Our New Look—Brand Refresh, May Flowers

This May, we’re celebrating growth, renewal, and the exciting blooms ahead—starting with the unveiling of a fresh new chapter in ACHD’s story! Just like the flowers of spring, our new branding reflects the vibrant spirit, resilience, and beauty of the communities we serve. Our updated logo and visual identity symbolize the evolution of our work and our unwavering commitment to holistic, culturally rooted support across housing, education, economic development, and community. All month long, we’ll be sharing exciting announcements that reflect the seeds we’ve planted and the powerful blooms now taking shape. Stay connected—we’re just getting started!

ACHD Monthly Edition

The Education Team hosts our annual Family Nature Day at Seahurst Park, Burien.

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Education

We're back with BIG announcements in education this month!

Foundry10 Partnership: Tech Meets the Outdoors 

We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Foundry10 in a six-week program designed to introduce middle school students to coding using Micro-bit computers. Every Wednesday, students dive into hands-on lessons where they not only learn to code but also apply that knowledge outdoors—like programming a compass and testing their devices in real-world environments, even experimenting with shockwave sensors.

Students experiment with micro-bit computers during a lesson with Foundry10.

“This partnership brings unique educational opportunities to our youth that they wouldn’t typically encounter in traditional classroom settings,” said ACHD instructor Laurie Stamp. “With one-on-one support, access to advanced tech tools, and experiential learning, students are introduced to new fields of science and technology in a way that’s fun, engaging, and culturally responsive. The blend of outdoor education and technology shows students how these seemingly separate worlds can intersect in practical and creative ways.”

Foundry10 has supported our work for over a year, including full funding for our new Makerspace. Their commitment to creating inclusive environments where students can freely explore STEM closely aligns with our mission to help students envision themselves pursuing careers in STEM fields.

These experiences go beyond theoretical learning—they show our youth how to build real-world solutions, like using light sensors to automate everyday tasks. This inquiry-based, constructivist model of teaching not only strengthens learning but empowers our youth with curiosity and confidence. We’ll keep you updated on these exciting opportunities through our social media.

GiveBIG Campaign: Supporting Holistic Education 

Our education programs rely on more than just curriculum—they are grounded in holistic support. One major part of that is food. When we take our youth on hikes, camping trips, or any new adventure, familiar, culturally relevant food makes the experience more welcoming. It offers comfort, builds trust, and ensures every child is nourished and ready to learn.

Support ACHD during Early Giving.

Nearly all our youth qualify for free and reduced lunch, and we want to be a place where they continue to have consistent, nutritious meals. Your GiveBIG donations directly support this—helping us break down one of the biggest barriers to learning and growth. Because when kids are fed, they’re happy, focused, and ready to thrive. GiveBIG takes place between May 6th and 7th, but Early Giving is open right now. Show your support for our communities’ youth here. 

TJHS Pilot Program: Taking Our Model Off-Site 

This spring, we launched an eight-week pilot program at Thomas Jefferson High School, led by Basheera—an alum of the school and one of our own educators. This program blends S.T.E.A.M., critical thinking, and the Think Plan Fly violence prevention model. 

It’s not just about delivering content—it’s about testing what it looks like to successfully expand our programming beyond our central site.

So far, we, as a team, have learned valuable lessons about off-site education and community building. The pilot has helped us envision a scalable model for high school engagement starting fall 2025, and the feedback from students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive.

Outdoor Leadership Retreat: Middle Schoolers Step Up 

Laurie, Bill, and student pose for a picture on their Outdoor Leadership Retreat.

Over spring break, seven middle school students took a trek on a leadership-focused outdoor retreat, led by ACHD education instructors Laurie and Bill. The Edu. Team chose students who had shown a desire to lead, were new to the program, or were still building their confidence and English language skills. This retreat gave them a chance to grow, connect, and shine.

The experience started with leadership workshops at our office, where students created acrostic poems about leadership and discussed what it means to lead among peers. Over the next two days, they put those lessons into practice—rock climbing and rappelling with Y.E.T.I. and the Institute of Community Leadership (ICL) in Kent.

One student, new to the U.S. and still learning English, had barely spoken in class in weeks. By the end of the retreat, he was laughing with friends, communicating with Laurie and Bill, and participating confidently. 

