Our History
Vision House was founded by John and Susan Camerer of Renton, Washington in 1990. The vision came after viewing a made-for-television movie about a single mother who, through a series of events that were no fault of her own, became homeless. The heartbreaking conclusion of the story was in the closing scene when the mother reluctantly placed her young daughter in the care of the state because she felt she could not give her the care she needed while she was living on the streets. That night after the movie, the Camerer’s felt a very strong calling to meet the needs of the homeless in their community.
Meeting Needs. The founders believe that by meeting the physical needs of the homeless, they have the opportunity to show them God's love and make an everlasting difference in the lives of those with whom they come in contact.
1990 Vision House Founded
In response to the increasing plight of the homeless and their enduring religious convictions, John and Susan Camerer founded the agency after viewing a television portrayal of a single mother who became homeless. The couple wrote a personal check for $800 and established “Vision Special Needs Housing”. The first transitional home for single men is opened on November 2, 1990, in Everett, Washington.
1991 Agency Opens Second Home
A second home for homeless single men in recovery opens in Maple Valley, Washington.
1992 Single Women’s Home Opens
A third home is opened in Seattle, Washington for homeless single women. Although the program was not successful, the founders did not give up or lose sight of their original vision to serve homeless women and their children in the future.
1993 Skyway Home Converted to Men’s Home The founders decide to convert the Seattle home into a home for single men.
1994 Single Mothers’ and Children’s Home Opens The couple’s initial vision comes to life when the agency identifies the leadership needed to start a program for homeless single mothers and their children in Renton, Washington. Meeting a significant need in the community, local churches rally behind the program with volunteer and financial support.
1995 Significant Audits Passed
With flying colors, the agency passes a United Way program audit sponsored by the Boeing Company and a financial audit.
1996 Vision for new Larger Facility Launched
In March, the vision for a new, larger facility for homeless mothers and their children was born. On September 8, the agency board votes unanimously to build the facility that will house additional mothers and children. As well, the project would be built with funds that would not restrict the agency in operating a program consistent with its mission.
1997 Property Purchased for New Family Complex With funding from the Medina Foundation, the Boeing Employee Community Fund and a private donor; two side by side lots are purchased in Renton to build a complex that will provide housing and services to 12-18 families.
1998 Name Changes to Vision House
Vision Special Needs Housing changes its name to Vision House. The VH board votes to change the agency from a charitable organization to a 501 (c) 3 religious organization and to develop a statement of faith to insure that the agency would stay true to its founding mission in the future.
1999 New home for Single Mothers
Vision House successfully completes Phase I of it’s complex for homeless mothers and their children in Renton. The first family moved in on December 23, 1999. Currently, four families reside in Phase I.
2000 New Single Men’s Program
In January, the Vision House board votes to begin raising the needed support to build the second phase of the single mother’s complex in Renton. VH opens a home for homeless men in Burien. The home donated by the Port of Seattle with the provision that VH would move the home to a new location. The home was moved and renovated thanks to community donations and volunteer labor.
2001 Expanded Complex for Single Mothers In partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, Vision house finished construction of Phase II for mothers and their children, tripling capacity.
2003 Initiated Campaign for Children’s Village Vision House launches $6.6 million dollar expansion to add 11 transitional housing units, a child care center for 88 children, counseling offices and administrative space within walking distance of it’s single mother’s complex in Renton, Washington.
2004 Fundraising and Design Begins
Vision House starts design for the Children’s Village complex and a campaign cabinet, led by City of Renton Mayor Kathy Keolker, is assembled.
2005 Children’s Village Phase I Opens
With the support of Conner Homes, Sajasa Construction and HomeAid Master Builders Care, Vision House opens four housing units and a child care center for 88 children in June, overcoming a major obstacle for homeless families in need of child care to regain their self sufficiency.
2006 Schneider Family Playroom Opens
With the support of Schneider Family Homes, Vision House completes a resident community center complete with teen hangout space, computer center and appropriate activity space for children of all ages.
2007 Children's Village Phase II
In Spring, with the support of CamWest Development, Vision House begins construction on the HEDCO Building which will provide housing for an additional four families (Children’s Village Phase II ). In Fall, with the support of Centex Homes, Vision House begins construction on the agency offices, program space and three additional housing units for families. Plans are also in design stage for Vision House North and Children’s Village Phase III . Since the beginning, over 500 men, women and children have benefited from Vision House services with almost 90% of our residents transitioning to permanent housing and a better way of life. Vision House founders are still active today. Susan serves as the Executive Director and John serves as the Director of Operations.
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