REACH at PRIDE: We must repair how we treat our unhoused neighbors
Since its inception as a program of Evergreen Treatment Services in 1996, REACH has worked to improve the quality of life for adults who are living outside in the greater Seattle area, helping people access the support needed to move forward with their lives. In doing so, we have learned about the intersectional identities and circumstances of the people we work with.
REACH participated in the recent Pride Parade to highlight and celebrate the intersections of queerness, substance use, and being unhoused. The group wanted to uplift Queer folks who are unhoused, drug users, sex workers, disabled, incarcerated, undocumented, and living with mental illness. We hope to bring our REACH perspective to Seattle’s Pride celebrations now and in the future and make sure all LGBTQIA+ folks are supported and celebrated!
Thank you to Ted Zee for all the wondering photos of our REACH team at the Pride Parade!
Maggie (LEAD Case Manager) displays the REACH Pride t-shirt. | Photo by Ted ZeeShowing off our signs at the start of the parade! From left to right: Joshua (family member), Phillip and Bella (pups), Clentonia (LEAD Supervisor), Jackie (Vital Case Manager), Maggie (LEAD Case Manager), Kristina (family member), Paige (LEAD Supervisor), Millie (LEAD Case Manager), and Kita (LEAD Case Manager). | Photo by Ted ZeeMaggie (LEAD Case Manager) and her sister, Kristina, proudly share the message that housing is a human right. LGBTQIA+ individuals are disproportionally impacted by housing discrimination, and they deserve access to safe, affordable housing! | Photo by Ted ZeeHarm reduction is one of the main tenants of our work at REACH. Resisting the stigma and shame surrounding substance use saves lives and a harm reduction practice promotes self-determination, agency, and respect. From left to right: Chelsea (LEAD Case Manager), Karen (Director of Outreach), Shannon (former REACH employee), Clentonia (LEAD Supervisor), Kristina (family member), and Kita (LEAD Case Manager). | Photo by Ted ZeeSeattle must repair how it treats our unhoused neighbors. Amid harmful policy, encampment sweeps, and attitudes of fear and hostility, we hope to remind our community that unhoused folks hold many identities including LBGTQIA+ and our celebrations must include those who have been denied access to the basic human right of safe, affordable housing. Sign held by Karen, Director of Outreach. | Photo by Ted Zee
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