Eastside Men's Shelter Nears Groundbreaking, Thanks To Donations

BELLEVUE, WA — Plans to construct a new, permanent shelter for men experiencing homelessness on the Eastside got a big boost this week, thanks to two sizeable donations by some well-known local figures.

Earlier this week, the Bellevue-based Congregations for the Homeless announced its project recently received a $1 million donation from John Stanton, majority owner of the Seattle Mariners, and his wife Theresa Gillespie. Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie donated another $1 million.

"We are honored to help bring a permanent shelter to East King County that will help men experiencing homelessness," the Ballmer's said in a statement. "The Eastside will benefit by providing coordinated services to help these men attain stable housing."

Congregations for the Homeless said the new capital funding would allow it to begin construction on the shelter soon, while further fundraising efforts continue.

Related: Permanent Eastside Men's Shelter Funding Approved In Bellevue

"I'm very encouraged by the support from community leaders for this critical project, and I invite the broader community to join our capital campaign and help build a uniquely Eastside approach to addressing homelessness."

CFH has operated emergency shelters at various locations for more than a decade, most recently occupying temporary apsace at Lincoln Center. Plans to construct a permanent shelter site have been in the works for more than six years, including planning, community feedback, design and permitting processes.

The nonprofit purchased the Eastgate site from King County in August and hopes to begin construction before the end of the year and move the shelter into its new home by early 2023.

"We are so excited to begin the phase of this project we can touch and feel," said David Bowling, executive director at Congregations for the Homeless. "Our new permanent home will bring all our services together under one roof and continue to give men immediate access to a safe and dignified place. This represents a huge step forward for the way the Eastside will help people experiencing homelessness."

CFH estimates roughly 600 men are experiencing chronic homelessness on the Eastside on any given night. The new space will have space for 100 beds and offer additional services to help people find permanent housing.