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CAMP UNITED WE STAND
Camp United We Stand (CUWS) is a self-managed, authorized encampment that has been hosted by religious congregations in Seattle and North King County since 2015. A volunteer Board of Directors oversees the management of the camp, and serves as fiduciary representative through a 501(c)(3)(see Financials). CUWS is hosted and supported by religious congregations and service organizations in North Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell, Woodinville, Redmond and Kirkland. We are always looking for new host sites in the Eastside and Northshore area.
Our Mission
The mission of CUWS is to provide safe shelter, support, and community for people without housing. CUWS works toward this mission by assisting members with daily needs and facilitating their transition to independent living. We believe that all individuals deserve respect, and we work toward justice by modeling empowerment, stewardship, and democratic self-governance. In order to demonstrate respect for the communities they visit, CUWS members subscribe to strict Rules of Conduct . We run background checks on everyone who requests admission to the camp, barring entry to sex offenders and those with outstanding warrants. We do not allow alcohol, drug use, or weapons in camp, and we do not allow camp members to use other areas of the host site. Bullying and harassment are not tolerated. Respect and civility toward other members, visitors to camp, and host representatives are required. All CUWS members are encouraged to apply for benefits and housing with case management agencies.
Our Members
Who are our members?
Meet Ariana. Ariana had to escape her home because of escalating abuse by her partner. While living on the streets, she heard about Camp United We Stand. It sounded like a place where she could live while she recovered from her difficult experience and looked for a job. Being in the camp allowed her to look forward to a better future.
Then there is John. John is in his 60s. He never imagined that his later years would come to this. He came to Camp United We Stand and found others who had had experiences like his. After sleeping in the open, being in a tent with warm blankets allowed John to relax, sleep more comfortably, and eat enough to improve his health. He is often active around the camp and with the permission of the host, he helps clean the church grounds. (see Testimonials)
Funding
Because we receive no governmental funding, CUWS members voted to pay a small monthly amount to cover hygiene and garbage facilities. They volunteer daily to keep the Camp clean and functioning properly. We depend upon donations to buy supplies such as tents, canopy tents, and wooden platforms. CUWS has been fortunate in finding religious congregations to host us, but some are building housing and cannot offer space have in the past.
New Member Cost
| Item/person | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Tent (inside portable structure with two tents) on wooden flooring | $335 |
| Cot with sleeping pad | $70 |
| Sleeping bag | $75 |
| Propane heater & heater hose | $120 |
| Total | $600 |
Approximate cost to outfit a new member
We need your help. It costs approximately $600 to outfit a new Camp member. We put small tents inside 12’ x 20’ portable structures. All these wear out fast in the rain and sun. Altogether, CUWS spends only $3.50/person/day to run a camp for 35 adults.
Financial Donations
If you would like to help with any amount, we have a couple of ways you can help.
Monetary gifts help us pay for different services and buy materials that are needed to keep our camp running. If you would like to help, please see our Donate page.
Your donation and your care for our unhoused neighbors are very much appreciated. Our Camp members thank you for helping them to look forward to a better future!