Frequently Asked Questions

The construction at Gethsemane includes three sections – the Hope Center (basement level), Kindred Center (first and second floors, including the sanctuary), and the Compass Housing Alliance Center (top five floors of affordable housing). The affordable housing project is 32,000 square feet and will cost $11.5 million; the Kindred Center (two floors and the sanctuary) is 25,500 square feet and will cost $6.75 million; and the Hope Center is 13,000 square feet and will cost $2.25 million, including furnishings.

The Hope Center is the location of three programs that constitute the social service commitment of the congregation on the lower floor of the newly constructed complex.

Gethsemane is providing leadership, property, funding and staff for the formation and operation of the Hope Center in the new facilities.

The Hope Center is the bedrock part of a comprehensive series of programs that provide multiple social services to those who need permanent affordable housing.

Gethsemane Community Services provides assistance for disadvantaged men, women, and children.

Through the operation of a day shelter, Mary’s Place currently serves women and children are homeless of previously homeless, the victims of abuse, or disadvantaged as the result of a variety of circumstances and events.

Gethsemane Community Services will be expanded to include additional staff time and an extension of its hours of operation. As space and staffing levels permit, Mary’s Place and Soup & Movies are also likely to expand their services.

To date (May 1), $300,000 has been received and over $1.5 million in letters of inquiry have been submitted to foundations, corporations, and healthcare institutions. The major gift component of the campaign begins May 15. The Gethsemane congregation has committed $6 million to the projects that are to be funded by the church. The funding for the affordable housing floors is being provided by previously-committed state, city, and county funds.

Eight specific constituent donor groups being approached for support of this project including national and Seattle area foundations and corporations, Seattle service clubs, healthcare institutions, project vendors, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, and major donors.

$2.25 million of the campaign funds will be used to fund the costs of new construction, renovation, equipment, and furnishings, and $2.25 million will be applied to a sustaining fund for the Hope Center programs.

Approximately $70,000 will be expended to fund the costs of the capital campaign – about 1.5%. Fundraising costs generally run at least 6 – 8% nationally for such a campaign.

The campaign will require about 12 months to complete going forward from April 1, 2010.

Yes, the congregation and all of its services will be required to relocate during the 12-months of demolition and construction. Plans are underway to secure temporary spaces so that no programs and services are interrupted during construction.

This project, in its totality, is a major response to Seattle’s Campaign To End Homelessness. It is a key part of the redevelopment of the Denny Triangle neighborhood. The programs will serve thousands of underprivileged persons each year who live on the streets, and achieve the goal of permanent affordable housing for many of those we serve.

The programs will be funded through a joint fund development program that focuses on major gifts and grants as well as annual giving. The second part of this campaign involves raising $2.25 million sustaining funds to support these programs on an ongoing basis.

Keller CMS of Seattle is managing the construction project. Acumen, LLC, is managing the fundraising campaign. Both firms have extensive experience in project management and fund development, respectively.

Yes, Gethsemane is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization. All gifts made for the Hope Center through Gethsemane are tax deductible.

Online through the Campaign web page (http://www.urbanfaith.org/page-0-welcomepage.html)  or by cash or check payable to “Gethsemane Lutheran Church.” In-kind gifts, securities, real or personal property are also accepted according to the Gift Acceptance Policies adopted by the Campaign Steering Committee.

Yes, there is a published list of gift and naming opportunities. In addition, memorial and honorarium opportunities are available.

Be an ambassador and advocate for the campaign in the community. Encourage your friends and colleagues to support the campaign. 

No, but if you are able, please consider making a pledge with a specific starting date. You may make a gift or pledge at any time. It will be extremely helpful if you are able to contribute now. Giving to the Campaign now will be a substantial motivating factor for other donors and foundations.

Demolition will begin in January 2011, though some abatement work will begin this November. Construction will likely be completed in the first quarter of 2012.

Yes, we have preliminary architectural drawings. More detailed plans will be developed before construction begins.

No, though we would expect to have more than 50% of the funds committed prior to the start of construction.

At the discretion of the donor, funds received over and above the campaign goal will be used to fund future capital needs or committed to a permanent Hope Center sustaining fund.