To the Black Diamond community, we thank you. Our food bank has never been so full, which means we can continue to serve anyone who needs food. We have also been able to give out more gas vouchers, Puget Sound Energy assistance, and so much other emergency assistance.

Every Monday the St. Barbara Parish volunteers bring in “TONS” of food. The Lake Sawyer Christian Church consistently drops off food, diapers, and hygiene items. Our newest effort is to help more families stay in their homes or apartments. Our board agrees that if all of us pull together, we can prevent more homelessness in our community. This campaign we have going on now is for rental assistance or preventing mortgage foreclosure. We have many families who are weeks away from a “vacate” notice. Most of these are parents with children who are in the Enumclaw School District. They have lost their jobs, got their work hours cut, or had a medical emergency, that has created a financial disaster for them. With all the food everyone has donated, we have been able to save some money for other essential services, like rental assistance, hotel vouchers, and prescription drug help for seniors.

Thank you for all the great support you have given us, and thank you in advance for your help to keep our families in their homes. When I read that the Greenwood Food Bank in Seattle has to close, I thank my lucky stars for this community – we have all of you that help so many.

Cheryl Hanson

Executive Director of the Black Diamond Community Center