TACOMA, Wash. – Tacoma based artists were invited to create original works of art for Shared Housing Services “Spring for Housing” dinner auction to be held March 1, 2014 at the Tacoma Golf and Country Club.

            The art pieces began as 10” by 12” craft model houses that the artists transformed into sensational art pieces to be sold at the dinner auction. The non-profit is expecting over 30 houses to be displayed at the event, including one house by a local junior high class called Hilltop Artists. All of the artists are invited to come together before the event for an open house given by the board members and staff of Shared Housing Services on February 13, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Shared Housing Services.

The non-profit’s mission is dynamic, “connecting people and fostering independence through innovative and affordable housing, because everyone needs a place to call home.” Shared Housing Services matches low-income individuals seeking a home with those that have extra space in their home.

“Shared Housing Services facilitates approximately 150 home share matches per year, impacting 1,300 persons.”

Shared Housing Services offers three different programs to assist individuals with finding housing. They are: Adult Home Sharing, Transitional Family Housing, and the Host Home Program. All three programs have a slightly different focus, but have the same goal in mind – helping people in need find homes.

The Adult Home Sharing program allows people on the brink of homelessness to connect with a temporary or permanent living situation. Those willing to share their home may need assistance with household duties, companionship, or added income.

The Transitional Family Housing program provides low-income homeless families a home for up to two years to recover from the situation that made them homeless. This program not only provides families with a home, it offers a structured program stressing positive growth and tools families can use to achieve their goals.

The newest program, Host Home Program, began about a year ago. This program is transitional housing for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. Grants through the City of Tacoma and Pierce County serve as extra funding for the families offering their spare bedroom to the person in need.

For more information about Shared Housing Services and the housing programs they offer, visit their website at http://www.sharedhousingservices.org/default.html.