Amara and The Somali Community Cultural Innovation Hub, a partnership between three nonprofits with strong roots in the local Somali community, are thrilled to announce the sale of an 81,000 square-foot portion of Amara’s South Seattle property (5907 MLK Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98118) to the Hub.
The Somali Community Cultural Innovation Hub (the “Hub”) is a coalition of three trusted community-based organizations with deep roots in the local Somali community: the Somali Health Board, Al-Noor Center of Washington and Somali Community Services of Seattle. Together the three organizations have formed the Somali Community Cultural Innovation Hub with the goal of significantly increasing access to services for low-income individuals and families throughout southeast Seattle. Somali newcomers often struggle to find adequate housing, overcome trauma and loss, adjust to a vastly different culture, and learn English. They often live in poverty upon arrival and face the compounding systemic barriers of racism and islamophobia. The Hub will address these issues by establishing a physical cultural anchor where the Somali community can gather, learn, play, and live.
The Hub’s goal is to create a multi-generational health hub, senior housing community, cultural anchor, early learning and childcare space, and a community center for Somalis. Amara’s property in south Seattle is perfectly located in the Hub’s focus service area – a community that is already home to many Somali families and businesses and with access to public transportation.
“Acquiring a portion of Amara’s Seattle property and creating the Somali Community and Cultural Innovation Hub (SCCIH) will help address various health disparities that disproportionately impact the Somali community in south Seattle. Addressing social determinants of health requires more than just medical care; it demands a community hub where resources, support, and connections come together to empower individuals and foster a healthier, more equitable society,” said Dr. Ahmed Ali, Executive Director, Somali Health Board and Chair of SCCIH.
“When Amara listed a portion of our Seattle property for sale in the summer of 2023, our dream buyer was another like-minded nonprofit organization that serves children and families. When we met the three organizations that make up The Somali Community Cultural Innovation Hub and learned about their goal to create a space for community that includes childcare, family programming, and eventually accessible housing, we knew this partnership had incredible potential,” said Fahren Johnson, chief executive officer of Amara.
“I am excited for this partnership and how it will continue serving children and families most impacted by historically marginalizing systems, including foster care and immigration. This partnership is an opportunity to share resources and reduce further gentrification of the south Seattle community. We believe that by uniting our strengths and working closely with local stakeholders, we can make a meaningful impact on the south Seattle community, ensuring that our efforts lead to sustainable and positive change. While our two organizations will independently own parts of the campus, the goal is to operate as one cohesive space that welcomes all members of the community and improves the wellbeing of families,” said Sara Wong, Amara Board member and former chair.
“We are forever grateful for the donors and community funders who contributed to help Amara make this property’s first transformation – from a tow yard to a child and family-friendly environment. Ultimately, this beautiful space will continue to support joy in children, wholeness in families, and the wellbeing of the entire community,” Fahren added.
“Collaborating with Amara’s leadership has been remarkably beneficial to the Somali community at large. Acquiring a portion of Amara’s Seattle property and establishing the Somali Community and Cultural Innovation Hub (SCCIH) will allow us to address the gaps in social services, lack of cultural space, and youth leadership development that impact the Somali community in south Seattle. Prioritizing the development of our youth and kids through culturally-centered services, requires a community space where resources, support, and connections come together to empower young people and promote a healthier, more equitable, society,” said Ahmed Abdi, Board Directors of Alnoor Center of Washington, and the secretary of SCCIH.
Read our press release for more information. Runta News covered our announcement. You can read the article here.
FAQ
Q: When did the sale close?
A: The sale closed Oct. 29th.
Q: Where will Amara move to?
A: Amara will relocate our King County offices to the 1st floor of our Harnish building (located directly behind the main building on our Seattle campus). Amara is currently renting the 2nd floor of the Harnish Building to HopeCentral, another nonprofit serving kids and families with pediatric and behavioral health care. When our lease with HopeCentral concludes, Amara will occupy the entire Harnish building.
Q: Will this affect Amara’s programming in Seattle or Pierce County?
A: Although Amara will have a smaller footprint on the Seattle property, there will be no current changes to our programs due to the sale. Amara will continue to assess and implement changes that best meet the needs of the children, families, and community we serve. Amara also continues to operate from our Pierce County office, serving kids and families in the south sound region. Additionally, several of our programs operate in other counties throughout the state.
Q: Who did Amara work with to sell the property?
A: Amara engaged Heartland, LLC, a Seattle-based real estate advisory firm that has expertise working with nonprofit organizations, and Real Property Law Group.
Q: Who do I contact if I want to learn more?
A: Please direct anyone with questions to: Joey Ashenbrenner, Amara’s chief development officer at joey@amarafamily.org.