WMFHA Gives Back Program Goals and Objectives
Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA) is deeply committed to using the strength and passion of our membership to make a positive impact in our communities. We strive to create a spirit of service and giving and engage our members in doing so.
Among others, four organizations provide WMFHA members opportunities to make a positive difference in communities that are susceptible to hardship. An apartment association’s work ultimately benefits the residents our members serve which make up the communities we love. We have every reason to give back because everyone needs a strong community in their home.
Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN) shelters and empowers survivors of domestic abuse in South King County. For twelve years WMFHA members have been raising funds for DAWN at our annual Chili Cook-Off event. Last year our members raised 29% more than the year before. Our group’s donation is regularly DAWN’s largest unrestricted gift and contributes to their trauma emergency fund. The money allows them to have the flexibility to respond immediately and deliver services to highly lethal domestic violence situations.
Childhaven offers babies and children who are prone to traumatic household situations therapeutic, safe, and clean daycare services to prepare them for a lifetime of wellbeing. By improving parenting skills and strengthening relationships, their mission is to break the cycle of abuse and neglect and lay the foundation for generations of safe and nurturing families. WMFHA members raise funding for Childhaven programs each year at our annual Holiday Giving Gala. Our financial contribution adds a layer of regular resourcing to support direct services that impact a vulnerable community.
Move For Hunger mobilizes the entire relocation and multifamily industry to rescue food and fight hunger and food waste. In 2018 alone, our members donated 3,472 pounds of food to the needy. This program collects non-perishable food that might otherwise be thrown away from residents that are moving and delivers it to another one of our charitable partners, Northwest Harvest. With Move For Hunger, property managers and supplier partners can simply do their job of serving residents, and feed people at the same time.
Rebuilding Together Seattle and Rebuilding Together Spokane repair homes, revitalize communities, and rebuild lives. Relying on partners and volunteers to execute the work, they serve low-income homeowners by improving the safety and health of their homes. In 2018, WMFHA members came together for a Day of Impact in Spokane, and one in Seattle to make some huge improvements to four homes in those areas. We are proud to work with Rebuilding Together to address sub-standard housing conditions and prevent displacement.
With so many worthy causes in our region, WMFHA chooses to partner with like-minded organizations that portray our values. We are an inclusive, people-oriented association and are not only committed to our industry, but to the community at large.