A sense of community is important for everyone, but for the Latino people living on Vashon Island, it’s not only important, but crucial. For a community that faces marginalization, lack of resources, and constant barriers to success, fostering this sense of community not only creates belonging and a strong support system, but provides individuals with the tools they need to succeed. Intentionally creating space, programming, and leadership development for communities like the Latino community on Vashon allows for knowledge and skill sharing, youth support through educational activities and sports, and a unified network to uplift individuals to become leaders in their own lives and in the greater community.
Fittingly named, Comunidad (meaning “community” in Spanish) is a Latino grassroots organization founded on Vashon Island that is focused on uniting the local community, embracing culture, and activating Latino youth to be leaders and change makers. As a 100% community-led organization, Comunidad supports the historically under-served Latino community by harnessing the skills of its members and providing pathways for skill development and sharing across the organization.
Comunidad recognized the need for a presence on Vashon Island, and began meeting with members of the community and hosting listening sessions to understand how they can better support their members. One of the results of these meetings was the creation of Mercado (market) events. These events provide Comunidad members the opportunity to share their skills in cooking, baking, art, and music with the greater Vashon community, while also strengthening fundamental business skills as vendors.
As Comunidad has become more established on Vashon, their organizers identified a need for a physical space to serve as a hub for all the impactful work they do. In response, Comunidad has partnered with OAC and The Miller Hull Partnership to plan and develop an office space for meetings, Mercados, and other cultural events.
Phase 1 of the project (“La Plazita”) is currently underway, and will serve as a physical location for gathering, planning, growing, and community ideas and strength. The project team has already evaluated and purchased a property, identified programming needs, and developed pre-permit design drawings.
The team looks forward to breaking ground on La Plazita later in 2025, after completing the permit process with the structural and civil engineers.
La Plazita is only the beginning for Comunidad’s new Vashon Island space. Phase 2 (“La Plaza”) will soon follow, further developing the organization’s hub to incorporate additional gathering spaces, so Comunidad can continue to grow and support its members.
Click here to learn more about Comunidad and get involved. Stay tuned for updates on Comunidad as this project comes to life!