councilmember Dunn, Kyle Serquinia, and Michelle Frets

“It is very important for us to be able to provide for the needs of homeless kids through transportation to tutoring and counseling appointments, educational field trips and activities,” said Vine Maple Place Executive Director Michelle Frets. “It is a lifeline to help the moms with emergency transportation needs. Thank you for providing such a valuable tool to help these families heal and build stability.”

The vanpool program consists of donating Metro vans, which have reached the end of their county service life, to local governments and community programs to provide transportation assistance for low-income, elderly or young people or people with disabilities.

The vanpool program 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 Dunn at 206-477-1009 or reagan.dunn@kingcounty.gov for more information on applying for a vehicle.