Issue link: https://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1460718
N ow, more than ever, we need to support our communities. Thankfully, in 2021 MBAKS was able to bring back signature community stewardship programs like Rampathon and Painting a Better Tomorrow. Seeking to do even more, MBAKS also introduced a new partnership with the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), a Seattle-based nonprofit that aims to improve equity and social justice in our community by improving access to housing and health care. DESC was founded in 1979 to provide emergency shelter and survival services for people living in a state of chronic homelessness who, due to severe and persistent mental illnesses and substance use disorders, were not being served by existing missions in that era. As DESC's late former Executive Director Bill Hobson put it, "there is no such thing as a throwaway person." DESC has since evolved, but they continue to exemplify this core belief through their "housing first" approach: provide housing, Putting Housing First With DESC The difficult last few years have proven that community is of the utmost importance. then surround residents with voluntary treatment and health services. Their more than 1,400 supportive housing units are designed and managed with the goal of helping residents succeed over the long term. State-licensed mental health and substance use disorder treatment, onsite health care, daily meals, weekly outings to food banks, case management, and weekly community-building activities are a few of the services DESC offers at their 15 supportive housing buildings. For residents starting down a new path in their lives, this housing and support form a crucial foundation. Not only do DESC's services impact their residents, but the ripple effects can be felt throughout our communities too. With fewer people experiencing behavioral health As DESC's late former Executive Director Bill Hobson put it, "there is no such thing as a throwaway person." BY CAROLINE KECK COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP SPECIALIST MBAKS 21 SPRING 2022 | master BUILDER COMMUNITY