When given the chance, our youth will rise—especially in environments that combine challenge with community support.

Student Reflections:

• "It was really cool to get past the point of fear. It was really scary, but I want to do it one hundred more times."

• "Come on, act like a leader!"

Family Nature Day = Opportunity to Be In Community

A student competes in one of the many fun games during Family Nature Day.

On a partially sunny Saturday, the Education Team hosted their annual Family Nature Day at Seahurst Park in Burien. Students of all ages came with their families to play games, eat Safa Bakery Catering's knock-out food, and spend time in community. 

At events like these, the Ed. Team makes a point to emphasize the importance of feeling supported by community—and the responsibility to support it in return.

While we strive for every student to see themselves in being fulfilled in their future⁠—personally, academically, and professionally⁠—we also know that involvement in community and service (and fun) are values that are not to be forgotten. 

Community Café Recap: Digital Addiction 

At our recent Community Café, we tackled the topic of digital addiction—how it affects both kids and parents. One key message: modeling healthy habits is essential. Parents learned strategies like keeping phones away during meals, avoiding screens in bedrooms, and being present when coming home.

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Housing & Social Services

Expanding access, support, and stability in our community through three innovative programs.

Burien’s Food Voucher Program Serves Up Culture, Dignity, and Nourishment

In Burien, food assistance is getting a culturally conscious makeover. ACHD has launched a transformative initiative: the Culturally Relevant Food Purchasing Program—designed specifically for African Diaspora immigrant and refugee families in King County.

This isn’t just about filling pantries. It’s about ensuring families have access to the right food—food that speaks to their traditions, faith, and heritage.

What the Program Does

• Provides food vouchers to households experiencing food insecurity.

• Partners with local ethnic grocery stores and vendors to offer access to traditional ingredients.

• Focuses on nutritious, culturally familiar foods, such as:

  • Fresh halal meats

  • Traditional grains like teff or millet

  • Essential spices and herbs used in African cuisine

ACHD’s goal? To preserve cultural identity while fighting hunger—ensuring that food assistance feels respectful and empowering.

Burien’s Eviction Prevention Program Offers More Than Shelter — It Offers Stability, Dignity, and Hope

In Burien, where housing insecurity continues to threaten working-class families, ACHD is leading a critical intervention — one that doesn’t just keep roofs over heads, but restores dignity and stability for those most vulnerable.

Our organization’s Eviction Prevention Program is rooted in cultural understanding, trauma-informed care, and a community-first philosophy. For African immigrant and refugee families in King County, this work is not just timely — it’s transformative.

What the Program Does

ACHD’s Eviction Prevention Program serves families at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) who are facing imminent eviction. With culturally rooted and linguistically appropriate case management, ACHD provides:

• Rental and utility assistance

• Emergency food and transportation support

• Basic needs provision

• Education and navigation services for long-term financial stability

The program recognizes that housing stability is a cornerstone of wellness — and that a family’s needs extend far beyond just paying rent.

ACHD’s Holistic Response to Housing Instability in King County Through Legal Aid Program

In the wake of a housing crisis worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, many families across King County face a complex and unforgiving system. For African immigrant and refugee communities, navigating eviction threats, legal paperwork, and public housing red tape can feel insurmountable. But ACHD is proving that advocacy, when rooted in culture and compassion, can change lives.

ACHD’s Legal Aid & Eviction Prevention Program combines trauma-informed legal support with basic needs assistance to ensure families not only survive crisis—but move through it with dignity and stability.

What the Program Does

ACHD’s program provides wraparound support tailored to the needs of African Diaspora households experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This includes:

• Legal advocacy for tenants facing eviction or benefits termination

• Case management and system navigation with culturally and linguistically appropriate staff

• Food assistance, bus tickets, and basic needs for families in crisis

• Direct financial support to stabilize households during transitions

At the heart of the program is a belief that no one should face housing loss alone—or without a voice.

How You Can Help

• Everyone deserves a safe place to live — and someone to fight for them when systems fail. Your support helps ACHD expand life-saving programs and meet families where they are.

• Every dollar counts. With your support, ACHD can continue to provide life-changing services that keep families together, safe, and hopeful.

• Visit ACHD’s website to learn more, donate, or help spread the word. Together, we can build a food system that feeds both body and soul.

