Interfaith Works

This Give Local Season help us keep our doors open!

As many social service providers, both local and beyond, Interfaith Works is experiencing funding instability. Between state funding challenges and the turbulence of federal funding, Interfaith Works expects to see a significant decrease in revenue over the next year at least. We're turning to our community to help ease some of this strain and support vital, life-saving services right here in our community. 

There’s a good feeling we get when we show up for others. Great things happen for everyone when you give what you can. Help our community by supporting our work. You can make a difference in our community for some of our most vulnerable neighbors today with your support and generosity. Our programs and services are vital for the community, here is some of what we do:

Sergio's Service Center

Sergio’s Service Center is our daytime resource center in Olympia. Guests are able to take showers, do laundry, access clean clothing and hygiene supplies, and participate in recreational and peer support activities. Sergio's provides an avenue for organizations, agencies, and volunteers to directly connect in meaningful ways with our most vulnerable neighbors experiencing homelessness. 

Sergio's is one of the most access community resources in Thurston County. So far this year, we have had more than 15,000 visits-- we are expecting over 20,000 visits by the end of the year!

Client Success Story: Our Sergio’s Navigator helped Cynthia (name changed for anonymity) obtain her Washington State ID. Cynthia had to overcome many barriers; difficulty accessing high school records, additional proof for her legal name change, several trips to the DOL etc. Through continued advocacy and support Cynthia was able to get her state ID for the first time! The new ID has helped Cynthia attend college and she is now able to apply for a job! 

Your donations help us replace and obtain vital documents for clients like Cynthia-- a very necessary and vital community service.

Interfaith Works Supportive Shelter

Interfaith Works Supportive Shelter runs 24/7 and provides 58 beds, kitchen, laundry, access to free hygiene services, showers, two meals per day, community activities, care coordination, and assistance with accessing health care and housing. 

The IW Shelter represents 31% of the total single adult shelter beds provided in Thurston County.

Client Success Story: One of our Shelter Navigators helped facilitate a recent successful move-in. After many months of self-advocacy with the support of our embedded services, Donna (name changed for anonymity), one of our long standing clients, moved into an apartment with their partner. It is their first apartment since the 90’s!  

Your donations facilitate successful permanent housing move-ins for many of our shelter residents.

Sandy's Flats

Sandy's Flats, located in downtown Olympia, has 26 units of permanent supportive housing apartments. There is a common room, kitchen, and laundry facilities. Navigation team services are on site to ensure support is there when needed. Residents take an active role in self-governing and planning group activities to build camaraderie and community well-being.

Client Move-in Story: Starr (name changed for anonymity) waited for over a year in our shelter, struggling with some pretty serious medical problems and was continually denied medical benefits. Starr had no money and no housing, but continued to advocate for their needs. After 6 months of hard work and getting told no constantly, with the support of one of our Navigators, they were approved for ABD and qualified for a unit at Sandy’s Flats. Starr currently lives at Sandy’s with their dog, is active on the resident council, and continues to advocate for their health and well-being. They have settled in happily. 

Your donations help clients, like Starr, obtain and stay in housing at Sandy's Flats.

Navigation Team

The Navigation Team are Certified Peer Specialists that work with clients to provide advocacy and services for medical needs, mental health support, substance use and housing. They can help with many things such as, replacing vital documents, applying for benefits, transportation, connecting to primary care and housing and so much more!

In 2024, the Navigation Team provided 870 medical support services, 436 housing support services, 51 mental health services, and replaced 144 vital documents. 

Client Success Story: Jeremy (name changed for anonymity) needed glasses and it had been years since his last optometrist appointment. Through repeated engagement and advocacy our Guest Support Navigator was able to help him schedule an appointment and get a new pair of glasses. Jeremy's mental health and quality of life has significantly improved now that he has 20/20 vision :)

Your donations help our Navigation Team navigate scheduling and making appointments for clients like Jeremy.