What's Happening

June 2, 2020, Adrian, Michigan – Sister Elise García, OP, in an article for The National Catholic Reporter, proposes that people of Earth undergo a “profound transformation” as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic rather than returning to normal. A General Councilor for the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Sister Elise notes the inequalities that left the African-American population disproportionately susceptible to the virus and the ecological degradation that endangers our planet. The human species is called to a profound transformation,” a spiritual call to awaken to the sacredness, interdependence, and interconnectedness of all life.” Read Sister Elise’s article on our call to transformation.

By Sister Judy Byron, OP
Director, Northwest Coalition for Responsible Investment

June 1, 2020, Seattle, Washington – Mercy Housing Northwest broke ground on Cedar Crossing, a new 254-apartment affordable housing development that includes 87 two- and three-bedroom apartments. 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Cedar Crossing, a 254-apartment complex for low-income families.

Cedar Crossing will provide affordable homes to families making between 0% and 60% of the area median income and who struggle to find affordable housing options. A public plaza will create a sense of place in the neighborhood and provide pedestrian access to the light rail station. The building will also feature a playground, social service offices, ground floor retail, and a large community room for celebrations and gatherings.

In a partnership with Mary’s Place and Children’s Hospital, 20 apartments will be set aside for families simultaneously experiencing homelessness and caring for children with a chronic health condition. El Centro de La Raza will run a multi-cultural, bilingual affordable childcare on site, with capacity to serve 68 children.

Gardner House, a brand new community with 95 affordable and supportive apartments, and the Allen Family Resource Center for families experiencing homelessness, were welcoming new residents just as Washington State was shut down for COVID-19. Since over 20 of the apartments are for families coming out of homelessness, Mercy Housing staff found a way to move in the families.

Mercy Housing was founded more than 25 years ago by five religious communities in the Northwest – including the Edmonds Dominicans, now Adrian Dominicans – in response to their dream of ending homelessness and creating resilient communities.

Feature photo: A family in Appian Way, an apartment building for families and seniors in Kent, Washington.