17th Avenue’s Dunshee House was burglarized sometime Monday night or Tuesday morning, according to a media release sent out by the House’s organizers. We’ve included the note below. In addition to providing one of the long standing Hill holiday traditions with its annual tree sale, Dunshee has been providing services and community on the Hill for almost 30 years. We’ll follow up with police to find out more about the crime. In the meantime, you can find out more ways to help Dunshee at the http://www.dunsheehouse.org/ Web site.

Dunshee House (Home of Seattle AIDS Support Group) staff came into work this morning to find that their offices had been burglarized and ransacked.  The perpetrator(s) managed to make off with several thousand dollars worth of computer and electronics equipment, as well as many personal items and belongings of the staff.  This attack on those who work at Dunshee House, as well as those who seek peer support in the safety of the organization, feel an extraordinary violation of their security as this tragic event took place the day before World AIDS Day.  The staff and volunteers work diligently throughout the year to provide a safe and sober space for the community to come for support and activities, words are not enough to express the magnitude of the damage created by this egregious act.  The greater tragedy is the fact that three of the year’s largest fundraising events are currently underway.  

The Stronger Together 7th Annual World AIDS Day Luncheon, Rock the House “World AIDS Day Concert”, and the 21st Annual SASG Holiday Tree Sale are three critical fundraising events that help keep the lights on and doors open at Dunshee House.  As staff and volunteers work at these three events, their efforts stand to be compromised by the criminal acts that have taken place today.  However, the staff and volunteer groups at Dunshee House continue working away to prepare for these vital fundraising efforts.  They will not be deterred by the thoughtless acts of criminals.  Rather they will march on and show their strength through these tough times.  The World AIDS Day Luncheon, Rock the House, and the Holiday Tree Sale will continue on thanks to the perseverance and determination of those who make it all happen each year.  They need the support of the community more now than ever to show that their efforts are not in vein.  They ask that anyone in the community who wishes to show their support come out and purchase a holiday tree or wreath, sponsor a table/seat at the luncheon, attend the concert, or simply make an online donation this holiday season.

Dunshee House/SASG has been providing peer based support and social activities to the community for over 27 years now.  Since the onset of the AIDS epidemic and it’s evolution, countless individuals have come through the doors at Dunshee House in search of support.  Today Dunshee House is proud to provide peer-based support to the community in many areas of need.  Currently there are support and activity groups for individuals living/dealing with HIV/AIDS, addiction & recovery, childhood sexual assault, sex addiction, spirituality & wellness, Hepatitis C, divorce, art & creativity, and a book club just to name a few.  As time moves forward and the needs of the community evolve, Dunshee House/SASG is committed to continuing the efforts to expand service and provide a broad base of support to all who are in need.