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Thank you to the staff and guests of Hilton Hotel Vancouver for their "Travel With Purpose" drive to collect donations of new coats, gloves, scarves and hats! These items will be given to children, teens, women, men and senior citizens through Share’s housing and shelter programs.

We are incredibly grateful to the 100+ people who attended our Beyond the Verdict event at Kiggins Theatre for an important conversation around houselessness and affordable housing in our community.   The event featured three panelists to discuss the implications of the Supreme Court ruling on Johnson v. Grants Pass (Oregon) which criminalized homelessness.   A huge THANK YOU to those panelists: Ed Johnson, Director of Litigation for Oregon Law Center; Legal Team, Johnson v. Grants Pass Andy Silver, CEO of Vancouver Housing Authority Assistant Chief Nilsen, Vancouver Police Department   Special thanks also to the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington for their support of the event.   Ed Johnson shared this when asked if he thought the ruling would impact public opinion toward houseless individuals:   “I hear a lot sentences that start with: Homeless people are X. Whatever X is is almost always false and harmful. It’s like saying: Housed people are X. People living outside are a lot like people living inside; all different kinds of people. And when we stereotype, it moves us away from the human side of this crisis. It’s a lot easier to treat this as a tent problem or a garbage problem, if we don’t acknowledge that there are hundreds of thousands of Americans who are going to have to sleep outside tonight.”   If you were unable to attend or are a guest who would like to revisit the conversation, you can listen to recording online here: https://lnkd.in/gptZvtu5

We are delighted to share that Davidson & Associates Insurance was awarded the Large Business Award this month at the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Business & Leadership Awards. Share was honored to nominate them for their high standards, community involvement, and leadership, including their long-time and continued generosity to Share’s mission and programs. Congratulations also to the events additional honorees: First Citizen: Eric Holmes  Start-Up to Watch: Richland Hub Coffee  Small Business: Daddy D’s BBQ  Statesperson: Monica Stonier Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees, as well. It is the work of all of our new, small and large businesses, non-profit organizations, community leaders and public officials that help to make Clark County the wonderful place that we are proud to call home.

As a monthly donor to Share, you’ll join a committed group who believes that every person counts. Any amount is welcome and every dollar makes a big difference in the lives of local families and individuals.   Sign up today: https://lnkd.in/gMEW2SAV   A monthly gift of: • $15 could provide 3 children with a bag of healthy food for the weekend • $25 could provide 25 people a nutritious dinner at our Hot Meals program • $50 could provide a Welcome Home Kit for a family moving into their new home

Thank you to everyone who came out yesterday for the Volunteer Open House in our Donation Warehouse. People enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, fruit and dessert, as well as the opportunity to connect with staff and learn more about Share’s vital programs. “We couldn’t do any of this without you. We are so grateful for you and we really look forward to continuing to get to know you and grow with you in our programs,” said Molly Evjen, Director of Volunteers and Community Resources. In the coming year, Share is looking at ways to expand volunteer opportunities in our family shelters to help our clients secure housing and employment. This could include activities for children and teens, like craft nights or homework assistance; and for adults, help with resume writing or mock interviews. YOU could be a Share volunteer, too! Learn more and complete an application online at: https://lnkd.in/g3xkB7nA Special thanks to Molina Healthcare for supporting this event!

Join us THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 at Kiggins Theatre in downtown Vancouver to hear from three panelists about the implication of the Johnson v. Grants Pass ruling in which the Supreme Court determined that people experiencing homelessness can be arrested and fined for sleeping outside when there are no safe alternatives. Tickets are $15 (online or at-the-door) and include appetizers and a slice of pizza. https://lnkd.in/g_6Jz6eX Drinks and concessions will be available for purchase. Are you a We Share member? You will receive a free drink token with your ticket. Panelists include: • Ed Johnson, Director of Litigation for Oregon Law Center • Andy Silver, CEO of Vancouver Housing Authority • Assistant Chief Nilsen, Vancouver Police Department Doors open at 5 p.m., panelists take the stage at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A session.

October’s Most Needed Item of the Month is … SOCKS, UNDERWEAR, DIAPERS & WIPES!   • New underwear (all sizes, for men, women & teens); a range of sizes is needed, from small to 3XL; most needed item this year is medium underwear for men • New diapers & wipes (sizes 5 & 6, plus pull-ups) • New socks (all sizes, for men, women & teens)   Donations of these items can be dropped off at the Share Fromhold Service Center, 2306 NE Andresen Road, during our Open Warehouse Hours: Tuesdays: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursdays: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.   Don't have time to shop? Make an online donation and select 'Most Needed Item Campaign': https://lnkd.in/gaHuSuqD

We did tell you that Eric Sawyer's generous heart always says "Yes!" to Share.  And it was no exception when we asked if he would put together a little video to celebrate many of his famous costumes changes from Soup's On! events over the years. Enjoy! ❤

Last but not least, the costumes! A shared enjoyment for guests was the casual dress code, as the event was billed as “wear your best denim.” Jeans gave way to costumes over the years, as people embraced the event themes. And no one loved the costumes more than our amazing Master of Ceremonies, Eric Sawyer!   From the Wicked Witch of the West to Bert the Chimney Sweep and Marty McFly to Mr. Incredible. Eric, we thank you for your humor, your wit, your positivity and mostly for your very generous heart which continued to say 'Yes!' each year when asked to help support Share through Soup’s On!   Tony Johnson and Bryce Davidson, of Davidson & Associates Insurance, were also willing to don costumes, appearing as Indiana Jones, Severus Snape, the Joker, Batman and more.   Did you have a favorite costume? Post your answer in the comments.   Quick rules: one entry per action – like/share/comment– per day; only public shares will be entered; a person may only win once during the week.   Thank you for helping us say “So Long to Soup’s On!”

Raise your virtual paddle for Share! $250 could support Share’s Outreach team in meeting the needs of people living on our streets. The team has a focus on getting people housed. These funds can help them adapt to the specific needs of what will help get that person housed, such as replacing a driver’s license or paying for a security deposit. Make an online donation – in any amount – now: https://lnkd.in/gZHH3BxJ