About the Benu Community Home
ABOUT
Located on 16th and Yesler, the Benu Community Home is a low barrier enhanced shelter for single adult males. The program seeks to effectively address the over-representation of people identifying as Black or African American in the homeless system through program design focused on African cultural strengths to address trauma resulting from multi-generational exposure to systemic racism.
Once an assisted living facility serving Japanese and pan-Asian senior community, the 76,000 square foot building offers 150 beds in beautifully decorated shared rooms in walking distance from public transportation, medical services, and community resources. Planned amenities include a state of the art kitchen, balcony for gardening and relaxing, barber shop, activity room, dining hall, music room, guest computer lab, laundry room, community showers, a parking garage, and a beautiful view of the city. The facility has 24 hour security and is ADA compliant.
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The Africatown Community Home began accepting guest referrals November 29, 2021.
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Amenities
Community Showers
Barber Shop
Parking Garage
State of the art Kitchen
Activity Room
24 Hour Security
Balcony for Gardening
Dining Hall
24 Hour Security
Beautiful Views of the City
Need Shelter or Resources?
For more information, referrals, and resources please request a referral form using the email provided in the contact section below
Ways to Help
We are seeking the following new and gently used items:
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towels
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bedding
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face cloths
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hygiene products
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If you would like to purchase and donate supplies to the Home, check out our Amazon wish list here. All donations are tax deductible.
Direct Donation
Please use this provided link
History
In 2021, community organizers successfully halted the development of a market-rate housing development and retail space at the former Keiro Senior Center on Yesler Ave.
ACLT is opening the building as a community home and hub for those experiencing houselessness prior to redeveloping the site as permanent affordable housing. After a predevelopment holding period during which we will repurpose the existing building as the Community Home the redevelopment of the block will create 300 additional units of affordable housing in the Central District. Similar to the Liberty Bank Building and Africatown Plaza, the units will be advertised with affirmative marketing towards the black community in and around Seattle. ACLT’s hope is that those who experience the negative effects of Seattle’s rapidly rising housing market and displacement have the opportunity to remain or return to the neighborhood.
FAQs
CONTACT
Inquiries
For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please call: 1-888-802-2589 or fill out the following form
Contact Us
Head Office
Donations
Help us reach our goal and build our community and Donate Now.
Employment
To apply for a job with Benu Home, please send a cover letter together with your C.V. to: info@africatownlandtrust.org