Esther’s Place: Supporting Women From Homelessness to Self-sufficiency

Editor’s Note: Originally published 11-16-21, republished 3-9-23.

Esther’s Place is a haven in north Everett for homeless women and their children. It is a day shelter with a mission to help women access resources related to housing and recovery and to find community.

To learn more about Esther’s Place and the work they do in our city, I sat down with Hoff Foundation Board Member and Everett City Council Member, Liz Vogeli.

What can you tell me about Esther’s Place?

I’m super excited because I did not know about them (Esther’s Place). They have this stand-alone rented single-family home on Broadway that’s accessible with a ramp. Essentially, it’s an inclusive day center for women - so all women, regardless of sobriety status, can come in, shower, hang out, and even get breakfast and/or lunch. They’re not open often, but they are open when many other shelters are closed.

What inspired you to connect with them?

The Hoff Foundation invited the Everett City Council to tour the facility and, due to a scheduling conflict, I wasn’t able to make it. So, I rescheduled on my own, which was really cool because I was able to hang out all day.

It was just super awesome because I’ve been a Head Start teacher and worked with at-risk youth in the past and I got to spend my time with a mother who had three boys under the age of four. I spent half the day totally on the ground, singing songs, understanding the stories they were telling me (thanks to my own kids, I understood their YouTube references) - it was great! The other half of the day, I spent learning the history of Esther’s Place and their work in our city, as well as connecting with the staff and volunteers there.

What were your first impressions?

I was just so grateful that there was a place for women to go to shower, to feel at home, and to just exist as they are. It felt so much like a home when I visited - it’s a real house, not tucked away in a basement, but a house with windows and curtains and is a wonderful place to go. And it’s right next to Despi DeLite Bakery, so it’s very easy to get some yummy donuts too!

What are some things you want people to know about Esther’s place?

I want everyone to know that they’re available - all women and children experiencing homelessness are accepted here and are invited to come in, maybe grab a bite to eat, take a shower, pick up some clothes, and hang out for a while.

I also want people to know that Esther’s Place and the Hoff Foundation are over 5 years old but they’re still learning and growing as an organization. They’re using a consultant to figure out how to get more funding (they’re a 501-c3) and they’re applying for grants.

Do you have art supplies to donate? They can use them in their art space // Liz Vogeli

How can the community help?

They are looking for more volunteers to help out around the center and to keep the art space open. They’re always accepting donations - money, cleaning supplies, coats, socks, clothes in general, art supplies, hand warmers, and individual food packets.

Anything else you want to add?

I was at their new art space chatting with a younger person and it turns out that she is my neighbor! It was a reminder of how it’s so important for us all to recognize that anyone we meet, any of our neighbors, may be connected in some way to these services and supports. It’s organizations like Esther’s Place and the Hoff Foundation that show how important it is for us to band together and support this kind of organization in its work supporting all of us being better neighbors.

Editor’s note: Each year Esther’s Place hosts a holiday party for the women and kids with food and gifts. They are accepting donations of new, unwrapped gifts for kids. The women will be able to “shop” the donated gifts and wrap them for their children. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. If those times don't work for you, please contact Judy at (360) 631-0972 to make alternate arrangements.

Esther’s Place
3705 Broadway
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 512-0749

Angela Di Filippo currently works in State Social Services and recently earned her Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with extensive training in evidence-based leadership coaching. Angela moved from North Carolina to Washington 6 years ago and has proudly called Everett her home for 5 of those years. When not helping others solve problems in creative and strength-driven ways, Angela enjoys her time painting, hiking with her terrier-mix, Indy, and eating waffles.