In the photo: Dr. Ahmed Ali, the Chief Architect of this project and coalition also is the Executive Director of Somali Health Board, and Fahren Johnson, Amara Chief Executive Officer shaking hands over the new deal which gives the Somali communities a new center of their own for the first time since their arrival in Seattle 30 years ago.
By Marcia Jacobs for Runta News
Seattle – Feb. 11, 2025 – Amara and The Somali Community Cultural Innovation Hub, a partnership between three nonprofits with strong roots in the local Somali community, are thrilled to announce the sale of an 81,000 square-foot portion of Amara’s South Seattle property (5907 MLK Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98118) to the Hub. The sale closed Oct. 29th.
The Somali Community Cultural Innovation Hub (the “Hub”) is a coalition of three trusted community-based organizations: the Somali Health Board, Al-Noor Center of Washington and Somali Community Services of Seattle. Together the three organizations have formed the Somali Community Cultural Innovation Hub with the goal of significantly increasing access to services for low-income individuals and families throughout southeast Seattle. The Hub’s goal is to create a multigenerational health hub, senior housing community, cultural anchor, early learning and childcare space, and community center for Somalis.
Amara is retaining a portion of the property and will house our Seattle operations out of the Harnish Building onsite. Maintaining our presence in the Seattle community is important to us, and we look forward to all the partnerships and community we can build together with the Hub. When we first listed our property for sale in the summer of 2023, our dream buyer was another like-minded nonprofit organization that serves children and families. When we met the three organizations that make up the Hub and learned about their goal to create a space for community that includes childcare, family programming space, and eventually accessible housing, we knew this partnership had incredible potential.
Amara also has operations in Tacoma, including our Family Resource Center and our free youth development drop-in center. Families can access free food and diapers and get connected to other resources at our Resource Center.
“Acquiring a portion of Amara’s Seattle properties and creating the Somali Community and Cultural Innovation Hub will help address various health disparities that disproportionately impact the Somali community in South Seattle. Addressing social determinants of health requires more than just medical care; it demands a community hub where resources, support, and connections come together to empower individuals and foster a heathier, more equitable society,” said Dr. Ahmed Ali, Executive Director, Somali Health Board and Chair of the Hub.
“I am excited for this partnership and how it will continue serving children and families most impacted by inequitable systems, including foster care and immigration. This partnership is an opportunity to share resources and reduce further gentrification of the South Seattle community. We believe that by uniting our strengths and working closely with local stakeholders, we can make a meaningful impact on the South Seattle community, ensuring that our efforts lead to sustainable and positive change. While our two organizations will independently own parts of the campus, the goal is to operate as one cohesive space that welcomes all members of the community and improves the wellbeing of families,” said Sara Wong, Amara Board member and former Board chair.
“Prioritizing the development of our youth & kids with culturally-centered services, requires a community space where resources, support, and connections come together to empower young people and promote a healthier, and more equitable society,” said Ahmed Abdi, Board of Directors of Alnoor Center of Washington and the Secretary of the Hub.
“We are forever grateful for the donors and community funders who contributed to help Amara make this property’s first transformation – from a tow yard to a child and family-friendly environment. Those gifts and legacies will now live on for Amara as well as through The Somali Community Cultural Innovation Hub as they take ownership of a portion of the property to endeavor on a second transformation – one which will include low income, family housing. The Hub will use the space to bring needed programming and healing spaces to the Somali community. Amara will remain part of the campus, operating from the Harnish Building, and will secure long-term financial sustainability with the sale proceeds. Ultimately, this beautiful space will continue to support joy in children, wholeness in families, and the wellbeing of our entire community,” said Fahren Johnson, Amara Chief Executive Officer.
