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 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 funded through the donations of generous individuals, faith and civic communities and foundation grants. Every Jubilee resident pays 30% of her monthly income in rent, which 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 and make lasting life changes.

In 2013, Jubilee opened a Learning & Opportunity Center, allowing it to provide free classes, workshops, one-on-one skills coaching and computer lab to low-income women in Seattle, beyond just Jubilee residents.