human services – Alliance for Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square Health Impact Assessment

Does Pioneer Square need a grocery store? According to a study recently completed by the Health Impact Assessment graduate class at the University of Washington we do. The Pioneer Square Health Impact Assessment (PDF) considers the neighborhood’s built environment, community and social services, mobility, and economic issues, all with an eye on the effects on human health. Other key findings include:

Provide a public toilet in the heart of the neighborhood
Encourage developers to include affordable housing in new residential buildings
Continue the expansion of bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks

Much of the assessment considered the goals and objectives of the neighborhood’s 2015 plan, Pioneer Square 2015—A Strategy for Seattle’s First Neighborhood. Members of the 2020 strategic planning subcommittees will use the study to inform their recommendations for areas of focus during the next five years.

We’re deeply grateful to the students and faculty who produced the assessment. Their labor, analysis and expertise will help the Square continue to improve through a greater understanding of our condition and the strategies we can use to improve.

David Yeaworth

Deputy Director

Alliance for Pioneer Square

Neighborhood Hero: Jeff Lilley

Throughout Pioneer Square, there are heroes working to make the neighborhood a better place. GiveBIG and the Alliance for Pioneer Square honors our neighborhood heroes.

Jeff Lilley is the President of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission. Most people only see the line outside the Union Gospel Mission in Pioneer Square, so here’s a snapshot of what is going on inside over the past year:

768,000 meals were served
21,000 counseling sessions
193, 242 nights of shelter
35 beds of medical respite working directly with Harborview and Swedish Hospital
7,728 blankets given out
1,500 individuals served in the dental clinic
608 individuals served in the legal clinic.

And these are only a portion of their services provided across Seattle. In addition to running this complex organization meeting basic human needs, Jeff has stepped up to serve on both the Pioneer Square BIA and Alliance Boards.

Thanks Jeff Lilley, for being our neighborhood partner in human services. What a hero!

You too can be a neighborhood hero on May 6th during the Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG event. Make a donation to the Alliance for Pioneer Square on our GiveBIG page on May 6th and have it matched by a percentage of the stretch pool fund. You’ll help continue our revitalization efforts in Pioneer Square to make it welcoming to everyone.

Community Takes a Stand for Compassion

March 15 Beating of Homeless Man Sparks a Plea for Respect, Resources for City’s Most Vulnerable

SEATTLE – (March 26, 2014) – The March 15 beating of a homeless man who was sleeping on the Seattle Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Pioneer Square, has rallied a diverse cross-section of individuals and organizations who are holding a “Stand for Compassion” gathering from 5:30 – 7p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 27 near where the attack took place in Occidental Square.

The event is a call for community conversation and engagement – intended to raise broad-based awareness about the need for greater respect toward Seattle’s most vulnerable citizens, and to begin a public dialogue on how to build a culture of compassion and a safer city for everyone.

“This sort of violence against the poor and vulnerable is unacceptable,” said Real Change Executive Director Timothy Harris, who is organizing the event. “It serves as a wake-up call for all of us who value a safe and respectful community, and puts a spotlight on the need for additional resources towards our goal of providing shelter for 1,000 of the currently homeless by 2015.”

“This latest incident is yet another unfortunate example of the everyday need for additional public safety resources that our businesses, residents and visitors have been asking for,” said Alliance for Pioneer Square Executive Director Leslie Smith. “A more visible police presence serves as a deterrent to bad behavior and allows for quicker response times when needed, particularly on event days when tens of thousands flock to our neighborhood.”

Attendees at Thursday’s event will be asked to take a stand for compassion and a better Seattle by signing a pledge for continued support and participation in addressing this issue. Speakers include representatives from Alliance for Pioneer Square, Church Council of Greater Seattle, Real Change, Seattle Fire Department and Seattle Sounders FC, as well Mayor Ed Murray and Seattle City Council. Additional supporters include CenturyLink Field, Compassion Network, Coalition on Homelessness, Downtown Emergency Service Center, Downtown Seattle Association and Seattle University among others.

A Facebook page has been established for the event with additional information and public comment at https://www.facebook.com/events/685670018157683/