Photos by - The Elite Collective

Homelessness continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing Seattle and King County, with African Americans disproportionately affected. Despite making up less than 7% of the population, nearly 30% of those experiencing homelessness in the area are Black. Africatown Community Land Trust (ACLT), a community-based organization rooted in Seattle’s Central District, is taking bold steps to change this narrative.

At the forefront of this effort is Benu Community Home, a low-barrier shelter for single adult men, located at 16th and Yesler. Since its opening in December 2021, Benu has served as more than just a shelter—it has become a model for how to address homelessness in a way that centers healing, empowerment, and cultural connection.

A Holistic Approach to Homelessness

In September, ACLT hosted Benu Community Day, a celebration of Benu’s transformative work and the release of the Benu Impact Report. The report highlights Benu’s unique approach to combatting homelessness by addressing not only the immediate need for shelter but also the deeper, systemic challenges that perpetuate homelessness, particularly for Black men.

The Benu model is designed to foster renewal and opportunity through a comprehensive, culturally responsive strategy. It prioritizes personal growth, healing, and community-building, helping guests take steps toward long-term stability. Over 250 guests have passed through Benu’s doors since it opened, each benefiting from tailored support that includes goal-setting, job training, and mental health resources.

As Nate Jeffcoat, Case Manager at Benu, explains, the team works closely with each individual to help them set short-term goals that lead to long-term growth. "We set short-term goals that lead up to long-term growth. So what can we accomplish today?" Jeffcoat asks, reflecting on the hands-on approach that defines Benu's work.

Connecting Past, Present, and Future

Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth speaks to the broader significance of Benu’s work in preserving and uplifting the Black community in Seattle. 

“The beautiful thing about the work that Africatown is doing is connecting our old Black Seattle, as I call it, with our new folks...making sure that those legacies and those investments and the seeds that were planted back in the day are going to continue to flourish and grow.” This connection between past and present is key to building a future where homelessness is not only addressed but eradicated.

King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay also shared during the event highlighted that this deep-rooted connection to culture and communit is what makes Benu's approach so effective. "BENU represents the only effective way to end homelessness," Zahilay explains. "It takes connection. It takes culture. It takes family. It takes giving somebody hope and making them feel like they are connected to something bigger."

A Replicable Model for Lasting Change

Beyond serving as a critical community resource, Benu Community Home has developed a Theory of Change Strategy that can be replicated as a standard service model. This approach centers trauma-informed care, cultural relevance, and holistic support as the foundation for meaningful, lasting change. As ACLT and Benu continue their work, they are building a model that other communities can adopt to address homelessness in a way that empowers individuals and strengthens community bonds.

An Invitation to Join the Movement 

Benu Community Home stands as a testament to the power of culturally grounded, community-driven solutions. As Seattle continues to grapple with a homelessness crisis that disproportionately impacts Black residents, Benu is leading the charge with an approach that prioritizes connection, healing, and long-term empowerment.

To learn more about how you can join this movement to end homelessness and build a vibrant, about Benu and ACLT’s mission to build a thriving Black community, visit www.africatownlandtrust.org.

About Africatown Community Land Trust

Africatown Community Land Trust is on a mission to counter the forces of displacement that have long threatened Seattle’s Black communities. We are passionately committed to acquiring, stewarding, and developing land to ensure that Seattle’s Black community not only survives but thrives. By preserving and nurturing the rich cultural, economic, and historical tapestry of our neighborhoods, we aim to build a resilient and vibrant community where Black residents can continue to create, live, and prosper. Our work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home within their historical and cultural epicenter, free from the fear of displacement.