The Market Community Safety Net

In 2013, The Market Foundation joined forces with “Mother of the Market” Sharon Shaw to create the Market Community Safety Net – a fund available to help anyone who lives, works or accesses services in the Pike Place Market. This fund provides emergency financial and resource assistance to help members of the Market community maintain their housing and livelihood. In addition to financial support, The Market Community Safety Net also provides community resource referrals and support provided by staff at The Market Commons with a goal of achieving long-term economic stability for our community members.

Please donate to help support Market workers, farmers, artists, merchants and residents who need financial assistance right now.

If you’re a Market community member looking for information about how to apply to the Market Community Safety Net, please send an email with your information to info@marketcommons.org.

"The Community Safety Net provided crucial support that saved my home and helped me pay my mortgage while I was ill. Once I have enough money saved, I will donate back into the Safety Net, so that I can support my Market neighbors who need assistance."

- Nayana, Market craftsperson

"I fell unexpectedly ill recently and couldn't afford to keep my home, which doubles as my work space. Fortunately, the Safety Net came through with a month's rent so I could pay my medical bills. I can't think of anywhere else where you have this kind of support when you're self-employed!"

- Cynthia Nochowitz, Market craftsperson

"“I was almost evicted and I didn't know what to do. It was awful – I was thinking me and my dog Cha Cha would end up back on the streets. I’ve been homeless before and I didn’t want to go back. Luckily the Safety Net helped me keep my home."

- Linda, Market resident and volunteer

"By miracle, the Market's Safety Net provided first month's rent I needed to move into housing, so I could receive medical care while recovering in my own home.""

- Paul, Market resident