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The Shjervens shared their food, their guest room, and even paid for a toll pass to help me better travel around Tacoma. I was especially blessed to spend Christmas with the family and avoid what might have otherwise been a bleak and lonely holiday. The Shjervens opened their hearts to a stranger. That’s Holden hospitality at its most pure.
Holden Village is just one of many communities impacted by the atmospheric river which swept across Washington in early December. About 100,000 people were placed under evacuation orders due to historic flooding in the Skagit Valley, according to NPR. Holden’s story is just a small part of that.
Because of the scope of the natural disaster in Washington, there are many organizations stepping in to help climate refugees. Some of these organizations have helped me directly.
The United Ways of Pacific Northwest provided Visa gift cards to many displaced staff. Because the Holden employment model is based on receiving the benefits and amenities of living in the Village, food proved an unplanned expenditure. The United Way ensured staff were able to buy groceries.
Another organization which provided tremendous support is Church World Service. I was happy to stay with the Shjervens, but that was only a temporary solution. I needed a place where I could get on my feet and start to build independence. CWS generously paid for short-term AirBnBs to support Washington flood victims. At the AirBnB I am able to have my own space, carry on my work for the Village (like editing this newsletter), start building a real budget, and set the groundwork for what living outside of Holden truly looks like. My gratitude for CWS cannot be overstated.
I thank Holden Village for putting me in touch with both these services and navigating all this uncertainty. Holden continues to support me in this moment of tremendous transition. This network of Holden angels is broad and all-encompassing. I count myself fortunate that I get to be a part of it.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Holden Village and other local charities this past month. Were it not for the Holden community I would feel truly lost. Through your generosity, I (and other staff like me) feel more empowered to live into the mission, vision, and values of Holden Village. Thank you for helping us carry that work into the world.
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