Ministry of Presence

St. Martin de Porres Shelter is 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.

Since 2012, the year St. Martin de Porres Shelter added case managers, we have helped an average of 100 homeless seniors move into permanent housing annually!

Generous donations through our special events allow our program to continue providing critical care to Seattle’s most vulnerable population.  Below, read about former resident Alton who began his journey back to independence at St. Martin de Porres Shelter.  In gratitude for the services he received at our programs, Alton regularly returns to St. Martin’s at Christmastime and Father's Day to deliver gifts for current residents.  Alton is pictured (in center with a hat) here serving a Juneteenth meal to St. Martin's residents.

Alton

Alton has been in permanent housing for several years and enjoys sharing his personal story.  He grew up in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle; playing Little League Baseball; and drinking alcohol that was hidden in the house when he was young.  Later, he experimented with other drugs and became a functioning alcoholic and addict for many years.  Alton worked as a welder in the shipyards, married, and started a family.  Eventually the drugs took over his life and he lost everything.

A shelter staffer saw Alton daily hanging out in front of convenience store and invited Alton to our program. “For some reason, I listened to him and decided to go...I began to spend my days at the Lazarus Center and my nights at St. Martin de Porres Shelter.  The staff really took me under their wing, they loved me when I didn’t love myself.  I felt good again and began to trust them,” Alton explained.  He began volunteering and working with St. Martin’s housing case managers.

After moving into his own apartment, Alton had a relapse and was in danger of losing his housing.  St. Martin’s case managers guided him back on track.  Alton got sober; became involved in his church again; went to daily AA meetings; saw his kids; and deepened his relationship with his granddaughter.  “I honestly believe I’d be dead if it wasn’t for the Lord and the staff of St. Martin’s.  They never gave up on me and showed me real love.”