As a business leader and homeowner in the South King County/North Pierce County community, I have seen the devastation families facing homelessness experience in this area. The trauma caused to these families and especially the children are what has driven the Lennar Seattle division to fully support FUSION’s emergency homeless shelter and transitional housing programs.
As division president of Lennar, a national home builder with a local presence, we have the unique skill set of understanding building and development projects as well as the vast relationships necessary with third party trade partners to complete builds on time and on budget. Since we became involved with FUSION in 2019 we assisted with the renovation of the FUSION Family Center as well as the transitions of families moving in and moving out of FUSION-owned homes, by calling upon our own associates and our trade partners to help with building needs. Over 20 different Lennar trade partner businesses have donated time, labor, and materials to FUSION home projects and the renovation of the emergency homeless shelter.
In March of 2020, our Lennar division experienced a tragic loss when our beloved and long-time associate, Pete Andersen, passed away from COVID-19. Following the devastating passing of Pete, the Lennar Foundation donated $1 million to the FUSION Family Center project in honor of Pete and FUSION voted unanimously to rename the shelter The Pete Andersen FUSION Family Center.
This is a testament to how deeply and sincerely Lennar believes in the work FUSION is doing. Along with providing the city’s first emergency homeless shelter, it provides support services to families when they need it the most. The transitional programs FUSION has created a safe, trauma-free experience to families with children, who so desperately need assistance.
For these reasons, I support FUSION. For these reasons, Lennar supports FUSION. And for these reasons, you too, should support FUSION. Thank you for your time.
Very truly yours,
Bill Salvesen
Division President, Lennar Seattle Division