DONATE TO A LOCAL CHARITY >>>

There's no better way to support your community than supporting your neighbors in need, especially during the holiday season. We'll feature local charities on Spew throughout this holiday season with links to donate your money, supplies and time.

Give the karmic wheel a spin for today's charity focus:

Lakewood Area Shelter Association

Open 10 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday
8956 Gravelly Lake Drive, SW, Lakewood
253.581.8689

The Lakewood Area Shelter Association is a support agency that works to prevent homelessness and the recurrence of homelessness.

The agency faces a constant challenge during the current economic times.

"The need for housing does not stop," said Janne Hutchins executive director of LASA.

Nor do Hutchins and her staff stop working to help as many of those who come seeking help.

"People see walls, boundaries and stop," said Hutchins. "We think there is more than one way to get to where you want to go.  We are very creative in solving problems."

The agency offers help ranging from rental assistance and prevention help to emergency shelter to transitional housing.

LASA offers three different housing programs, according to its website:

Shelter provides a family with a furnished unit with a phone and utilities.  Case management focuses on meeting the emergency needs of the family.  Families can stay for up to three months.

In the Transitional Program, families may stay 18-24 month.  Case management focuses on long-term goals and self-sufficiency.

The THORA Program works much the same as the transitional housing only with a quicker time frame.  The family pays a portion of their income towards rent and once they leave the program, they keep the apartment, which is called "transitioning in place".

Each program accepts families on a space-available basis.  Case management is customized to meet the needs unique to each family.  The common goal for all our families is self-sufficiency.

LASA's funding not only comes from federal, states and local grants, but also from area churches, charities and private donations.

While LASA accepted donations, she asked that donors first call 253.581.8713 before they stop by.

"We want to be able to give the items we receive right away," said Hutchins.

Previous Mistledole charities

• Tacoma Community House
• Lindquist Dental Clinic for Children
• Olive Crest
• Emergency Food Network
• Catherine Place
• Mary Bridge Children's Foundation
• United Way/Project:U
• Santa Silvia/Mary Bridge
• Thurston County Food Bank
• Fisher House