Annual Snapshot
1,174
205,197
585
$4.9M
195,418 lbs
124
17,155
100%
Understanding the systemic barriers and daily challenges our clients face, we remain resolute in our commitment to building an inclusive and equitable organization that cherishes and embraces diversity. We firmly advocate for the belief that everyone, irrespective of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity not just to succeed but to thrive. With your unwavering support, we look forward to continuing and expanding this impactful work into the next century.
WHO WE SERVE
1174
88%
9%
13
The universe doesn’t serve breakfast in bed; you have to get up and get it. And when you’re willing to put the effort in, places like Uplift Northwest are willing to meet you and help with the next step.
Learn more by viewing the 2nd Annual Empowerment Luncheon video
I’ve been working for Uplift Northwest for three years now. It only takes about a week for them to get you working. Take whatever opportunity they have; it’s like hitting a reset button on your life!
Everybody deserves a second chance, and we all need a place to start. Uplift Northwest provides the services needed for that to happen and that’s why I love this company! Every day I get to tell people about this great resource to give that second chance.
Four Pillars of Service
Employment Social Enterprise
Classes, Workshops, Certifications
Housing
Support Services
Employment Social Enterprise
Think: a staffing agency with a heart!
Employment Social Enterprise (ESE) is a staffing agency business engine that operates through a social service lens. It earns revenue like a business, but that revenue is reinvested directly back into the programs and services the nonprofit offers. Uplift Northwest’s ESE is a staffing agency focused on connecting people with meaningful employment AND eliminating barriers that keep folks stuck in the cycle of poverty. Barriers can look like not having shelter, transportation, a phone, childcare, or can also be underdeveloped interpersonal skills for effective communication. Barriers can also look like systemic inequities, lack of work history or experience due to legal system impact, and inherited generational cycles of poverty. When barriers are removed, new paths are forged leading to long-term and stable employment.
Our workers earn wages by working for our employment partners. We reinvest this revenue earned from our business into the programs that are designed to eliminate barriers to employment. Uplift Northwest provides immediate temporary and long-term employment and on the job training to workers reentering or newly entering the workforce via community employment partners in competitive industries. Uplift Northwest deploys work crews throughout King County to serve the City of Seattle at mobile hygiene centers, with graffiti removal, and litter abatement. Workers are eligible for promotion, wage advancement, medical benefits, and 403B.
Maria,
King County Jobs & Housing Employer Partner
Employment Social Enterprise
Think: a staffing agency with a heart!
Employment Social Enterprise (ESE) is a staffing agency business engine that operates through a social service lens. It earns revenue like a business, but that revenue is reinvested directly back into the programs and services the nonprofit offers. Uplift Northwest’s ESE is a staffing agency focused on connecting people with meaningful employment AND eliminating barriers that keep folks stuck in the cycle of poverty. Barriers can look like not having shelter, transportation, a phone, childcare, or can also be underdeveloped interpersonal skills for effective communication. Barriers can also look like systemic inequities, lack of work history or experience due to legal system impact, and inherited generational cycles of poverty. When barriers are removed, new paths are forged leading to long-term and stable employment.
Our workers earn wages by working for our employment partners. We reinvest this revenue earned from our business into the programs that are designed to eliminate barriers to employment. Uplift Northwest provides immediate temporary and long-term employment and on the job training to workers reentering or newly entering the workforce via community employment partners in competitive industries. Uplift Northwest deploys work crews throughout King County to serve the City of Seattle at mobile hygiene centers, with graffiti removal, and litter abatement. Workers are eligible for promotion, wage advancement, medical benefits, and 403B.
Maria,
King County Jobs & Housing Employer Partner
1,165
$4.9M
205,197
$23.76
25
162
In our partnership between Uplift and the Low Income Housing Institute, we have worked with their dedicated teams in an effort to offer a way forward for individuals in many stages of employment needs. Uplift provides an opportunity for individuals to develop skills in multiple fields of choice that may potentially lead to further employment, while dually working part to full time on the Uplift roster.
