Who We Are

Founded in 1993, FUSION is professionally staffed and volunteer supported. Our mission is to provide housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness in our community so they will have a safe, secure environment as they work toward self-sufficiency.

 

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, FUSION owns and operates 20 transitional housing units and the Pete Andersen FUSION Family Center in Federal Way, a 90-bed emergency shelter for families with minor children in their care.

 

The organization also owns the FUSION Décor Boutique store selling gently-used furnishings, and the Poverty Bay Café adjacent to the Boutique. These businesses provide funding for FUSION programs, create community awareness of the mission, and engage new volunteers. In development is a culinary and job skills training program at the Café that will provide gainful employment training opportunities for low-income adults.

 

The goal for families in our shelter and transitional housing programs is to secure livable wage employment and a permanent home. FUSION provides dedicated case management and support services from professional advocates as keys to this success.

 

We have given more than 200 families a chance to move from homelessness to a self-sufficient and productive life. More than 85 percent of guest families successfully find permanent housing following their stay in a FUSION home.

 

A fusion of community support is critical to our success. We have consistently raised more than 75 percent of our budget needs with contributions from corporations, foundations, service groups and local businesses who donate goods and financial sponsorships. The annual Summer Gala on the beautiful grounds of Dumas Bay Centre at Dash Point is a community gathering that raises operating funds for FUSION. Support also comes from individuals, churches and civic groups in financial and in-kind gifts.

FUSION was created when Peggy LaPorte, with a small group of friends meeting around her kitchen table, came up with a concept to help women with children who were facing homelessness. They focused specifically on victims of domestic violence, involving the community in raising funds for their grassroots effort. Within two years FUSION purchased a one-bedroom condominium with a Community Development Block Grant. An Annual Summer Art Event planned and carried out by a then all-volunteer organization provided operating funds for this budding nonprofit.

 

FUSION and the ecumenical-based Joseph Foundation operated independently for 15 years, providing housing and support for homeless families within Federal Way and Northeast Tacoma. FUSION continued serving abused women and their children, while the Joseph Foundation helped single and dual-parent families in all homeless circumstances. It eventually became apparent that both could better serve the community by merging efforts. The two organizations became one and the same in January 2009, operating with the single mission to help families experiencing homeless under one name: FUSION.