Copyright © 2010 North East Seattle Together
Q: What neighborhoods are included in NEST?
A: The boundaries are the ship canal north to NE 110th, and I-5 to Lake Washington. This includes the Bryant, Hawthorne Hills, Inverness, Laurelhurst, Maple Leaf, Matthews Beach, Meadowbrook, Ravenna, Roosevelt, Sandpoint, University District, View Ridge, Wedgwood, and Windermere neighborhoods.
Q: Why northeast Seattle?
A: There are over 12,000 residents aged 65-plus in northeast Seattle. Although there are several great resources, including programs through Seattle Parks, Senior Services, and the Lifetime Learning Center, there is no comprehensive organization to bring resources together in an integrated way. There is no Senior Center in northeast Seattle. With the closing of Tallmadge Hamilton House (NE 52nd and 15th NE) and the Wallingford Senior Center, many seniors have lost important access to social and fitness resources. NEST staff will have thorough knowledge of the resources available and which might meet the needs/access/income requirements of individual members. NEST will build cooperative relationships with available programs to make best use of existing resources.
Q: Why not include all of Seattle?
A: The richness of the village concept is that it is rooted in a given geographic area and engages residents of all ages to volunteer in their neighborhood. If the area is too large, the power of building neighborly connections is lost. We hope that NEST can inspire other areas of Seattle to develop their own village and we could work collaboratively to build a supportive network. Currently, there is discussion at the Phinney Neighborhood Center (NW Seattle) and on Bainbridge Island about starting such villages.
Q: Where is NEST in its development?
A: This organization has made great progress towards opening its doors, all in little over a year. NEST has incorporated as a federal 501(c)3 charity and as a Washington State not-for-profit corporation. There is a Board of Directors working diligently on developing operating procedures, spreading the word to attract members and volunteers, and raising funds to open. There is also a group of dedicated volunteers helping with these efforts. Our goal is to have sufficient operational funds in place to open the doors in 2011.
Q: What services will NEST members receive?
A: Through one phone call members will have access to all services. Services offered are delineated in our Services List. Community volunteers will provide free services including help with transportation, yard work, computers, pet care, errands, and many other services. Educational and social events will be coordinated through NEST with leadership in organizing and selecting events done primarily by NEST members. Fee-based service providers will be vetted and some may offer a discounted rate for members. Services available through vendors will be wide-ranging – from home repair and home maintenance, to pet care and gardening help, to daily in-home care or assistance.
Q: What if I need something that is not on the list?
A: Ask us! We will do want we can to help you. Many volunteers may have talents that we have not yet discovered!
Q: How much does NEST membership cost?
A: Annual membership will be $600 per year for an individual or $900 per year for a household. Membership can be paid monthly for $52/mo/individual with a contractual annual membership. We will also offer reduced-fee memberships. Please contact NEST for more information about this once NEST have opened.
Q: Will I receive good value for my NEST membership?
A: In a survey and focus group of potential NEST members, the most desired services were transportation, and fitness and social activities. If a member received a weekly ride to the grocery store (2 miles round trip) and a monthly ride to a doctor’s appointment on Pill Hill, this would save annual taxi fares of approximately $950. Some other services, such as social or fitness groups, may not be as easy to place a monetary price tag on, but may greatly enhancement quality of life.
Some potential NEST members would consider joining NEST to receive services that will help them forestall moving to an independent living or assisted living facility. Costs for these facilities range from $2,500 per month to over $5,000 per month. If joining NEST could shorten a stay in one of these facilities, it would significantly reduce costs.
Q: What is the incentive to become a member of NEST while I am still in good health and able to arrange services and social events on my own?
A: Membership in NEST is a kind of insurance. The time may come, perhaps suddenly, when you need help in order to continue living at home. Signing up now means there will be an organization, volunteers, and members that you have come to know who can support you.
Q: Can I buy a membership for my parents?
A: We encourage you to! This is a thoughtful gift for parents’ birthdays or for the holidays. Your parents can then use NEST services when they wish, and you have the peace of mind of knowing your parents have access to assistance should they need it.
Q: What kind of staffing will NEST have?
A: NEST will have an 80% director, a part-time volunteer coordinator, and part-time help with data management and bookkeeping in order to provide coordination and consistency of services. All other services will be provided by volunteers.
Q: When a member calls in to request services, what will happen?
A: If the service is offered by volunteers, the phone coordinator will link you with a volunteer and arrange time and other details, probably in two phone calls or e-mails. If the service is a vendor service, staff with knowledge of this service will connect you with appropriate vendors.
Q: How many members will NEST have?
A: As we grow, we will discover our upper limit. The founding village, Boston’s Beacon Hill Village, has been in existence for 9 years and has over 400 members. We plan to open our doors with 50+ members.
Q: How can I help NEST?
A: NEST needs energetic volunteers to get this organization into operational mode and also to provide services once we are running. Go to our Volunteer Page to learn more about volunteer jobs and to sign up as a volunteer.
NEST also needs start-up funding. You can donate at our Donor Page. All donations are tax deductible. You could also help by hosting a small group of friends/neighbors to learn more about NEST or you could help with fund raising or grant writing.
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
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