Westside CARES is neighbors helping neighbors. It affirms human dignity by ameliorating the conditions of poverty and preventing homelessness through food, clothing, laundry, health-care, ID cards, mail, utilities or rent, and creates a community that values all of its members. Each year the nearly 22,000 neighbors we serve can rely on a safe, welcoming space to access the services they need to fill the gaps.
Westside CARES serves a great and growing need. Nine census tracts in west-side neighborhoods have poverty rates higher than national averages, and in five of these, 20% of the children live in poverty. We are powered by 21 member faith communities, 400-plus volunteers, and more than 900 donors from every religious affiliation, income level, and political stripe.Together, we make a difference in the lives of neighbors.
Non-perishable food for our six food pantries; larger sized diapers; gloves; new men’s/women’s underwear for our clothing closet; community clean-up volunteers.
90% of the neighbors served by Westside CARES have a steady job and source of income that does not keep up with the basic cost of living in the region.
“Westside CARES is a community of people who know that we all matter. We walk with our most vulnerable neighbors, honor their dignity, and grow hope–together.” — Michael Tassler, former Board Member, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church
