Visitors to Hope ‘N Wellness, a drop-in resource center close to Pacific and Rucker avenues that primarily serves homeless
individuals, take the opportunity to sit on couches and relax in warmth on a recent day. The city says its location is the
problem. It is in a downtown zone that, as currently written, prohibits social services on the first floor.
Photo courtesy Hope 'N Wellness
EVERETT — For months, the future of Hope ‘N Wellness, a day center for the homeless community near Downtown Everett, was in question. But now, with the partnership between the center and Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Hope ‘N Wellness has found a new home at Hensen Hall,
2619 Cedar St. near Everett Avenue and Cedar Street.
“It’s been really fantastic — It’s kind of like not being on an island anymore, for me,” Hope ‘N Wellness founder Jasmine Donahue said. “It’s nice too, being in the new location, it’s like a fresh start.”
Priest The Rev. Joseph Altenhofen said the church has been wanting to increase its homeless outreach.
The church already provides hot meals every Monday night to the community but wanted to do more. When parishioners heard Hope ‘N Wellness needed a new space, the church was eager to work out a partnership.
“We’re super excited to have her (Jasmine Donahue) on board,” Altenhofen said. “The wider community has been really excited about it.”
Hope ‘N Wellness opened its new doors the first week of April, with old and new faces coming in seeking comfort. As of now, the center will be open every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hensen Hall, 2619 Cedar St.
