About Us
Established in 2018 as Build A Bus Home
Build A Bus Home, was created to bring another housing option to Thurston County. The story contunues…
In 2023 Build A Bus Home is becoming Nurture Hope
Nurture Hope
We are looking to make a dynamic shift in how we do business. A new name changes to encompass OUR WHY.
Let me explain, in the past the name Build A Bus Home (BABH) has been a bit confusing, since we do a lot with providing showers through Shower Power Plus (SPP). Consequently, the bus program has taken a back seat to the shower program because of Covid-19.
To provide clarity within our organization, we want to highlight our WHY we do what we do, and our vision and mission. Not just WHAT we do.
Think about a triangle and envision to the top point to be our WHY, the bottom points are OUR programs. The programs are the WHAT we put into Action. Therefore, we are looking to make a shift, from instead of BABH with SPP under, it is really a program, and our HOW.
Nurture Hope
Nurture Hope is our NEW name.
We have two unique active programs, Build A Bus Home (BABH), and Shower Power Plus (SPP). Both programs serve our unhoused neighbors in Thurston County.
Our programs provide affordable housing options through BABH, while SPP serves unhoused guests who do not have regular access to running water with mobile showers. Our dedicated team of volunteers offer a piece of normalcy and a small step toward the goal of independent and self-sufficient housing. Together, we strive to meet the most basic human needs with radical hospitality!
Mission
By improving human dignity, we strive to nurture mental health, physical well-being, and environmental stewardship.
Vision
To nurture and inspire dignity, safety, and hope, in the lives of our unhoused neighbors.
Values
- Helping humans meet basic needs
- Building community through service
- Compassion, dignity and respect
The Need
Thurston County declared homelessness to be a public health crisis in 2018. In the 2020 Continuum of Care report to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington State ranked 3rd in levels of chronic homelessness behind CA and NY, with 6,756 individuals identifying as chronically homeless. Overall homeless counts in Washington State were 22,923, 5th in the nation behind CA, NY, TX, and FL. This report also showed a troubling trend between 2007 and 2020 where the utilization capacity of shelter beds available to homeless individuals was on average only 48%. This translates to 584 beds remaining empty while 8,930 people were sleeping unsheltered in 2020. In Thurston County, WA the 2019 Point In Time Count reported 800 homeless individuals: 31% were chronically homeless with 70% having been unhoused for more than one year. The 2020 PIT Count showed a 24% increase in homeless individuals over 2019 with 54% of those persons living unsheltered. Chronic homelessness is indeed a crisis in our area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do we serve?
We welcome all guests who are homeless and in need of showers. The services are provided in Thurston County in locations accessible by homeless guests. We know that our guests come from locations such as encampments, shelters, and tiny house villages where the target populations are located. We are equipped for use of our facilities by people with disabilities, including wheelchairs.
Who are our supporters?
Nurture Hope , formally Build A Bus Home, works closely with faith communities, Partners in Prevention Education, SideWalk, Interfaith Works, Catholic Community Services, and Olympia Mutual Aid Partners and we coordinate with these service providers through the Greater Olympia Workers League (GROWL), municipal and county homeless service providers.
How do we deliver our services?
Nurture Hope is a completely volunteer-run program. We receive support from faith communities, municipalities, Thurston County, The Community Foundation, businesses, grantors, and individuals donations.
How can I help?
Volunteer. Donate. Spread the word.
How will I feel comfortable with an unfamiliar population?
We are committed to our volunteers feeling appreciated, prepared and safe. We offer multiple training opportunities both virtual and on-site. We also have weekly Round Table support calls to share and learn about our experiences. Please see our Volunteer Page for more information.
What is the time commitment?
On-site volunteering is flexible and is in 2-4- hour shifts. You can sign up weekly, monthly or whatever fits your schedule on Jotform
Virtual volunteer opportunities, include research, committee participation through Zoom, as well as Volunteer Coordinator, and Outreach Coordinator to name a few. Volunteer hours are flexible.
Are you a fundraising guru? You can help us research for additional corporate sponsorship, local business sponsorship and continue attracting cooperative business interactions.
Contact Us nurturehope1@gmail.co
Who is our Board of Directors?
We are so fortunate to have compassionate and talented members of our community serving on our Board of Directors. Please meet them here.
Our Sponsors and Faith Partners
Generosity beyond compare. Thank you to all of our generous sponsors and faith partners.
Our Shower Power Hosts and Sponsors
Unity of Olympia
United Churches of Olympia
Evergreen Christian Community
Saint Benedict Episcopal Church
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
