Facing Homelessness has built the most innovative community solution for permanent supportive housing to help end homelessness - The BLOCK Project. Through this solution, Facing Homelessness promotes a radical expression of “coming closer” to ending homelessness through inviting our unhoused community members to become our neighbors in backyards across Seattle. BLOCK Homes are self-sufficient detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) for people experiencing homelessness, and provide compassionate community members the opportunity to make a real difference in the emergency crisis. At only ¼ the cost of all other permanent low income housing solutions, BLOCK Project homes can be completed from inception to occupancy in only six months, and Facing Homelessness provides ongoing support to both BLOCK home hosts and residents.

As we fight through COVID-19 and its aftermath, the need for this solution has historically never been greater. We hope you will join us for the annual AEC Fundraiser this May 25 at 7pm.

About Facing Homelessness

Beginning in 2010, our founder, Rex Hohlbein, made it a priority to say hello to those experiencing homelessness, inviting them into his architecture office for conversation, shelter, and connection. He soon realized the great power of proximity that broke down the stereotypes of those living on the streets, and discovered the beauty and dignity of people suffering from living outside. To transform this realization into action, Rex first began sharing unhoused community members stories on Facebook. By 2013, this passion project turned FH into a nonprofit organization that now has over 50,000 Facebook followers and thousands of community volunteers. Today, we offer three four programs - Storytelling on Facebook, the Window of Kindness, the BLOCK Project, and the Companionship Program - to support hundreds of people experiencing homelessness and create entry points for community members to come closer and become a part of a connected and loving movement.

Through the BLOCK Project, FH achieves its ultimate expression of mission of coming closer and community involvement where homeowners are asked to share their land, and community builds homes to invite the unhoused to become our neighbors. Thirteen homes have been completed to date, and in 2020 FH completed construction of the BLOCK Shop, which reduced home construction costs by nearly 40% and onsite assembly time by 86%. The BLOCK Shop has a capacity to manufacture one home a week, and made the prospect of scaling the BLOCK Project possible. Your support will be vital for carrying this mission forward and achieving the growth our community deserves.

Learn more by watching these videos from our volunteers, hosts and residents:

1. What Is Compassion? Facing Homelessness!
2. How Can I House Someone? The BLOCK Project!
3. What Is My Role? I’m the Solution!