#2HoursinSLU - Cascade Women's Program

Liz Osteen, Mary Guiberson and Emily Jones are part of the team at the 

Cascade Women’s Program, a transitional housing program in South Lake Union.

No one day is ever the same at the Cascade Women’s Program, a service of Compass Housing Alliance that has called South Lake Union home for 16 years.

“Every day at Cascade looks a little different,” says Program Manager Mary Guiberson, “because we work with the women here on an individual level.”

Among the women of Cascade are people with limited education to those with graduate degrees. Teachers. Professionals. Regardless of their background, all have a skill that they can contribute to their community. But for many, those skills are locked away. Trauma is a common experience for many of the women at Cascade. Learning to overcome that trauma to unlock the person within is one of the most valuable outcomes that the program can offer. It starts with the compassion and care of a talented group of case managers.

“The women we serve are a mirror of who we are,” says Emily Jones, the program’s leasing specialist. “They’re no different than any of us.”

For the women in the program, there are two goals: The first, and universal, is to find permanent, affordable housing, says Community Engagement Specialist Liz Osteen. But the second depends on the individual.

“It might be finding a job, or going back to school, or improving their health. Each woman sets her own goal,” Liz says.

While the program helps women look inward for personal development, the women of Cascade also hope to build bridges within the SLU community. From preparing a community meal to volunteering to hosting an exercise, art or nutrition class, there are a number of ways to get involved. One of the most valuable contributions comes in the one-on-one interactions between volunteers and residents of Cascade, for whom a warm smile and friendly conversation can be therapeutic. And, just maybe, a learning experience for the visitor, as well.

“The person you see on the streets is just like you – they’ve just experienced a crisis that has led them to this,” Emily says.

To learn more about the Cascade Women’s Program or to get involved, contact Liz Osteen at losteen@compasshousingalliance.org or 206-474-1831.