Community Corner—Chief Seattle Club

Community Corner highlights the work of Seattle Human Services' community partners in their own words. Our goal is to gather stories and photos that illustrate their amazing work on behalf of the people of Seattle. This post was written by Chief Seattle Club.

What is the role your organization fulfills in your community?

Chief Seattle Club is all about supporting the Urban Native community in Seattle. We're here for folks who are experiencing homelessness, dealing with addiction, or facing mental health challenges. Our approach is grounded in culture and community, providing housing and the healing and support people need to rebuild their lives.

How does your partnership with Seattle Human Services (HSD) assist you in that role?

Working with HSD helps us make a bigger impact. The funding and resources we get from HSD allow us to expand our programs and reach more people. Whether through housing assistance or wellness programs, this partnership gives us the tools to help more community members find stability and hope.

What is your organization's origin story?

Chief Seattle Club started back in 1970 because there was a real need for Native-focused support in Seattle. It began as a small group trying to help Native people experiencing homelessness, and over time it grew into what we are today-a full-scale organization providing a range of services with a focus on cultural healing and supportive housing.

How has your organization grown or developed in recent years?

We've grown a lot! Now, we operate four supportive housing buildings-Sacred Medicine House, Salmonberry Lofts, ʔálʔal, and Goldfinch Apartments-offering safe, stable housing along with wraparound services. We've also built up a strong team that includes program managers, case managers, and support staff who work together to meet our members' needs in a holistic way.

Why is it important for HSD and City of Seattle taxpayers to invest in community-led work?

Community-led work brings solutions that truly fit the people they're meant to serve. When you support organizations like Chief Seattle Club, you're helping make sure resources go to those who understand the culture and experiences of the community. It's about investing in long-term change and empowerment from the inside out.

We are a housing and human service agency that provides basic needs for our members, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. Native people in urban areas face unique challenges, and Chief Seattle Club embraces the Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions of our members as the primary method for healing and transformation.

How do your programs and services help to reduce the disparities experienced by people of color living in our region?

We're all about breaking down barriers. We believe our very existence promotes equity in Seattle by way of engaging with the community and building a greater understanding of Urban Native experiences.

Our services offer stable housing and access to health and mental wellness, specifically designed to address the challenges Indigenous people face. By connecting our members with culturally relevant resources and support, we help level the playing field and open up new opportunities for a better life.

Tell us an example of how an HSD-funded program or service impacted the life of one of your community members.

One story that stands out is a person who found a home at Goldfinch Apartments after being on the streets for years. With stable housing and access to support, they have been able to reconnect with their cultural roots and get the help they needed to manage their mental health. It's been a complete turnaround-proof that our work can change lives.

We envision a future where our Native community is safe, healthy, housed, and connected to a community that respects and celebrates Native cultures.

What motivates your staff or keeps you going?

Our team is driven by the strength and resilience we see in our community every day. Knowing that we're helping people not just survive but thrive keeps us going. There's also a lot of inspiration drawn from our cultural traditions, which remind us that healing and growth are part of our heritage.

Chief Seattle Club embraces the whole person and all of their identities, experiences, and generational memories.

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