➡️ Visit www.achdo.org to get involved, donate, or help spread the word. Together, we can create a more just, compassionate housing system — one story, one home, one family at a time.

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Economic Development

Spring is for growth — and so is our business community!

The Farmers Markets are almost here! 

Fresh produce is given out at all of our farmers markets.

Join us on May 17th for the first day of the Delridge Farmers Market, where we’ll celebrate the market’s FIFTH birthday—that’s right, we’re officially one whole hand old! 

Expect free fresh produce, familiar faces, and even some surprise new vendors. Check out this video for an early glimpse of the hot, delicious food to come.

 

Think of the 17th as our dress rehearsal with snacks—because May 24th, the GRAND Opening Ceremony, is going to be the real show: a full-on celebration of culture, community, and all things delicious. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to party like it’s harvest season.

Here’s a sneak peek of some of our soft opening vendors:

1. Aash Farms

2. Afella Jollof

3. Queen Sugar Baking Co

4. Lin's Vegan Soap

5. Art is Not a Privilege 

Additionally, we’re excited to host an upcoming Farmers Market L&I Workshop on May 14th from 3–5 PM online! This special session is designed specifically for our Farmers Market vendors and small business owners. 

Maggie Hammond, Assistant Small Business Liaison at the Department of Labor and Industries, will be returning to lead the workshop, covering essential topics like business basics, agricultural safety, labor laws relevant to market settings, family member employment rules, and general L&I resources. 

This is a rare opportunity where we’re focusing on Farmers Market vendors, making sure they get the tools and knowledge needed to operate safely and successfully. 

“L&I’s for everybody,” said Abokor Isaak, Senior Manager of Small Business Support at ACHD.

We’re also excited to share details about the City of SeaTac’s new Capital Access Program, which could be a valuable funding opportunity for local entrepreneurs. Whether you're a seasoned vendor or just starting out, this workshop is a great chance to learn, connect, and grow your business.

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Real Estate Development

Building community, brick by brick.

Habitat for Humanity Partnership: Tiruwork Short Film

Tiruwork and her husband pose in front of their new home.

In the heart of a housing crisis, this short film follows Tiruwork, an Ethiopian immigrant and resilient mother, as she achieves her dream of homeownership in Columbia City through unwavering determination and community support. Watch Tiruwork step into her new home.

ACHD’s Partnership with Habitat for Humanity

This June, ACHD and Habitat for Humanity will break ground on our inaugural real estate project: three new, affordable townhomes across three sites on Martin Luther King Way S. in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. 

As mission-aligned organizations, our partnership with Habitat SKKC marks a historic breakthrough in affordable homeownership for the Black Diaspora in King County, aiming to cultivate prosperity and cultural celebration through multiple real estate projects. This project is part of the Rainier Valley Affordable Homeownership Initiative.

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RESOURCES

ACHD’s Commitment to Community Stability and Support 

At ACHD, we remain deeply aware of our rapidly evolving political climate and its direct impact on our community. Our top priority is to ensure that ACHD and our programs continue to serve as a safe, inclusive space that upholds and protects the rights of those we serve. 

We recognize that these ongoing changes may bring uncertainty, and we are committed to open dialogue, active engagement, and unwavering support as we navigate these challenges together. Our dedication to community resilience remains steadfast, and we will continue to provide the resources and advocacy needed to foster stability and empowerment. 

Here’s a list of resources and informational sites for communities in need:

• https://www.seattle.gov/iandraffairs

• https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas

• https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/ero/protected-areas

• https://lcycwa.org/resources/immigration

• https://www.atg.wa.gov/keep-washington-working-act-faq-law-enforcement

• https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-expedited-removal-expansion/

• https://www.nwirp.org/resources/kyr/

• https://refugeerights.app.box.com/s/t5y0mnpri8v80czfe818l8p3jcimec4m

• https://washington-mass-hub.zendesk.com/hc/en-us 

Thank you for taking some time out of your busy day to learn about ACHD and our many programs. See you next month.

African Community Housing is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to serving the community of African Diaspora, BIPOC communities, immigrants, and refugees in the Greater Seattle Area by building culturally rooted health and housing stability through economic development, legal support, resource navigation, holistic education, and access to cultural arts and traditions.