Our Story
About Neighbors in Need
A community organization rooted in love, resilience, and the belief that neighbors should never face their hardest days alone.
Decades of Showing Up for Our Greater Puget Sound Communities
Neighbors in Need was founded in 1987 by community members who saw their neighbors across the Greater Puget Sound region, including King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties struggling and decided to do something about it. What began as a grassroots effort to connect families with resources has grown into a comprehensive service organization serving communities across the Greater Puget Sound region, including King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties.
Over nearly four decades, we've witnessed our communities face significant challenges — economic downturns, rising housing costs, the opioid crisis, gun violence, and the ripple effects of systemic inequality. Through every chapter, Neighbors in Need has remained present, adapting our services to meet the moment.
"We didn't start this organization because we had all the answers. We started it because our neighbors needed someone to walk alongside them."
— Charrita Tatum, President & Executive DirectorToday, under the leadership of President and Executive Director Charrita Tatum, we operate seven core programs — from gun violence survivor support to youth mentoring to family resource navigation — serving some of the most vulnerable residents of communities across the Greater Puget Sound region, including King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties with compassion, dignity, and unwavering commitment.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Why We Do This Work
Neighbors in Need exists to strengthen individuals, children, and families by providing compassionate wraparound services that empower communities through education, advocacy, mentorship, violence intervention, resource navigation, and strategic partnerships while creating pathways toward long-term stability, healing, resilience, and self-sufficiency.
Our Vision
Where We're Headed
Thriving communities throughout the Greater Puget Sound region, including King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties where every individual has equitable access to safety, opportunity, resources, and hope. We envision a region where ZIP code does not determine destiny, and where every family can build a stable, fulfilling life.
Our Core Values
These values aren't just words on a wall — they guide every decision, every program, and every interaction with the neighbors we serve.
We lead with empathy and meet every person where they are — without judgment.
We do what we say. Honesty and ethical practice guide everything we do.
We hold ourselves responsible to those we serve, our funders, and our community.
Our neighbors deserve our very best — high-quality, dignified, effective services.
We are neighbors first — rooted in the communities we serve and committed to their strength.
No single organization can solve everything alone. We partner, share, and grow together.
We actively work to remove barriers and ensure fair access to resources for all.
Open, honest communication with our community, partners, and stakeholders always.
We honor the trust placed in us by using every resource wisely and intentionally.
We evolve with our community's needs, seeking creative solutions to persistent challenges.
Leadership & Board of Directors
Our board brings together community leaders committed to building a stronger Greater Puget Sound region.