Companis Connects

We're thrilled to welcome Companis Worker Alanna Gunne to her new placement at Elizabeth Gregory Home, where she joins Companis Workers Marti Spicer, Janet Hasselblad and Kim Nonen in working to help women transition out of homelessness. Alanna is the 11th Companis Worker in service to our homeless neighbors this year!

In a nondescript, ground-hugging building in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood, a new shelter for homeless families has taken shape. It’s called Bianca’s Place, and it opens today.

Within blocks of the neighborhood’s slick new high-rise apartment buildings and condos, and close to the pubs, eateries and gyms that have sprouted in response to the tech-hiring boom that has taken place, this new shelter has been filled with dozens of navy-blue mattresses, boxes of disposal diapers and toys, towels, cookware and clothing that shelter residents will need.

“Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up” – Pablo Picasso

So 20 Companis Workers and staff had a wonderful time rediscovering our inner childhoods at the Companis "art retreat." It was a full day, and full of surprises. Like what color and word drew you in the morning. And what color and thought is going with you as you head home at the end of the day?

Companis Worker Kim Nonen brings special knowledge to her work at a homeless women's day center.

It was earned the hard way.

Kim lost her health, her job and her home after developing a serious illness. When she was discharged from the hospital, she found herself homeless and navigating a difficult system while still very ill.

Now, healthy again, in a new apartment and a new job, she’s putting that hard-won expertise to good use.