Mary's Place Creates a Home for the Homeless in Downtown Bellevue

Mary's Place has opened a new emergency shelter in Downtown Bellevue to aid the local homeless population, which includes around 300 families and students, as reported by the Bellevue School District. The shelter, operational since December 2021, is located in a former hotel and can house up to 200 individuals, including families escaping freezing winter conditions. Linda Mitchell, the Chief Communications Officer at Mary’s Place, stated that the organization aims to provide not only shelter but also crucial resources to help families in need. Since its inception in 1999, the nonprofit has adapted its services to address the increasing homelessness crisis, especially exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to the closure of several shelters. Last year, nearly 550 families successfully transitioned back into stable housing thanks to the organization's efforts. As they establish their new location, Mary’s Place is actively seeking donations of gently used items and monetary contributions to support their mission. The community's role has been instrumental in facilitating these transitions, with volunteers stepping in to assist guests in achieving their housing goals. This initiative reflects Mary's Place's ongoing commitment to ensuring families do not lose their sense of community during times of crisis.