Straley House, a home for young people who previously were living on the streets or were victims of abuse, is getting a new courtyard thanks to the efforts of the Belleue-based Master Builders Care Foundation.
The organization, a philanthropic arm of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, is teaming up with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) Seattle former players chapter to build the courtyard at YouthCare’s Straley House. YouthCare has been serving Seattle’s homeless youth since 1974.
The project is part of a program called Touchdown for Homes, a nationwide charitable outreach program of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the NFLPA. The program works to strengthen communities by building or renovating homes for families in need and for veterans.
Sam McCullum (Seahawks 1976-81) and Nesby Glasgow (Seahawks 1988-92) are two of the former NFL players who will help volunteer builder captain, Pacific Landscape Management with construction of the courtyard.
“We are so grateful for the support the Seattle community gave us during our playing careers,” said Glasgow. “It is the least we can do to help provide these young people with a safe comfortable gathering space that feels like a real home as the work to get back on their feet.”
Labor and materials will be donated by various members of the local homebuilding industry including Weisman Design Group, Tarrazo Marble and Stone, Trendset, Mutual Materials and Economy Fence Center.
The courtyard will be built over two Saturdays, March 31 and April 7. A dedication will be held at a later date.
Straley House, out of which YouthCare runs its Catalyst program, provides a safe and supportive environment for residents 18 to 24.
“It’s a small house for 12 young people and staff,” observed Melinda Giovengo, YouthCare’s Executive Director, “and we are so grateful to have Master Builders Association and Touchdown for Homes creating some additional space where they can gather or find some important alone time outside.”
