January 2024 Newsletter

This month we wanted to revisit an article written a couple years ago by NWH Founder, Anton Preisinger, about the Environmental Hospitality program.

Why all the trash & why do we pick it up?

Environmental Hospitality is one of Northwest Hospitality’s most successful and appreciated programs. In 2019, we coordinated over 100 volunteers and picked up over 23,000 pounds of litter. In 2020, interest hasn’t waned even in the face of COVID-19 but we’re only at 2,000 lbs this year thanks to the decrease in events.

All of our programs elicit a whole spectrum of feedback but off-the-cuff and ill-considered critiques of our environmental hospitality are some of the most frequent.

Why is there so much trash?

It makes sense to be frustrated, angry, and confused about the litter generated by our un-housed neighbors. Why can’t they clean up after themselves? Don’t they want to keep their area clean so they don’t attract attention and get kicked out? How can they live like that? What about the environment? Why should we help pick it up, they’ll just trash it again.

All valid questions that crumble under the slightest interrogation. Read more…

This article was also featured on a recent episode of Complex Problems, Simple Solutions, NWH’s new podcast. You can listen to it here (or on you favorite streaming platform).

Thank you to everyone who supports our work of helping those in our community that are experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. We couldn’t do any of this important work without your support.

Ways to get involved

  1. Volunteer - nwhospitality.org/volunteer

  2. Buy a ticket for the Spring Benefit - March 9th

  3. Contact your WA representatives to advocate for housing stability and rent stabilization bills such as HB 2114 and SB 5961

  4. Donate Funds - nwhospitality.org/donate

    • please consider becoming a monthly supporter!

  5. Donate Items - Some of our current needs include:

    • Tents

    • Sleeping bags

    • Tarps

    • Blankets

    • Hats & Winter Gloves

    • or check out our Amazon Wishlist

Maggie BrassilComment