This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Comcast.
Homelessness is a growing problem. It seems that we see more people living out of their cars and tents every day. Some don’t have anything at all. It seems to be be getting worse, not better. I find it frustrating in a city like ours, there are limited resources to help our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Our neighbors are lacking of things we take for granted. A warm place to sleep, a hot shower, a meal, and even access to the internet to find information about services that can help, or even apply for a job.
Comcast makes a difference for Mary’s Place
It is winter in Seattle and Comcast WA is donating 50 bags/boxes of winter clothes to Mary’s Place. Bring your donations to the Northgate Mall Xfinity retail store until January 6, 2019.
In addition, Comcast is closing the digital divide.
Access to the internet is something many of us take for granted. But for some of our neighbors, access to the internet, technology and computer training is critical to a successful transition to housing and employment for women and families experiencing homelessness.
We also know that winter can be among the toughest seasons for these families – the weather is cold and wet, and they have limited ability to buy coats and other cold weather clothing.
Comcast Washington has announced their Neighborhood Season of Giving campaign at its new Xfinity Northgate Mall retail store to support Mary’s Place and to help our neighbors.
Closing the digital divide
This Monday, Washington state Senator David Frockt, representatives from Mary’s Place and Comcast in Washington joined together to kick-off the initiative with an announcement of a $250,000 contribution to the nonprofit, which will support technology resources, job readiness and digital skills training for women and families at Mary’s Place emergency family shelters.
Comcast Washington Region Vice President Amy Lynch announced the $250,000 contribution to support Mary’s Place.
How will these technology resources help?
This donation will support the development of a computer lab and new laptops to facilitate digital literacy and coding classes taught by technology volunteers. In addition, it allows Mary’s Place to provide internet connectivity and technology to equip shelters with needed resources to help residents move into stable housing.
Comcast is committed to connecting communities to the Internet through its Internet Essentials program. Internet Essentials is the largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program for low-income families in the U.S. Because of Internet Essentials 260,000 low-income Washington residents now have access to the internet, including more than 100,000 in King County. Internet Essentials is connecting low-income families, seniors and veterans when they haven’t been connected before, by providing low cost internet and laptops.
Norah shared her personal story about how the support from Mary’s Place changed her life. Norah has a a career with Comcast now, and has been there several years.
Mary from Mary’s Place said with this donation from Comcast, families that are sleeping in their cars will be given phones to they can be notified when housing becomes available for them.
How you can help Mary’s Place
Until January 6, 2019, you can drop donations off at the Northgate Xfinity Store.
In addition to warm winter clothing like coats, socks, hats, gloves and blankets, Mary’s Place also needs many other items for our neighbors including toiletries and self care items, clothing for children (especially teen boys) and twin size bedding. There are many items that can be donated to Mary’s Place that we take for granted.
Mary’s Place Locations in Seattle
Mary’s Place family center in north seattle
7 days a week 9 am to 6 pm
1155 N 130th St, Seattle
Mary’s Place hub/admin offices
Monday – Friday from 9 am to 5 pm
113 Dexter Ave N, Seattle
*Pull into the parking lot on the north side of the building and ring the bell at the door at the back entrance
Mary’s Place donation center (sodo)
Monday – Friday 9 am to 3 pm
9 South Nevada St, Seattle
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