Homelessness Archives - Page 4 of 5

Harry keeps it rockin’

Posted on February 17, 2022February 27, 2022

We knew something good was coming.

We knew it when Harry Anderson smiled and took the mic at a recent SPiN event. His powerful words from that night are copied below. But first, a little context.

Harry writes the “Rockin’ a Hard Place” column for our local Whidbey News Times, a regular gift to readers that lifts up our unique island community with gentle humor and plain spoken truth.

But Harry got a little spicy that night.

Harry has volunteered for SPiN since the early years of the original location on Bayshore. Serving meals to SPiN guests got him hooked. He’s been a supporter with his time and dollars ever since.

The original SPiN location, where Harry first volunteered.

Facing a cold-weather crisis, together

Posted on January 26, 2022January 26, 2022

It took a team to make it happen.

With local resources stretched thin for people living outside in freezing temperatures, SPiN Café stepped up along with Island County Human Services, The Haven, supportive churches, and individual community members to keep guests safe and warm. A Whidbey News Times article featured words from our own Michele Chapman, SPiN Executive Director. Take a look right here:

Agencies work together to provide shelter from the cold

SPiN Cafe: a vital resource!

Posted on August 27, 2021November 25, 2023

Michele Chapman is Executive Director of SPiN Cafe.

The last 6 months have been a blessing not only to the guests that come to SPiN, but also to those of us who serve. We re-opened our doors on February 3, 2021 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church adding the Day Shelter to our Sack Lunch program. The Day Shelter is open from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday and provides a safe, dry place for people to rest, access wi-fi, get beverages, snacks and lunch. Many of our guests arrive first thing in the morning from The Haven, some come to us on the transit bus or on foot, and some by private vehicle.

SPiN still needs you

Posted on August 27, 2021August 27, 2021

by Tom Saunders, SPiN Board member

SPiN Cafe 2021 is a success story in rebranding and building a successful organization which has gained the trust and support from local government agencies, businesses and many individuals on Whidbey Island.

We are proud to say that the issues we faced in 2019 are long gone and we are a proud organization of 5 individuals on payroll together with over 30 volunteers, an Executive Director and a volunteer Board of Directors who are all committed to our mission.

8 years serving SPiN’s Mission

Posted on August 23, 2021August 26, 2021

From our Board President, Rev. Marc Stroud

SPiN Cafe has offered shelter and nourishment to Oak Harbor residents for the past eight years. Most of that time we were in a little storefront on Bayshore Drive, next to the DMV offices. During the early years of the Café, we responded to the needs of our Oak Harbor homeless, jobless, and low income guests. Through the Café, these individuals were able to find the necessary facilities, laundry services, showers, cooked meals and job search information.