Event Logo Image

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ministry of Presence

St. Martin's Programs are committed to a "Ministry of Presence."  We believe that each person who comes through our doors must be treated with dignity and acceptance.  We must always meet people where they are -- not where we wish they were.  We believe that building close relationships with the people we serve is the ground for change and wholeness.  We believe that creating community and home for people is the best way for all of us to flourish and grow.  We believe that we are called into a life that protects the dignity of each person and provides for the basic needs of all.

 

Thomas

Thomas, a U.S. Veteran, was a regular visitor at the Lazarus Day Center.  Four years after his first visit to the Lazarus, Thomas moved into an apartment in North Seattle.  He says the transition into permanent housing was surprisingly smooth thanks to his case manager who helped find the apartment; went to the lease signing; and helped in moving Thomas' belongings.  The King County Veterans Program assisted Thomas with first month’s rent and the security deposit.  The landlord furnished the unit with furniture, brand new bedding, and cookware.  For Thomas, his apartment is more than just a safe, warm place to sleep.  Thomas says he's thankful for St. Martin's Programs and is happy to now have a place to play his guitar and host his grandchildren for Sunday dinner, things he could never do while he was homeless.

Lou*

Thanks to help from our financial supporters and volunteers, St. Martin's Programs participants are able to concentrate on issues other than whether they’ll be able to eat or where they're going to sleep each day.  Many participants focus on housing such as a former 70-year-old client Lou, who had stayed at the Shelter for years.  Before arriving at St. Martin’s, Lou worked in the fields and Boeing for most of his life.  After losing his job and becoming depressed after his parents passed away, he lost his house and became homeless.  At St. Martin’s Lou was able to work successfully with our case manager to complete government paperwork, which helped him to receive financial assistance.  He was in tears once he found permanent housing last spring and credits the Shelter for giving him a stable foundation and helping him through the housing process. “It feels like a dream!” Lou reports.

 

*Name has been changed.

Looking forward to YOUR sponsorship here

THANK YOU to our sponsors!

  • The Commerce Bank of Washington
  • Archdiocese of Seattle
  • B&N INDUSTRIES
  • Daniel and Patricia Brotherton
  • Coughlin Porter Lundeen
  • Holy Rosary Parish
  • Greg and Karen Krape
  • Talon Private Capital
  • James G. Murphy Co.
  • HST Construction, Inc.
  • Whizz Kids Academy
  • Joanne & Bob Barenberg
  • Brent Lumley Windermere Real Estate
  • Kidder Mathews
  • Prologis
  • St. Joseph Parish
  • PrivatePortfolio Group
  • Mrs. Helen M. Jolly and Mr. Dick Horgan
  • Property Advisers Realty, Inc.
  • JPC Architects
  • Alston, Courtnage & Bassetti LLP
  • Colliers International
  • Bob & Jeane Maurer
  • Sea-Mountain Insurance
  • Conifer Specialties, Inc.
  • Minuteman Press of North Seattle
  • St. Martin's Programs, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington,

Who We Are

St. Martin’s Programs are three distinct programs serving older and disabled homeless individuals in downtown Seattle.  In 2017, St. Martin’s Programs provided over 85,000 shelter beds and over 251,000 meals, as well as additional support services.  Our day center hosted 74,000 visits and staff helped 184 people move into permanent housing last year!

  • St. Martin de Porres Shelter
    A night shelter for 212 men age 50 and older.  The shelter is open 365 nights a year from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Services include hot meals, clothing, hygiene facilities, laundry room, housing case management, veterans’ support, AA meetings, and counseling referrals.
  • Lazarus Day Center
    A day center for homeless men and women 50 years of age and older.  Lazarus Day Center is open 365 days a year.  The Center offers breakfast and lunch service, showers, restrooms, clothing, a 6-station computer lab, telephone access, library, a mailing address, laundry facilities, veterans’ support, group outings, and housing case management for a daily average of 203 people.
  • St. Martin's on Westlake
    Permanent, single-room-occupancy housing and support services for chronically homeless men 55 years of age and older.  The program serves 53 previously homeless men in downtown Seattle who, in addition to housing, receive meals, health care services, chemical dependency counseling, case management, and help with daily living.  The Westlake helps people successfully make the transition from homelessness into housing.

What We Do

St. Martin’s Programs serve the special population of older homeless men and women who are vulnerable to the weather, young street predators, and illness. Our programs serve high needs households by having low barriers to entry.  We accept people who have special needs and no other place to go.

Our efforts are focused on providing basic survival and social services, as well as actively moving older homeless men and women into permanent homes.