Way Back Inn’s mission is to return dignity to people by providing transitional housing for homeless families with young children.

Description:
Way Back Inn provides transitional housing to homeless families with young children in South King County. Our units provide the families with warm and comfortable homes so that the children may have a regular place to sleep at night, a yard in which to play and a nearby school to attend. We do not charge rent and we pay the utility bills and cover the general maintenance costs needed to operate the homes. This gives the parents time to save first and last months' rent and the necessary deposits required when moving into permanent housing. When permanent housing is located, and if the families need household furnishings, we invite them to select donated items from our storage barn. WBI operates ten units which are located in South King County (Renton, Tukwila and Kent). Way Back Inn is a volunteer run agency and has been in existence since 1991.

History:
Way Back Inn (WBI) began in late 1991 after founder Larry Kennedy heard an inspirational speech at a church in Renton. Larry wanted to do something to help those in need in our community. He began by distributing Christmas food baskets. When the holidays were over the people he had recruited to help him decided to make a longer and more lasting impact. They began renting apartments for families who were "down on their luck." In 1992, an "angel" offered Larry the use of a dilapidated house--if Larry and others repaired it so that homeless families could live in it.

Newly painted, roofed, plumbed, tiled, and carpeted, this house became a home. Since that time more houses have been purchased or leased from private parties and cities and renovated by volunteers. Currently, we have homes in Tukwila, Kent, and Renton. When funds are available , WBI also provides rental and utility assistance to families at risk of becoming homeless.

Contact people:

Tonya Ward, Family Screener / Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Lydia Long, Support Services Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

P.O. Box 621 Renton, WA 98057

Web Site: http://www.way-back-inn.org

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	Yes
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes