FUSION Family Center Opens With
Virtual Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
FUSION live streamed a “Virtual Ribbon Cutting Event” for The Pete Andersen FUSION Family Center in Federal Way. View the ceremony on Facebook Videos.
“The Pete” will provide 29 emergency shelter units for families experiencing homelessness paired with supportive services and will serve 116 families annually in South King County.
The virtual October 8, 2020, ceremonial event agenda included:
• Ribbon Cutting with assistance from the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce
• Introductions from FUSION Executive Director Robin O’Grady
• Messages from Lennar Homes and introduction of the family of Pete Andersen, King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Former Washington State House Speaker Frank Chopp, and Washington State Sen. Claire Wilson.
King County, following the recommendation of Councilman Pete von Reichbauer, awarded a grant to FUSION in 2019 for the purpose of creating an emergency family shelter. The State of Washington matched the funds and FUSION was able to purchase the old Econo Lodge Hotel in Federal Way. Since then much planning has occurred and renovation was facilitated under the direction of David Harrison, Project Manager. This was all accomplished while following required coronavirus safety guidelines.
Through our partnership with Lennar Homes, one of their employees, Pete Andersen, became enamored with the FUSION mission and wanted to dedicate his available time to help with the remodeling and creation of the Family Center. Unfortunately, Mr. Andersen was one of the first victims of Covid-19 in the State of Washington and succumbed to the virus. The Lennar Homes company was devastated and desired to honor him by donating $1 million in his name. These funds will be valuable in future operations of the Family Center. The FUSION Board of Directors decided to acknowledge the gift of these funds and, in Pete’s honor, named the center the Pete Andersen FUSION Family Center.
FUSION is a volunteer based, non-profit organization, providing transitional housing in 20 housing units for families in need in Federal Way and NE Tacoma. FUSION also owns and operates the FUSION Décor Boutique in Federal Way. The Boutique sells donated gently-used home furnishings, all staff are volunteers, and all net proceeds are used for the FUSION housing program.
In the coming weeks, small Covid-safe tours will be provided to the community, FUSION stakeholders, contributors and interested parties. If you would like to schedule a tour, please email your request to howardwstolz@gmail.com
