Partnership Between DSA/MID and Uplift Northwest ‘Gives so Many Opportunities’

Years ago, while living on the streets of downtown Seattle, Tyler Smith would occasionally play Ping-Pong with MID ambassadors at Westlake Park.

So as he approached the park recently, working alongside a MID Clean Team ambassador, he could not help but think how far he’s come.

Smith, a longtime lineworker from the St. Louis area who came to Seattle from San Antonio, is one of about 10 people from Uplift Northwest who’s working part-time morning shifts with the MID as part of a renewed partnership. The collaboration between the two nonprofits is slated to span three months, though it will ideally be extended if more funding is secured. Uplift Northwest, formerly known as the Millionair Club Charity, provides jobs and job-readiness services to people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

“We need additional help with cleaning and these individuals need part-time employment and job training. It’s a win-win,” DSA Vice President of Public Realm and Ambassador Operations Jennifer Casillas said.

One of the numerous benefits for the DSA/MID is that Uplift Northwest screens the employees and conducts initial training sessions. Steven Walls, DSA/MID’s director of cleaning services, said he hopes the partnership leads to the hiring of full-time ambassadors, of which there are currently more than 150 between the three teams: Clean, Community Safety & Hospitality and Public Realm Operations.

“Even though it’s not the most glamorous work, the people have all been super positive, so it’s been great so far,” said Smith, one of a handful from Uplift Northwest to have already applied for full-time work with the MID. “It’s such a positive partnership that’s about giving people a shot.”

Uplift Northwest CEO and DSA board member Gina Hall notes, “Serving on the DSA Board allows me to champion the mission of building a vibrant and inclusive downtown Seattle while bringing perspectives from Uplift Northwest’s work in breaking cycles of poverty and fostering equitable employment opportunities. Together, we strive to create a healthier, thriving community for everyone.”

“The MID gives people a second chance and allows them to be great,” Clean Team ambassador John Bonner said. “The people I’ve been fortunate enough to work with, I could see them being part of this community for a long time. They’re really great workers and have great attitudes.”

Gavin Hoyt, who’s been with Uplift Northwest for about a year, said he plans to apply for a full-time position with DSA/MID, calling this partnership the best he’s experienced. “This is the first company I’ve seen where every single person working here has only good things to say,” Hoyt said. “This place really cares about their employees, and they’re taking the time to explain the role and what the company offers. I also really like a job where you can see the result of the work you’re doing and the progress being made.”

That progress Hoyt alluded to was also mentioned by Smith, who said he’s noticed a “drastic change” in the cleanliness of downtown Seattle from just a year ago.

“I’ve been to downtowns all over the country, and Seattle’s is the cleanest I’ve seen,” he said. “And that’s because of the ambassadors.”

The MID Clean Team collected 91,811 gallons of trash from downtown sidewalks, curbs and alleys in September, bringing the 2024 total to 938,723 gallons, according to DSA data.