News of Madison Valley

The Bailey-Boushay House, operated by Virginia Mason, was the first facility built from the ground up for end-of-life care for people living with HIV/AIDS. To date, it has provided a sense of community and care for thousands of people not just here in Seattle, but across the Pacific Northwest. To better serve its clients in need, many of whom are currently homeless and sleeping on neighboring streets, Bailey-Boushay is seeking funding to open an emergency shelter at its current location, with up to 50 beds.

Why There is a Need:

The shelter fills a void in the community to provide safe and accessible interim housing for Bailey-Boushay’s homeless population, a critical issue among those living with HIV/AIDS. Unstable housing jeopardizes these individuals’ HIV care and overall quality of life. Bailey-Boushay believes the shelter is a necessary next step in their continuum of care, which will result in consistent oversight and treatment for these individuals as they tackle other issues, such as drug dependency, incarceration issues and mental health.

How it Helps:

The shelter is an extension of the organization’s Housing Stability Project, which builds skills and provides support for those who are homeless, or at risk for homelessness. The shelter embraces critical elements to be effective, including easy accessibility; crisis and interim housing; an environment that fosters community, with supportive health and social services; and assistance to return to permanent housing.

What to Expect:

We are currently working to secure funding for the project to have it open by January 2018. There will be no construction or roadside disruption.

Learn More:

Bailey-Boushay is holding two community forums to answer questions and present plans for opening the shelter. Stop by on August 12, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. or August 16, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. to learn more about the process and what to expect.

If you are unable to make either time, call 206-240-3269 or email [email protected] with any questions.