Ferguson assists Shoreline Veterans Center with retired King County van

April 2, 2010

Summary

Vehicle will assist agency in aiding veterans in their recovery

Story

The Shoreline Veterans Center, a 25-bed facility for honorably discharged homeless veterans, recently received a boost in its effort to assist those who served our county with the recent delivery of a retired Metro eight-passenger van by King County Council Chair Bob Ferguson. Ferguson had the opportunity to secure the van through the King County Council’s retired Metro Vanpool van donation program.

“For their service and sacrifice, we owe veterans our support,” said Ferguson. “The Shoreline Veterans Center is an important resource for getting homeless veterans the housing and services they deserve, and I am pleased this retired van will help those efforts.”

The Shoreline Veterans Center houses formerly homeless veterans, 21 men and 4 women, for up to two years. Residents get their basic needs met and receive counseling, life skills training, and assistance finding permanent housing. After graduation from the two-year program, many veterans return to the Center for ongoing counseling.

It is estimated that approximately one in every four homeless individuals is a veteran. Contributing factors to the high prevalence of homelessness among veterans include post-traumatic stress, chemical dependency, unemployment, and mental illness.

“Shoreline is a place where veterans come to get better. Treating people with dignity and respect helps in the healing. This van will enable us to continue our mission of helping veterans with their journey of recovery,” said Shoreline Veterans Center program manager Tracy Jones. “I can't thank Councilmember Ferguson enough for securing the van for us. We are proud of all of the men and women who served our country, and we are honored to serve them.”

Since 1995, the County Council has donated more than 250 retired vans from Metro Transit’s Vanpool program to local nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for residents who are disabled, low-income, young adults, and senior citizens. The 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.

For information on how to apply for a van, contact Councilmember Ferguson at (206) 296-1001 or bob.ferguson@kingcounty.gov.



Council Chair Bob Ferguson is joined by (from l to r) Ken Meade, House Manager for Bennett House, Tom Thompson, Case Manager, and Tracy Jones, Program Manager of Veterans and Community Transitional Housing for Compass Housing Alliance after delivering a retired Metro Vanpool van to the agency.