Vision House to build transitional housing in Ballinger neighborhood

Vision House has secured vacant property about two blocks south of Ballinger Way at NE 196th and 20th NE in Shoreline to build Vision House Jacob's Well, a transitional housing facility for homeless mothers and their children. The complex is planned to consist of 20 housing units, on-site child care for 65 children and counseling offices for families who need extra support. The Jacob's Well Service Center will also provide space where volunteers and local churches can come together to support the resident families along side the professional staff.

Vision House operates much like Habitat for Humanity, soliciting corporate, religious, and community sponsors, construction resources, and volunteers to help with the construction.

A capital campaign continues in order to raise support to build Vision House Jacob’s Well. This transitional housing complex will include 20 apartments, a child care center, counseling and program space for homeless mothers and their children.  Those wishing to be involved should contact Vision House board member Gary Kingsbury at 206-962-1496 or email.


Vision House was founded in 1990 by John and Susan Camerer.  Vision House has served over 600 men, women and children.  They built and maintain homes for single men in Everett, Maple Valley, and Skyway.  In 1994, they opened their first home for homeless women and children in Renton, which has grown to housing for 23 families.

For the past three years, 100% of VH families have transitioned to permanent housing.  Currently serving 23 families, 100 kids in a child care center, a small community center and operating two homes for men in recovery, accomplishments include $8 million in shelter facilities built debt free.
Follow-up with those served shows that up to five years after exiting 90-100% of the families are still in permanent housing, 75% have higher household incomes,  and the children’s grades have increased  and school absenteeism has decreased dramatically.