Combating Homelessness

TBT regularly hosted Tent City 4 (TC4) from 2006 through 2021, but was forced to pause efforts when the temple began construction of its early childhood center in 2024 on the land used for TC4.  In fact, our temple was the most frequent host in the city of Bellevue until 2021. 

TC4 is operated by SHARE and WHEEL, which are self-organized, democratic, grassroots non-profit organizations of unhoused and formerly unhoused individuals. SHARE was founded in 1990 and WHEEL was founded in 1993. They work to eradicate homelessness, educate the community, and empower those experiencing homelessness. 

Learn more: Homeless Encampment, Tent City 4 to Set Up Behind Bellevue Temple Next Month (KomoNews)

When our core Jewish values are at stake, TBT has not hesitated to speak up and advocate for what is right. Case in point: our temple filed a lawsuit against the city of Bellevue in 2005, claiming that then-in-place homeless encampment codes acted against their religious freedoms, as the Jewish faith necessitates that those in need are always assisted.

TBT has also participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Interfaith Build, which mobilized faith communities to build affordable homes from ~ 2002 - 2010.