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Working with Uplift Northwest has been nothing like I expected it to be, and I mean that in the best way.
Learn more King County Jobs & Housing Program 2023
Grateful for partnering with Uplift Northwest to get the Bergman Luggage Building sharp and fresh for our upcoming opening!
Learn more by watching this video testimonial
When we urgently needed temporary staffing for our shelter operations, Uplift NW was my first choice, They came highly recommended -- and quickly demonstrated why! They were able to provide prompt access to staffing for multiple shifts at a competitive rate. The folks they have provided have been reliable and useful additions to our staffing needs. And most importantly, we have been able to bring some of them on as employees. It's great to be able to be a part of the mission of Uplift NW and help folks on their journey to full time employment.
The Ballard Alliance, and the entire Ballard community, is thankful for our partnership with Uplift Northwest. Since 2017, our Uplift Northwest crew has worked tirelessly year-round to keep our community a clean and welcoming environment for its residents, shoppers, diners, and visitors.
Classes, Workshops, and Certifications
Over our journey at Uplift Northwest, one unshakable truth has emerged: education is the cornerstone for breaking free from the cycle of poverty and homelessness. It's more than just information—it's a pathway to transformation. When people are facing these extreme challenges, gaining access to new knowledge isn't just about job opportunities; it's about igniting the imagination and inspiring new possibilities.
Education becomes a source of hope, a canvas for envisioning a different future, and the spark that fuels excitement to acquire the skills needed for lasting success. At Uplift Northwest, education isn't just a tool; it's one of the pillars to unlocking a brighter tomorrow.
Max,
Uplift Northwest Program Manager
JOB READINESS AND TRAINING PARTICIPATION
585
630
Classes, Workshops, and Certifications
Over our journey at Uplift Northwest, one unshakable truth has emerged: education is the cornerstone for breaking free from the cycle of poverty and homelessness. It's more than just information—it's a pathway to transformation. When people are facing these extreme challenges, gaining access to new knowledge isn't just about job opportunities; it's about igniting the imagination and inspiring new possibilities.
Education becomes a source of hope, a canvas for envisioning a different future, and the spark that fuels excitement to acquire the skills needed for lasting success. At Uplift Northwest, education isn't just a tool; it's one of the pillars to unlocking a brighter tomorrow.
Max,
Uplift Northwest Program Manager
JOB READINESS AND TRAINING PARTICIPATION
585
630
CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE
- Food Handler’s Permit
- Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST)
- Digital Literacy
- Financial Literacy
- OSHA 10
- Flagging
- ServSafe Permit
Paul,
Uplift Northwest Essential Worker
In King County, the #1 cited reason people give for experiencing homelessness is loss of employment and barriers to employment. It’s impossible to talk about solutions to the housing crisis in our community if we omit conversations about barriers to gainful employment. Over 40,000 people in King County are experiencing homelessness. We have the third largest homeless population in the nation though our overall population is 3 times less than the top cities experiencing homelessness.
Empowering a worker into a living wage job is empowering our community. The impact of this work does not end at employment. We are breaking generational cycles of poverty and vulnerability for a stronger and more equitable Seattle – one where ALL are provided for and have the opportunity to thrive.
Housing
In 2023, Uplift Northwest achieved a significant milestone by providing housing solutions to 109 of our participants through our dedicated housing program. A noteworthy component of this initiative was the utilization of the Kasota Building's 47 single-occupancy units. These units offer both short and long-term options, acting as a crucial support system for individuals in the process of rebuilding their lives. Strategically located within walking distance of our Belltown headquarters, these units not only provide a safe and stable living environment but also ensure that participants have convenient access to hot meals and a comprehensive array of supportive services. At Uplift Northwest, our commitment goes beyond housing; it's about fostering an environment where individuals can regain control of their lives and build a foundation for a brighter future.
