The year began like any other…

As always, the community graciously donated needed items. Volunteers helped in the Day Center, sorted donations, and provided office support

We watched the new Kirkland shelter rise up!

Winter weather prompted shelters staying open 24/7 with the community rallying with meals and supplies to assure the safety of the women we serve

Then the pandemic…Life, as we knew it, changed forever

24/7 shelter became a necessity. As social distancing and masks became a way of life, the community jumped in to help

To ensure the health and safety of the women, King County, cities of Bellevue and Kirkland, supported our move to the Red Lion Hotel

A caring community stitched handmade masks, provided nourishing meals, and kept us supplied with PPE and other critical cleaning supplies

Zoom became the new meeting place

Due to the project being deemed “essential,” progress continued on the Kirkland shelter at a steady pace

In the midst of the pandemic, The Sophia Way responded to the social injustice and racism that affected our community, country and world

As the new shelter neared completion, the community continued to respond. A volunteer made 50+ quilts to help women feel more welcome

A dream came true on August 19, as Kirkland Place for Families and Women opened – home to two shelters – New Bethlehem Place on the first floor and Helen’s Place on the second floor

There were tears of joy as we welcomed our first guests to Helen’s Place

In September, through the virtual event “Sheltering from the Storm,” the community generously raised over $260,000

And as the year came to a close, the community responded with gifts of warmth and joy for more than 150 women!

Despite the pandemic, more than 35 women moved into their own homes – a celebration for each woman and the community

As we look back, we are in awe of the support from our kind, caring, and generous community and now look forward to brighter days ahead