It's that time of year when we are all aware more than ever the importance of family,
of a warm and stable place to call home, and of the love this community has for one another. In December our staff was overwhelmed with calls, drop-offs, and donations
for the families and children we serve. You opened your hearts and wallets,
giving what you thought were toys and clothes. But what you really gave was hope
for our families. Hope that they are in fact breaking out of the cycle of poverty,
and are on their way to a brighter future for themselves and their children.
You have helped them to feel loved and supported by their community,
and brought our families a sense of peace in what can be a stressful time.
Thank you for being bright lights during this holiday season!
Join us in disrupting the cycle of homelessness. Give today!
HEARTS FOR HOUSING
February 10, 2018 // Four Points by Sheraton
Get ready to "jump aboard" the love boat as we set sail on a mission to disrupt the cycle of homelessness. This annual event includes a lovingly curated silent and live auction, delicious plated dinner, heart-felt program, and more! Don't miss the early bird table pricing special, expiring December 31. To get your ticket, donate an item, and more, visit our website today!
A Record Year in Review
More families than ever. More events than ever.
More growth than ever. The year 2017 saw us open a new property, grow our staff, begin new partnerships,
and so much more. Visit our website to read our end
of year newsletter, and please consider making a year end gift to support our vision of a community where every family has dignity, housing, and the opportunity to thrive.
I Wish For...Every Family to Have a Home!
Lydia Place was recently the recipient of our friend Misha Collins's project "I Wish for This," an online campaign dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Lydia Place families seeking permanent housing. Through sales of adorable merchandise, Misha and his fans raised over $100,000 for Lydia Place families! Stay tuned for how we're going to use these funds to END family homelessness in 2018!
Thank You Craig Dunn
After 9 years of board leadership (3 consecutive terms) we say goodbye (for now) to our incredible board of director, and past board president, Craig Dunn. Craig oversaw the organization through rough and calm waters, always showcasing poise and leadership throughout his nearly decade long service. He will be missed greatly, and the board, staff and community wish to thank him for all he has done for our families and community. 

Congratulations Shultzie Willows!
Our very own Community Engagement Director Shultzie Willows was awarded Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce's Young Professional of the Year! We are so very proud of all the work she does for Lydia Place families in our community, and could not be happier to see her receive this award! Read more about Shultzie's work and the other nominees here .
When our community comes together to say "yes," incredible things can happen. When we approached Haggen and Hemplers about supplying Thanksgiving meals for 175 Lydia Place families, their yes turned into something really incredible. Join us in thanking them, BP Cherry Point who provided the packing boxes, and Kiwanis Young Professionals for box packing power. Watch our video and see what the power of "yes" can do in Whatcom County.
112 families. Over 300 children. 18 companies. 60 individuals. And over 1500 gifts.
When we asked you to help our families have a happy holiday with our Adopt a Family program, you showed up in record time. From bikes to Barbies and everything in between, you went above and beyond the call. Thank you to everyone who helped make this program possible this year, especially KAFE Radio for sharing about the program on the airwaves and Larson Gross for helping to sort presents!
Please consider Lydia Place in your end of year giving!


On December 6, over 100 of our closest friends came together for the annual Housing Hero Awards. Broadway Hall was filled with festive cheer, delicious food and cocktails courtesy of Crave Catering,
and celebratory spirits as we commemorated those who went above and beyond this past year in the
fight to ensure no kid sleeps in a car. While everyone
in our book is a Housing Hero, these following people were awarded for their outstanding service
to Lydia Place families:
BELL TOWER ROOM SPONSOR PARTNERS
Diane & Mike Bates
2roofs Real Estate Team
Susan & Jeff Palmer and Debbie Smith 
Skagit Bank  c/o  Julia Earnest - Skagit Bank Home Loans - NMLS #450706
Misha Collins & Vicki Vantoch 

INDIVIDUAL HOUSING HEROES 
Faye Hill 
Halee Hyatt Fenton  
Lisa Carothers
Joanna Larson
Debbie Lagman
Ray and Sally Poorman

GLADSTONE & STRENGTHENING FAMILIES PROJECT
Ram Construction General Contractors
Sarah Rose 
John Trull
Phil Haggeman 
Mike Hammes

LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP
This partnership aligned in 2017 with the pledge of resources and support to house all homeless families in Whatcom County. 12 families have been housed so far, with many more to come!
Troy Muljat  &  Landmark Real Estate Management
City of Bellingham, Washington - Government
Random Acts
Misha Collins  and Vicki Vantoch

Become a Hero and support Lydia Place families today!
Send Furniture to Habitat for Humanity
Have you ever noticed that Wise Buys doesn't sell furniture? That's because we don't have the space! If you have any furniture that you need out of your home, please consider taking it to the Habitat for Humanity Store at 1825 Cornwall Avenue and donate it in our name! They'll put your donation on a credit for Lydia Place families to use to shop for furniture for their own homes.
Wise Buys Needs You!
Except for our store manager Nancy, everyone at Wise Buys is a volunteer. Open 5 days a week, it takes an immense amount of volunteer support, like that from volunteer Rachael, to keep our doors open and supply the community with great bargains. Apply to be a volunteer today and combine your passion for fashion and philanthropy!
Check out these events and articles from our community!
As the weather gets colder, don't wait to get your flu shot! See where you can get yours in Whatcom County today.
The federal government just passed the biggest tax reform since 1986. Learn how this could impact your housing and healthcare.
2018 will see an increase in minimum wage and mandatory paid sick leave for employees. Learn about these changes today.
Thank you to those who recently made financial contributions to the programs and services of Lydia Place!
The Mary Redman Foundation Grant has supported our Transitional House Program and garden for nearly two decades. She is a consistent source of inspiration and leadership in our community for health and the future of our county. Thank you to this wonderful foundation for your constant support for Lydia Place families!

Thank you to all of the individuals and businesses who have financially supported Lydia Place programs and services! Please visit our website to see our complete list of supporters from 2017.
Join these fabulous individuals and supporters and please include
Lydia Place in your end of year giving.
360.671.7663 | info@lydiaplace.org | www.lydiaplace.org
ENJOY 50% OFF ANY ITEM
WISE BUYS THRIFT STORE | 1224 N STATE ST
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EXPIRES 1/30/18
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