Get to Know Us.

Our Mission

Anything Helps is on a mission to create and clear paths to stability for people experiencing chronic homelessness. We do this through community action, person-centered innovation, and continuous improvement.

Willing or not, we are all stakeholders in ending homelessness. That’s why Anything Helps serves as a point of contact and informal educator about the realities of homelessness for the greater community. Through community engagement, we help foster the conditions for informed advocacy, a reduction in hostility between the housed and unhoused, and make progress towards ending homelessness.

Just as one requires support to end their homelessness, we require support to extend our hands. We form allies with people before places; Those whose intentions we have come to trust over time. These “miracle workers” have proven their devotion to the social worker code of ethics by consistently placing the needs of their clients above the demands of their organizations and the institutions that fund them.

Our Vision

We envisage a compassionate and inclusive community cemented in the pillars of solidarity, trust, and health; where every individual is acknowledged, valued, and given a voice; where a lifeline is afforded to those who need it, enabling them to regain their footing upon a sturdy foundation anchored in the respect and observance of basic human rights.

Our Values

At Anything Helps, we recognize the power of radical honesty. By modeling humility and authenticity in our interactions with clients and the community, we create psychological safety and trust. From there, we can discover where there is mutual agreement, then explore our differences and seek out solutions together. When make mistakes, we acknowledge them so that we can learn and grow from them.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mike is the driving force behind Anything Helps. His personal journey, which includes overcoming unsheltered homelessness and substance use, has fueled his passion for advocacy and social change. Mike leverages his personal and professional expertise to develop innovative solutions that address chronic homelessness on a systemic level. Mike's tireless dedication and strategic leadership continue to make a significant impact on the community.

MARK GARRETT

Gail brings over two decades of administrative expertise to her role at Anything Helps. She formally supported the School of Medicine at the University of Washington and coordinated the Training efforts at Crisis Connections, honing her ability to facilitate impactful programs. In 2023, Gail embraced a new chapter by joining Anything Helps, where her multifaceted experience drives our operational excellence. She holds a humanities degree from Wells College.

With over 20 years of personal and professional experience with homelessness, Shelly brings wisdom and lived experience to her work. She is dedicated to advocating for individuals facing homelessness and making a positive impact in their lives. Shelly models hope to our clients through peer support, empowering them as they reclaim housing and stability.

Mark is a retired Microsoft research engineer that made significant contributions to Internet development throughout his career. Today, Mark serves as Chairman of the Anything Helps Board of Directors. Mark actively assists the homeless community through direct outreach and is considered an expert at assisting people experiencing homelessness with obtaining their State ID and establishing state residency - a process he calls “ID from scratch.”

Greg is a thought leader in nursing and a trailblazer in mental health. Responsible for opening the first mental health peer respite center in the Pacific Northwest, he is always innovating, learning and improving. Greg joined the Anything Helps board as an advisor, and has helped us understand how to identify, measure and address Social Determinants of Health (SDoH).

MIKE MATHIAS

GAIL RAWSON

LEAD ADMINISTRATOR

SHELLY VAUGHN

BOARD CHAIRMAN

GREG JONES

BOARD MEMBER

SAM HARRIS

BOARD MEMBER

EVODIO REYES

BOARD MEMBER

With a Master's degree in social work with an emphasis on policy planning and personal experiences with foster care and homelessness, Evodio is a dynamic force at Anything Helps. He is dedicated to providing services that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. Evodio believes in social justice and models that faith to his children, encouraging them to volunteer and participate in experiences that foster empathy and a sense of community.

Sam is a Seattle systems economist who has specialized in housing stability since 1998. He is the founder of DMIS, a platform that exists to connect people experiencing housing instability to vital resources and support in real-time. He joined the Anything Helps board to assist us with program scalability and to help us develop and maintain secure and compliant data-handling practices.

Our Team

Anything Helps was founded in 2021 by a small-but-mighty team of experienced social workers and advocates with extensive personal and professional experience surviving in the streets and working on the front lines of homelessness.

VACANT

Our organization is currently seeking a qualified finance professional to fill our vacant treasurer position. This role is crucial for maintaining our financial health and ensuring responsible management of our resources. If you have a passion for finance and a commitment to supporting our mission, we encourage you to express your interest!