On March 5th I had the honor of accompanying Building Changes' executive director Betsy Lieberman and deputy director Alice Shobe to Olympia to meet with Governor Christine Gregoire and Kari Burrell, her executive policy advisor. With us were Sonya Campion of the Campion Foundation, Ken Ristine of the Ben B. Cheney Foundation, and long-time supporter and donor to Building Changes and AIDS Housing of Washington, Ellen Ferguson. We went to talk with the governor about Building Changes' role in ending homelessness in Washington State - and particularly about the success of the public-private partnership that powers the Washington Families Fund. Not that the governor was unaware. She has supported the partnership for four funding cycles and participated in the launch event. But it's always nice to spend time with the governor - especially when you get to share positive results.

Governor Gregoire was delayed slightly due to her meeting with legislators elsewhere in the Capitol. Once we were in her company, she was very focused. Her seasonal cold (including laryngitis) didn't slow her down one bit. Her interest in the information we presented was keen and her comments were insightful. Governor Gregoire and Ms. Burrell are very familiar with our playing field and know how important it is to not only house those who have lost their homes, but to also prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place. We briefly presented some background information, then focused primarily on the situation today. Betsy and Alice were thorough and to the point with the time allowed. Sonya, Ken, and Ellen's comments helped the governor see how committed they are to this cause and to having their dollars work as hard as possible.

No one group or funder can end homelessness alone, even under "normal" economic circumstances. In today's very abnormal economy with its housing, employment, and credit emergencies, the need for the partnership is even more urgent. With all of us working together, we can make a greater impact on more lives than what anyone of us can do working separately. You can be sure that is not lost on Governor Gregoire.

Two weeks later, on March 19th, I had another date with the governor when Building Changes joined with several high-profile partners in the region in throwing our weight behind an expansion of the Washington Families Fund. The governor and I - along with 23 other partners - signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that articulates our intent to work together to reduce family homelessness by half by 2019. Other signers include the county executives from King, Pierce, and Snohomish County, the mayors of Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma, housing authorities, private and corporate philanthropy partners, and nonprofit organizations. The room was packed with television cameras, reporters, and as many other supporters as we could fit.

It was a an astounding scene and an acute moment of awareness, made so by the testimony of a woman named Kim, who told how she came to be homelessness. She was terrified, and the challenges she faced were substantial. With the help of many, including a network of local service providers, she found a home, was able to provide well for her children, completed her education, and started a career as a teacher. In short, she found stability. The thing about homelessness is that it can happen to any of us - and often when we least expect it. It's amazing how quickly a "secure" life can unravel. Children and youth, who rely on the stability of a roof over their heads and the protection of their family as the backdrop for healthy development, are particularly susceptible.

Having the opportunity to converse privately with our governor was an amazing experience. Sure, she has an impressive presence, work ethic, and interest in our work, but the state capitol building is an inspiring place: Hallowed halls of marble steeped in the history of legislative activity and events. And it belongs to you and me. The conversations overheard in the atrium beneath the rotunda echo the politics of many decades past. As an engaged citizen you owe it to yourself to pay a visit to ‘your property' and soak for a little while in the pride of being part of a democracy.

And then, think about your role in all of this. Awareness, participation and financial contributions at the grassroots level are a very big part of the picture. Speaking of which, please consider joining us for Building Changes' annual fundraising luncheon on May 5th, featuring actor and social activist Danny Glover. Beyond that, think about how you can assist people who have lost their homes, their livelihood, often their sense of self. They need your help, because they can't do it alone. Neither can Governor Gregoire nor Building Changes. Please give your support and join the partnership.