Respite and housing for individuals facing shelter instability.

Our Mission

Places of Refuge offers respite and housing solutions to individuals experiencing shelter instability. We provide this by partnering with specialized nonprofits that support different groups and connect them with available, underutilized housing resources. This model is a cost-effective and sustainable blueprint that repurposes a relatively untapped resource, underutilized homes and buildings as temporary housing in our community. This model ensures stability while permanent housing is secured and can be replicated in other urban communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Our Founders

 

 

Our Story

Welcome to Places of Refuge, where compassion ignites change. Through partnerships with specialized nonprofits, individuals and families in need are matched with underutilized housing, offering respite and stability. Founded by Fawn Johnson and Ben Pryde, homegrown Seattle developers, their journey took root amidst the development of a multi-family building in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. Owning a block of houses and being aware of Seattle’s extended development timelines, they made a bold choice: rather than let the homes sit idle and fall into disrepair, they partnered with a nonprofit. Together, they transformed these properties into a refuge for those in need, channeling their resources toward serving vulnerable populations. A simple idea to address shelter instability with existing underutilized housing.

Both as a company and as individuals, they have always been committed to being a part of solving Seattle’s housing challenges. The fall of Kabul inspired them to create a blueprint for addressing housing instability, driven by the needs of families who risked their lives supporting U.S. troops in Afghanistan who now require our assistance. Partnering with World Relief – Western Washington, they have helped over 800 individuals since 2021 and are now expanding their model to address broader housing insecurity in Seattle. This approach also provides a cost-effective solution for developers.

As trusted community members, Fawn and Ben are proud to collaborate with other nonprofits, businesses, developers, and churches to convert underutilized buildings into havens of hope. Their commitment to integrity and excellence ensures that each project addresses immediate needs and enhances our neighborhoods. By supporting Places of Refuge, donors are not only fostering stability today but also helping to build a more hopeful, inclusive future for everyone in our community.

Our Impact

At Places of Refuge, we believe in the dignity and worth of every person. Since 2021 we have committed to helping people envision new possibilities by offering a comforting, safe, and supportive environment.

With help from local partners and over 300 volunteers, we are restoring a sense of home for refugees. Together, we are building a compassionate community by helping over 800 new neighbors transition to life in the United States. We are proud to have welcomed 37% of the refugees resettled in Western Washington through World Relief.

800+ People Temporarily Housed

37% Of all refugees resettled in Western WA by World Relief

300+ Volunteers

Welcome Home

In August 2021, Fawn and Ben turned an empty house into an opportunity to welcome a family that needed a home. They have provided hundreds of refugee families with a warm, safe, and loving welcome to the United States. This model is a cost-effective and sustainable blueprint that repurposes a relatively untapped resource; underutilized homes and buildings as temporary housing in our community.

5306 Ballard Ave NW, STE 216
Seattle, WA 98107

Places of Refuge is a 501(c)(3) organization.

 

We would love to hear from you!