By , Special to JTNews
It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of the Seattle area Jewish population lives in poverty. Between Purim and Passover this year, the Seattle Jewish Coalition for Homeless People will hold its 14th Annual Emergency Shelter Voucher Drive.
The tax-deductible voucher donations are given directly to Jewish Family Service’s Homeless Fund, which helps house Jewish homeless and working poor in low-cost hotels and pays for short-term apartment rentals. Many families simply need assistance with first and last month’s rent and a cleaning deposit in order to relocate to a permanent home.
In 2001, Jewish Family Service’s Homeless Fund provided nearly $26,000 in assistance toward emergency shelter, low-cost, short-term housing in a homeless shelters and rental assistance.
The Purim-Passover voucher drive is the primary source of income for the JFS Homeless Fund. You can purchase your voucher through your synagogue or other local Jewish organizations. Contact Carla Greenbaum or Jacob Tobis at 206-232-4484 or [email protected].