Charitable Giving Best Practices
Many civic-minded individuals and groups want to know how they can help those experiencing homelessness and others in need. If you plan to give food, clothing, or assistance directly to the homeless in Everett, please consider donating to one of the great local service providers addressing poverty in our community. These organizations specialize in providing resources directly to those in need through a measured and managed approach to create long-term solutions.
Direct donation is giving money, food, or clothing to someone instead of donating through a charitable organization. While giving directly to someone seems to be a more efficient method of distributing your money or goods, often there are unintended consequences. Money may be used to support a substance addiction instead of buying food. A bag of clothing may be sorted through, and unwanted items left on the street for city workers or surrounding business owners to pick up. Food donations are commonly left out on the street, attracting rodents and other animals whereas local meals at churches and shelters practice efficient distribution of food to minimize excessive food being left out in the street. On average, the city collects two dump truck loads of garbage every week along 3600 Smith Avenue, most of which was directly donated to people on the street.
The City of Everett, local businesses, and the Everett Police Department ask for your support of the Everett Streets Initiative - Safe Streets Plan and your help with a consolidated and structured approach to helping those in need. Visit www.everettwa.gov/GetInvolved to find more ways to get involved.
Contact the following organizations to make donations:
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Snohomish County
Snohomish County Legal Services