Ms. Lisa Gustaveson is joining Seattle University as program manager for the School of Theology and Ministry’s Family Homelessness Project. Gustaveson brings extensive experience in homeless issues to STM’s congregational-based project, an initiative being funded by a two-year commitment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Gustaveson recently worked with Catholic Community Services of Western Washington where she was Director of Communications. Her experience includes serving as project manager for the creation of the “10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in King County.”

“I am honored to be part of this groundbreaking effort to reach across divides to find a meaningful method of engaging and inspiring the faith community around the issue of family homelessness,” said Gustaveson, a 2000 graduate of Seattle University’s Executive Master of Nonprofit Leadership.

“With the commitment of the School of Theology and Ministry, the Gates Foundation and our partners in the faith community, we're in a unique position to offer a special space for the creation of new relationships, meaningful conversations, platforms and models for breaking the cycle of generational poverty and homelessness for families in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties. I simply can't wait to get started!”

The STM Family Homelessness Project is funded by the Gates Foundation as part of its priority to prevent and end family homelessness in the Pacific Northwest. The project will research and identify interreligious models of congregational-based programs that address family homelessness, and develop workshops on family homelessness, advocacy and best congregational practices in social issue advocacy.