“When our son Reed moved into Hamilton House 16 months ago, we weren’t sure he could adapt to sharing a house with 5 housemates.
He grew up an only child and as an adult had been living alone in an apartment with support that we cobbled together. As aging parents we needed to find a sustainable alternative so we decided to give it a try. Within a few days of moving in, Reed considered Hamilton House to be home.
We never realized how lonely and vulnerable Reed was living alone until we could clearly see the joy and sense of security that his new community brings to his daily life.
During weekly walks and picnics with house members, we witnessed firsthand the bonds of friendship, compassion and understanding Hamilton House residents have developed for one another. Our own lives have been enriched by getting to know each resident as an individual.
Hamilton house provides a scaffolding of support for each resident to live up to his or her potential. It is heartening to know that our son is safe, well cared for by skilled staff, and regularly participates with his housemates in the greater community through activities like volunteering at the food bank. We look forward to post COVID times when his reach can extend even farther into the community.
— Wendy, Mother of Reed
“Living at Hamilton House has enriched our son’s life in many ways. He and his housemates have developed a really supportive group. They all care about and look out for each other. He also has become involved with the Port Townsend Community more than he ever was before. Also, our son is nearly 56 years old so, as aging parents, we have been very concerned about what would happen to him when we were no longer able to care for him. We feel very fortunate to have had the chance for him to become a resident of Hamilton House, a truly great place for him to be living.”
— Marianne & Jim Ott, Jim’s Parents
Scott has been at the house for almost two years and we have seen some amazing things with him and with the house. The staff at the house is wonderful. They have always been kind to the residents and helping them when they need the help. The house itself always looks so neat and tidy. It seems that the staff is always looking for things to do with them. Scott is very busy and I really like that. At Christmas this year, he was able to talk on the phone with his brother, who was very impressed. We all are very impressed by the artist he has become. It happened because the staff works hard to expose them to do new things and Scott seems to take advantage of everything that is coming his way. He now considers Hamilton House his home. My husband and I are thrilled with this.
- Gary and Mary, Scott’s parents
“Participating with Olympic Neighbors is Walking the Talk of Community- Pure and Simple”
— Randy Rosens, Current Board Member
“In my time with Olympic Neighbors I realized how essential the services they provide are. This is a resource that uplifts not only people who experience developmental disabilities, but the community as a whole by promoting inclusive and accessible opportunities for everyone.”
— Leah Russell, Former Board Member
