Mercy Housing Northwest’s five founding communities have a long, rich legacy in the Northwest. In most cases, the communities themselves had to find their way to the Northwest and to the housing ministry.

Adrian Dominican Sisters

• Traces roots back to 1233 in Germany
• Came to Aberdeen, WA in 1890 to set up a hospital for loggers and a school
• Known as Edmonds Dominicans until 2003 and then joined Adrian Dominicans

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

• Founded in Quebec in 1843
• Main ministry was education, which brought them to NW 16 years after start.
• Known in Seattle for numerous schools they founded

Sisters of Providence

• Founded in Montreal in 1843
• Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart traveled to NW in 1856.
• More than 30 hospitals, schools, and homes for orphans, the elderly and the sick followed.

Sisters of St. Dominic of Tacoma

• Founded in 1216 in France
• Main ministry was education.
• Founded Marymount Military Academy, which eventually became a school until the 70s.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace

• Founded in 1884 in Nottingham, England
• Involved in housing ministry since the start.
• Started first hospital in Bellingham, WA, which has grown into the multi-state PeaceHealth healthcare system.
• Joined as Founding Community of Mercy Housing in 1992