It seems like the high numbers of those who are homeless continues to grow. What can we do? I have been in the human service profession for over 30 years. Helping those in need is a passion for me. Yet, the homeless numbers haunt me as they do many others, because so many need so much help.

The Black Diamond Community Center where I work is helping the low-income, no-income, homeless and transient populations. How? One box of food at a time. One warm coat at a time. Blankets, sleeping bags, towels, socks, hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, and diapers – one client at a time. Our small agency in rural South King County is doing all we can to ease the pain of those in need. We serve all those who need what we can do, 9 a.m. to 4p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Many folks come through our doors for assistance to help them make ends meet. We offer not only food boxes, but vouchers for dairy products for families with children. We have vouchers for propane. We have gas vouchers for doctors appointments. Starting in January we will have help for Puget Sound Energy bills.

Right now applications are available for our holiday gift program so the youth in our area can have something special for them in December.

Homelessness is painful, but those of us at the Black Diamond Community Center can and do help ease that pain, just come in and see what we can do. The Black Diamond Community Center can be your safety net for essential needs. We will try our best to stabilize your family. We will have warm coats and blankets for you to keep you warm and dry. We don’t have pumpkin spice lattes, but we do have hot coffee for free.

Everything you get at the Black Diamond Community Center is free. Come on in.