02/14/2026
Kitsap Homes of Compassion
Winter (January-February) 2026 Newsletter
Every January, while some people prefer to go straight to resolutions, I lean towards reflection, fond memories, lessons learned and simple gratitude. As I’m writing this newsletter I’m also wrapping up our annual Gratitude Report. Let me share an excerpt from that report,
As we put a pin in 2025, I am filled with gratitude for all of those who support the mission of Kitsap Homes of Compassion to house the unhoused in Kitsap County and to provide support to decrease housing insecurity. To the clients and residents who risked vulnerability and potentially being re-traumatized by yet one more agency, thank you for allowing us to help support you in meeting your housing needs. To our staff, who everyday demonstrate their passion and commitment to human dignity as they roll up their sleeves and work alongside our clients to meet their housing goals. To our Board and volunteers who give of their time, expertise and resources to ensure that we are able to meet the needs of our community. To our partners, who continue to walk with us as we co-labor to ensure safe and stable housing for those in Kitsap County. Lastly, to our donors, who give of their resources to support our mission and keep us alive.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
There is a lot to celebrate about last year. This was just a tease. I’ll send out our Gratitude Report soon and you can dance, shout and celebrate with us.
Speaking of celebrating… I had the honor of attending the Leadership Kitsap 20 under 40 event as the guest of the Roszak family where our former staff member, Madison Tuttle, was nominated. It was so heart warming to see her public recognition as a rising star in our community.
Continuing the theme of amazing staff, we have had new staff join KHOC and other staff step into new roles in the last few months. As I mentioned above, I have much gratitude for the important work that our staff do everyday and for the care and compassion they have for those served in our program. We are looking forward to great things this year.
I recently had the opportunity to speak at a luncheon hosted by one of our founding Board Members, Barbara Buckham at the Common House at the Meadow Wood Cohousing Community. It was very gratifying to speak with a group of community members interested in learning more about our mission and how they can be partners with KHOC to end homelessness and housing instability throughout Kitsap County.
If your 2026 resolution included finding ways to better engage and give back to your community we always welcome volunteers and community groups who would like to support our efforts.
There are many ways to labor alongside KHOC - we welcome your time, energy and support! Some examples include:
Create gift boxes of hygiene items or cleaning supplies
Donate bedroom linens or other household items
Provide maintenance, handyman or lawncare service
Help with event planning and fundraising
Assist with setting up or closing down a home
Consider joining the Board of Directors
As I speak to civic groups and congregations, many people want to know what they can do to make a difference financially. Some people want to bless our work in a general sense and others are looking for specific ways to support our residents, many of whom are seniors, veterans and/or persons experiencing mental health or chronic health issues on very limited budgets.
As a guide, on average, we pay $2500 for a 3 bedroom home. Monthly utilities including the internet run around $400-600 a month. Most homes house up to 3 or 4 persons.
Individuals or groups could support resident costs in the following ways:
$775 supports one resident for a month. This covers the cost of a single room and utilities in a shared home
$2500 supports the cost of rent for a home for 1 month
$7500 supports the cost of rent for a home for 3 months
$15,000 supports the cost of rent for a home for 6 months
I’ll admit that these are big numbers, however they have the potential to make a big impact! While our entire housing portfolio cost is around $850,000 a year, our residents are typically only able to cover $500,000 of those costs, leaving a gap of $350,000. We are looking at many different ways to fill this gap but donations are one very important piece in the puzzle. If each of our donors gave $1,200/year or $100/month, we could cover this gap. Donors do this through one time gifts as well as regular monthly gifts.
As we fully embrace February, our Board is rolling up their sleeves to make 2026 the best and strongest year for KHOC. They have elected new officers, signed up for committee work and are taking a deep dive into better understanding what it will take in the near term to ensure that the mission and purpose of KHOC can continue long into the future. Mid-February the Board and I will be participating in a Strategic Planning retreat to craft a focused 2026 Strategic Operations Plan to grow, support and maximize our Housing, Case Management and Mental Health Programs. I look forward to sharing more from our retreat in our March Newsletter.
As always, thank you so much for your support. You are vital to our residents and to your community!
Scott
