Countless volunteers have already shared personal stories with us about the impact the Community Resource Exchange had on them and we're looking forward to reading yours!

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"Had a great time. Most of the people we served were very happy and grateful for the services they received. I was thanked many, many, many times. When I thanked people for coming as they left many looked at me like I was crazy. I was thanking them for having the opportunity to give to them? This is one of those moments where it is really clear that giving really is the receiving. You can't give away what you don't have. If you give away positive feelings, service, joy, and comfort... it must be true you already have it. How good is it to notice?"

Anonymous

"Each of the people I assisted in checking-out seemed to enjoy just having a conversation. Just sitting, talking and joking was enjoyable for me and I really believe it was for them as well. They seemed to be enjoying the event, which I believe is as important as receiving services. And they all LOVED their new haircuts! You must do that again!"

Anonymous

"It was great how people would open up, especially during the meal, when I sat down to eat, trying to be unobtrusive. One older man seemed quite pleased to have someone to talk to with the barriers down on who was "homeless" and who was not."

Anonymous

"This was an amazing experience for me to feel incredibly grateful. Not just humbled by the things I heard and learned, but gratefulness for every little thing I have and take for granted, when homelessness can leave you with so little."

Anonymous

"It was such a heartwarming, joyful, and very touching day. It was the best volunteer experience in my life! As I heard the stories from people, I felt very emotional and felt more appreciate the fact I have a housing to live in. I shall never forget people's smiling face. Some told us they got a housing and they are going to move in tomorrow, some said " I am going back to college...etc." It was greatful to work with many volunteers from a lot of different area of aspects as well. I wish there was an event like this in my hometown. I definitely like to join in to the next event. Thank you again for this great opportunity."

Keiko Chu-Yamada
United Way of King County

"I was helping hand out the care packages when people were leaving, so I got to hear how a lot of them felt about their experiences. One young man was glowing as he came to get his bag. He said he had a job that was starting the next day and possible housing in a day or 2. He said it all happened in under 2 hours and he couldn't quit smiling. Another man came by with a pair of eye glasses in his hand. He said now he could read his novels which he had really missed. A young woman said the best experience she had was interacting with the volunteers. She said they were the nicest, friendliest and helpful people she had had to deal with in a long time. But the best story to me was a nice looking young man in his 20's who said his girlfriend was angry and mistrustful, especially of government, and he couldn't get her to go into a shelter at night so they both slept out on the streets because he didn't want to leave her. The day of the event they were in downtown Seattle when a Seattle Police car approached. She started panicking and wanted to get away, but her boyfriend convinced her that they weren't doing anything wrong, so just stay put and it would be ok. The officer asked them if they had heard of the event for the homeless that United Way was putting on at the Seattle Center. They had not so he offered to give them a ride to it. The man asked if that wasn't out of the ride-free zone, but the officer told him not to worry about it, just get in the car and he'd give them a ride. The young man was most amazed that, with a little coaxing from him and the officer, his girlfriend got in the police car! I thought it was so cool the way the Seattle Police were not only spreading the word, but this one officer even personally delivered them to the front door! It was a wonderful experience all the way around and I hope we can do it over and over!"

Becky Hamrick
United Way of King County

"As a still fairly new volunteer with the United Way (less than a year), but someone who has been involved trying to help with homeless issues for awhile, I wanted to let you know that I was blown away by what I participated in today. Seeing the direct immediate benefit of this event was truly heartwarming and energizing. I'm sure you'll be getting much feedback on this event, but you, and all those who worked on this event at the United Way, should be extremely proud of what you accomplished today. As a volunteer in the event, I was very impressed with the level of organization, especially considering this was the first ever event like this in Seattle. What you all put together today was truly awesome. Very well done!"

John Delaney
Holland America Line

This event was brought to you by the following organizations:
United Way of King County
Committee to End Homelessness
Church Council of Greater Seattle
City of Seattle
City of Renton
King County
City of Bellevue
City of Kent

In partnership with: