High above Gardner House, on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Hanford St. in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood, tents were aligned in rows. The smell of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers filled the air, while kids, parents, and residents congregated around tables, shared food, laughed, danced to the sounds of music, and made memories.

Together, residents and the community formed an alluring combination that comes to define summer in the Pacific Northwest – friends, food, and music. But this was no ordinary block party. This was Gardner House’s Annual National Night Out event; one of several such events held at Mercy Housing communities throughout the region.

Neighbors were invited to meet neighbors. Kids soaked in a pool, played games and danced to their own rhythm. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell made an appearance, as did the Seattle Fire and Police Departments. Parents gathered important safety tips and enjoyed time with friends.

At the end of the evening, a powerful message remained…What makes Mercy Housing so special are the communities built inside of these beautiful buildings. We often say, “The true work begins after the first resident moves in.” And, during National Night Out 2023, you could feel the power of the community stronger than ever.