In Washington state, homelessness isn’t just a crisis—it’s a crossroads. And at that crossroads stands Mysti’s Adult & Family Services, a homegrown organization changing how people access help, healing, and housing. Led by Giovanne Schachere, a master-level social worker with deep roots in street outreach and systems navigation, Mysti’s WA brings resources directly to where people are, in shelters, cars, tents, motels, and online.
“We don’t create barriers,” Schachere says. “We fight for the people—then we stay with them until they’re stable.”
Practical Support for Underserved Communities Across Washington State
Mysti’s WA operates across Washington State, including in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Clark, and rural communities, providing practical, trauma-informed assistance to people facing significant barriers. These barriers include homelessness, reentry after incarceration, family separation, and behavioral health challenges.
The organization delivers a range of services focused on immediate and functional support. These include help with move-in costs and rental payments, job search and employment guidance, and virtual intake services for Medicaid and housing programs. For individuals who are isolated or have limited access to technology, Mysti’s WA also provides cell phones and support to improve digital access.
The goal is to reduce obstacles to housing, employment, and healthcare by offering consistent, direct support. Services are designed to meet people where they are, particularly those in underserved or hard-to-reach areas, helping them navigate complex systems during difficult transitions.
This summer, Mysti’s WA will host its annual Backpack Giveaway in partnership with local churches across Washington State. While the event focuses on preparing children for the upcoming school year by distributing backpacks filled with essential supplies, its purpose extends beyond school readiness. It serves as a gathering point for families to access immediate support and connect with available resources in their communities.
At the event, families can meet directly with case managers, receive cell phones to improve communication access, and begin the process of enrolling in housing or healthcare services. For many, it marks the first step in developing a plan to address longer-term challenges. The giveaway is designed not only to provide material assistance but also to create opportunities for sustained engagement with services that support housing stability, employment, and overall well-being.
Mysti’s WA is not a national nonprofit with distant ties—it is a locally rooted organization driven by the needs and strengths of Washington’s communities. As a community-based provider, Mysti’s WA focuses its efforts within the state, tailoring programs and services to the realities faced by individuals and families across urban, suburban, and rural areas. Its work is built on direct relationships, practical assistance, and an understanding of the complex barriers people experience when navigating housing, employment, healthcare, and reentry systems.
What sets Mysti’s WA apart is its team. Staff members reflect the communities they serve—bringing diverse cultural backgrounds, multilingual skills, and a shared commitment to equity, dignity, and measurable outcomes. Their work is grounded in lived experience and local knowledge, allowing them to build trust and respond with relevance. Importantly, all donations made through Mysti’s WA’s online platforms are used entirely within Washington State. Contributions go directly toward urgent local needs, helping neighbors secure housing, access services, and begin more stable paths forward.
“When there’s no clear way forward, we build one,” says Schachere. “That’s what we do—every day, all over Washington.”
Comments