our history

Jubilee was founded in 1983 by three women of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace (CSJP); Ann Wetherilt, Joan Leonard and Margaret O’Neill. While working in the downtown Seattle shelters, they realized homeless women needed more time and a safer environment to heal from their situation. The Sisters leased a former convent of the Sisters of Holy Names on North Capitol Hill to establish a center for up to 20 women, giving them shelter, services, peace of mind and an opportunity to get their lives back in order. They named the center in honor of the 100th Jubilee anniversary of the order of CSJPs that same year.

In 1991, Jubilee became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a community-based Board of Directors. As a way of honoring its heritage, Jubilee reserved a permanent position on the Board for a CSJP Sister. Jubilee is an organization founded on equality and openness, accepting women of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds.

Jubilee’s operations are 100% privately funded through the donations of generous individuals, faith and civic communities and foundation grants. Rental income from the residents is applied towards the annual operations budget.

In 2008, Jubilee completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the facility, adding seven additional beds to the former convent and making updates to meet current safety, fire and earthquake standards.

 Also in 2008, Jubilee purchased the adjacent property to serve an additional seven residents; increasing its capacity by 26%. The facilities provide a safe, beautiful and dignified home for residents to heal.