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 started in 1993, FUSION owns and operates 24 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. On average, families stay about a year in the transitional housing units and approximately three months at the Pete Andersen Family Center.

In addition to offering housing, the organization has embraced financial risk by owning and operating two nonprofit businesses that help fund FUSION programs. These include the FUSION Décor Boutique, which sells gently-used furnishings, and the adjacent Poverty Bay Café. Beyond generating essential funding, both businesses raise community awareness of FUSION’s mission and attract new volunteers. Notably, the Poverty Bay Café also hosts a culinary and job skills training program, offering meaningful employment preparation 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 involved 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  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.