Martisha,
Uplift Northwest Essential Worker
47
124
17155
Housing
In 2023, Uplift Northwest achieved a significant milestone by providing housing solutions to 109 of our participants through our dedicated housing program. A noteworthy component of this initiative was the utilization of the Kasota Building's 47 single-occupancy units. These units offer both short and long-term options, acting as a crucial support system for individuals in the process of rebuilding their lives. Strategically located within walking distance of our Belltown headquarters, these units not only provide a safe and stable living environment but also ensure that participants have convenient access to hot meals and a comprehensive array of supportive services. At Uplift Northwest, our commitment goes beyond housing; it's about fostering an environment where individuals can regain control of their lives and build a foundation for a brighter future.
Martisha,
Uplift Northwest Essential Worker
47
124
17155
Support Services
Uplift Northwest is a dedicated community providing support, accountability, and transformative opportunities. Our commitment to guiding individuals from homelessness to a stable, fulfilling life emphasizes the pivotal role of comprehensive support services. Going beyond shelter, our programs offer a complete range of care, including health and wellness initiatives, access to vital technology, and the provision of necessary work equipment.
We understand that seemingly small barriers, often overlooked, can significantly impact an individual's ability to maintain long-term, living-wage employment. Through shared hardships and celebrated victories, we stand hand in hand with our participants, fostering a supportive environment that empowers lasting change. Explore the insightful perspective on the everyday life of someone courageously rebuilding their life through our 2023 Artist In Residence original piece by Tia Nache.
Support Services
Uplift Northwest is a dedicated community providing support, accountability, and transformative opportunities. Our commitment to guiding individuals from homelessness to a stable, fulfilling life emphasizes the pivotal role of comprehensive support services. Going beyond shelter, our programs offer a complete range of care, including health and wellness initiatives, access to vital technology, and the provision of necessary work equipment.
We understand that seemingly small barriers, often overlooked, can significantly impact an individual's ability to maintain long-term, living-wage employment. Through shared hardships and celebrated victories, we stand hand in hand with our participants, fostering a supportive environment that empowers lasting change. Explore the insightful perspective on the everyday life of someone courageously rebuilding their life through our 2023 Artist In Residence original piece by Tia Nache.
Eric,
Optometrist
In partnership with Walman Optical, Uplift Northwest operates King County’s only free Eye Clinic that provides eye exams and free prescription eyeglasses.
422 People
485 People
Sheryl,
Uplift Northwest Essential Worker
The Uplift Northwest Hygiene Center provides showers and laundry to our essential workers and training participants. Mobile hygiene centers are staffed by Uplift Northwest employees at multiple locations throughout the city in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities and provided more than 65,000 showers over the last 2 years.
365 Days
20K+ Showers
The Uplift Northwest Learning Center is a WorkSource Connection site providing individuals in need of computer and internet access use of the computers for training, obtaining permits, work-related activities, or everyday needs. Access Wireless provides free phones to qualifying workers in our Learning Center.
1,825 Hours
14 Laptops
Many of our Essential Workers, who once faced challenges, now bring a wealth of understanding and compassion to our mobile hygiene centers. Their journeys inspire hope and positivity for our community seeking these vital services.
44 People
Uplift Northwest also provides transportation, work or interview clothing, childcare, lockers, and more to eligible participants.
$172k Support Services Provided
$5,772 Transportation
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Your contribution plays a crucial role in our mission. Meaningful impact doesn't unfold without the support of our community partners, and sustained change is only possible through unwavering commitment. This year, Uplift Northwest experienced an unprecedented influx of individuals seeking opportunities at our doorstep. Adapting to meet our community's growing needs involved a 26% increase in service providers and a 17% expansion of our budget to enhance program capacities. The future, especially for those most vulnerable, hinges on the collaborative efforts of us all.
$15.7 Million
