Denny Hunthausen, Agency Director for Catholic Community Services’ Southwest Region, has announced his retirement from CCS effective July 1st following 38 years of service. Denny will be succeeded by Mike Curry, current CCS Director of Operations, who has worked closely with Denny for many years. Mike began his career at CCS in 1996 serving in Volunteer Services for elders and people with disabilities in Grays Harbor County. In addition to his long commitment to service in a variety of capacities within the agency, Mike brings a strong background, including a Masters in Nonprofit Management.

Denny originally joined CCS in 1983 as Volunteer Coordinator for the Refugee Resettlement Program. From there he became the Director of Community Development in 1996 and Agency Director in 1999, serving in this position for 22 years.  He has been inspired by the rich tradition of Catholic social teaching and the commitment of CCS staff throughout his tenure.  Together with Catholic Community Service’s talented staff, Denny worked to foster community-based solutions to some of our region’s most challenging issues, including refugee resettlement, services to urban indigenous communities, foster care, quality childcare, affordable housing and services to people experiencing homelessness.

Denny Hunthausen, Agency Director for CCS Southwest Region (left), Mike Curry, current CCS Director of Operations for SW (center)

Notable programs and projects during Denny’s time as SW Agency Director:

Revitalization of Tacoma’s Hilltop Neighborhood

In the 1990’s CCS began initiatives to bring economic opportunity and increase homeownership in Hilltop. This included building Matsusaka Townhomes, renovation of the St. Leo High School into a multi-service center, including CCS’s regional headquarters for 100 staff. Denny was a founding board member of the Homeownership Center of Tacoma.

Family Housing Network – Reducing Family Homelessness

Begun in 1996, FHN provides a comprehensive continuum of services for families and veterans experiencing homelessness including emergency shelter, supportive services, and affordable housing.

The New Nativity House – Comprehensive support for adults experiencing homelessness

The New Nativity House is a $16 million initiative completed in 2015.  It brought together and expanded on three existing organizations serving homeless adults. This 24/7 operation provides comprehensive support services, food, mental health, day and overnight emergency shelter and 50 units of supportive housing for some of our most vulnerable neighbors.

Shelter and Housing for People Experiencing Homelessness throughout the region.

These include the Max Hale Center and Benedict House in Bremerton, Drexel House in Olympia, and Guadalupe Vista Apartments and Nativity House in Tacoma. CCS also manages safe encampment sites in Tacoma and Olympia and hotel shelters in Tacoma, Puyallup, and Vancouver. In total, these programs added 431 beds of emergency shelter and 238 affordable and supportive homes for individuals and families in our communities.

“Over these many years, through numerous challenging and rewarding moments, I have had the great honor and pleasure of accompanying Denny in his tireless work for the folks we serve. He has generously, humbly, and quietly pursued and embodied the very best of what we are all called and aspire to be.  Thank you for an exemplary career and for a truly significant life time contribution to the mission of our Church, Agencies and all those who carry on the struggle to uphold the dignity of and achieve security for each and every one of God’s children. “

“Mike has worked in partnership with Denny for many years, and we are confident in his leadership. We know Mike will continue to build on the solid foundation of quality services and commitment to staff that has been set by Denny during his time leading the SW Agency. Mike has strong ties with local organizations in the region that will be a great asset in his new role.” -Michael Reichert, CCSWW President

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