On March 7, I’m doing something so far outside my comfort zone, it’s not even in the same galaxy! I’ll be performing live at Seattle Dances, an annual competition where local leaders prepare a dance to support housing and stability.
I’ve been practicing nonstop with my fantastic pro dancer partner Eshita Jayaswal while rallying my friends and family to support Plymouth Housing. I’m such a huge fan of this local organization because since 1980, they have been getting people in our region out of homelessness and into permanent homes.
What I admire most about Plymouth is the way they combine permanent housing with wraparound services—like case management, medical care, substance use treatment, and community meals. They treat individuals as full humans deserving of care and support. Plymouth currently serves nearly 1,500 people in 18 apartment buildings across King County, nearly half of whom are elders.
Plymouth’s “Housing First” model means housing is offered without conditions, because it’s nearly impossible to heal from substance use disorder or work through health concerns if you’re living on the street. Plymouth provides the foundation to rebuild a life. I am astounded and inspired by their high success rates – an incredible 95% of people stay stably housed after moving into Plymouth. This is what is possible when people are afforded dignity and connection.
The route to homelessness is varied. It could really happen to any of us, especially those of us who are working hard to stay afloat but still existing on the edge. My own father found himself houseless at age nine. He was walking home from school when the border between North and South Korea was established between his school (now in the ‘South’), and his home (now in the ‘North’). He never went home or saw his parents again, to this day. He survived living in an abandoned shed on his own until he was placed in an orphanage.
Focusing locally on what we can do for our neighbors is more important to me now than ever. The cure for hopelessness is to “do a something,” as my mother likes to say. The energy I feel when I walk into a Plymouth Housing building sustains me.
The stories of people who have overcome homelessness and found stronger footing with the support of Plymouth are incredibly inspiring. They are doing the hard part. I feel lucky to have the chance to support this meaningful work in such a fun and creative way.
Every vote for a dancer helps Plymouth Housing provide for our neighbors in need. If you are inspired to support me in this journey, you can watch my rehearsal video and vote for me here. On March 7, visit Plymouth’s website to find a link to the livestreamed performance.
Am I nervous about dancing? ABSOLUTELY. But I’m here because I believe that taking action in our local community is more important than ever before. I am excited to be able to serve as a vehicle to connect my community to the incredible impact of permanent supportive housing. Because everyone deserves a home – period.
Jane Park is a venture-backed consumer and technology entrepreneur who is now a founding partner of the Park Snyder Group, an executive coaching and leadership consulting firm.
