“This is wonderful,” said Sarah scratching her pet cat through the travel cubby sitting next to her chair. “Having someone come out here and help us care for our pets is just so wonderful. Lots of people don’t think about it, but our pets are so important to us.”
Outside of the Compass Center, people lined up with their dogs and cats and waited for their chance to see an animal medical professional from Seattle Veterinary Outreach.
The organization “provides compassionate mobile veterinary care” for people experiencing homelessness. Dr. Hanna Ekstrom even shot a Facebook Live post while she was there.
They weren’t the only organization to come to Compass Center that day though because we were having a Resource Fair that was focused on healthcare and quality of life care for our shelter guests and anyone else experiencing homelessness.
“We hope to have four of these throughout the year,” said Shervin, Program Manager at the Compass Day Center and PSMP programs. “The partnership with Pike Place Neighborcare has been really good for our guests. This community has always responded and stood up for their neighbors here in Pioneer Square. I’m excited to see the organizations that were able to make it and hope to have even more next time.”
At the Resource Fair, there were a variety of service providers: Molina Healthcare, Public Health of Seattle & King County, Othello Station Pharmacy (who was giving out free COVID Vaccines and boosters), Assurance Wireless, and more.
Throughout the fair, dozens of people got ORCA transit cards, vaccinations, and other information, but one service provider seemed to be the main draw, at least for one man who was stopping and asking everyone around him this question.
“Where the phones at?” James asked. “I heard there were phones here for homeless people and I need one.”
James walked over to the Assurance Wireless table and before the fair was over, he had a phone.
“I can call my family now,” he said.