Fill the Sky with Hope

For Snohomish County nonprofit Housing Hope, Fill the Sky with Hope was an opportunity to raise money to further its cause. For seven Housing Hope residents, it was the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Fill the Sky with Hope skydiving fundraiser took place at Harvey Airfield in Snohomish on Saturday, June 25. The event was a partnership between Housing Hope and Skydive Snohomish, which agreed to donate a portion of each individual tandem skydive registration fee to support Housing Hope's mission of breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

In addition to the donated fees, Skydive Snohomish gave seven free jumps to Housing Hope residents who have overcome homelessness.

The event attracted just shy of 150 jumpers, raising $6,354. Some of the Skydive Snohomish instructors donated their salaries for the day, said Sara Haner, Housing Hope events and marketing manager.

Skydive Seattle has a history of partnering with Housing Hope.

"We were so excited to partner with Housing Hope on this event,GÇ¥ said Elaine Harvey of Skydive Snohomish in a news release. "Breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty is so important to our community, and we're proud to participate in that mission.GÇ¥

Throughout the day, seven Housing Hope residents were given the opportunity to participate in a tandem jump, skydiving while harnessed to a Skydive Snohomish instructor. The experience was an emotional one, said event organizers, as residents celebrated freedom from the bondage of addiction, homelessness and hopelessness. Each jump had its own unique story of individual triumph and courage as Housing Hope community members gleefully took to the skies.-á -á

"These seven residents have overcome so much,GÇ¥ said Housing Hope CEO Fred Safstrom in a news release. "They've worked hard, and have completely changed their lives. Skydiving is a metaphor for how these residents have leaned into their fear and taken the plunge to overcome obstacles in their own lives. This event was a celebration of their achievements.GÇ¥

Housing Hope provides a continuum of services to help residents successfully overcome homelessness, such as life skills classes, case management, employment counseling and job readiness training. Housing Hope has several communities in east Snohomish County, including the 47-unit Monroe Family Village, which opened last September.

Fill the Sky with Hope was all about celebrating success.-á

"Skydiving really can transform lives,GÇ¥ Harvey said. "By facing a fear and taking a chance, you infinitely expand your horizons.GÇ¥

Find out more about Housing Hope at-áwww.housinghope.org