This November, Catholic Community Services’ (CCS) St. Margaret’s Place Apartments celebrates two years since opening, and residents who moved in at opening are celebrating two years of permanent affordable housing.
St. Margarets is a permanent affordable housing site in Shoreline operated by the CCS Coordinated Care Agency and provides 100 apartments including a floor with 20 units designated for veterans.
Malcom’s and Andrew’s Journeys to St. Margaret’s
Malcom first fell in love with the Pacific Northwest when he was stationed in Alaska and would often travel to Washington to support different missions. After his time in the military, Malcolm moved back to the Pacific Northwest with his family and, in 2012, became medically retired, relying on Social Security and Veterans benefits to support himself and his family. When Malcolm’s relationship ended, though, he had nowhere to go. He lived with a friend and then in his car before finding temporary housing for veterans, still searching for something more permanent.
Andrew shares a similar story. Originally from Western Washington, Andrew was stationed in Kansas and eventually found his way back home. He says his time after the military was characterized by “A lot of confusion and lot of ups and downs.” Andrew’s marriage ended and he navigated an uncertain housing situation until finding Michael’s Place, a CCS program providing transitional housing for veterans.
Malcolm and Andrew were among the first residents to move into St. Margarets. Brought together by their similar experiences, the two have become close friends. “Andrew and I met here, and we clicked. I think we’re each other’s best friends here,” Malcolm says.
Addressing Veteran Homelessness with Compassion
Homelessness continues to be prevalent among veterans, despite progress in recent decades. Approximately 1 in 20 adults experiencing homelessness in the United States is a veteran, and in Washington state, more than 1,700 veterans experience homelessness on any given night.
CCS is committed to meeting those who have served with the compassion and respect they deserve. In 2024, CCS served more than 1,600 veterans with services including Supportive Services for Veteran Families, transitional housing, and permanent housing.
In November of 2023, St. Margaret’s opened in Shoreline after constriction was completed. The fifth floor of 20 units was designated for veterans, helping provide homes for veterans who would not otherwise be able to afford housing. The cohort of 20 veterans, including Malcolm and Andrew, moved in when St. Margaret’s first opened, achieving newfound stability and hope with a space to call their own.
Starting a New Chapter with Veteran Housing
For Andrew, finding a home at St. Margarets has brought a renewed sense of independence. “I was tired of couch surfing and depending on other people. I have more independence here,” Andrew says.
Malcom shared that he no longer has to worry about where his next meal is coming from, where he would find a place to bathe, or where he would sleep at night. Instead, he gets to focus on his hobbies including spending time outdoors, fishing, and, with his new apartment, he now has space for 3D printers that he enjoys creating art on. “It affords me the freedom to explore and do things that I want to do.”
Since moving into St. Margaret’s, Malcom has also participated in the CCS Aspiring Social Service Employee Training Program, and he now works as a resident support staff at CCS’ Patrick Place, a site providing permanent supportive housing to people who have experienced chronic homelessness.
With the stability of permanent housing, Andrew and Malcolm expressed that they have more time and energy to devote to the things that matter most to them. “I’m grateful that I do have a roof over my head and that St. Margaret’s provided that roof,” Malcolm says.
Read more about St. Margaret’s: Celebrating St. Margaret’s Place: Transforming Lives Through Permanent Supportive Housing | Catholic Community Services of Western Washington