Starbucks is “Lighting Up” King County to Stop Homelessness

Blog posted On December 07, 2016

In an effort to fight homelessness this holiday season, Seattle-area Starbucks stores are asking for donations to the No Child Sleeps Outside campaign and matching those donations up to $1 Million.  According to a recent report from Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, there are 4,000 homeless people in Seattle including 500 families. 

The No Child Sleeps Outside campaign benefits Mary’s Place, which operates two day centers and six crisis-response family shelters in Seattle.  In its previous years, the campaign has raised $750,000 through combined corporate and individual donations.  During the entire month of December, Starbucks is accepting donations at its 200 King Country stores and matching those donations up to $1 Million. Additionally, the Starbucks Foundation and the Shultz Family Foundation have each pledged $1 Million for a total of a $3 Million contribution.

Donated funds will go toward expanding the Mary’s Place shelter capacity which currently serves about 120 families per night.  Other donations will be disbursed for rental assistance, car repairs, and job assistance.  With a 20% increase since last year, homeless families with young children get stuck waiting for emergency shelter and are left sleeping in cars or in the streets.

To learn more about the No Child Sleeps Outside campaign please visit their website.

Sources: Starbucks.com, Seattle Times