Well, folks, it’s finally happening — we’re sending two Department of Commerce team members over the edge! Err, we mean that two of our colleagues have volunteered to rappel down the tallest building in Spokane in an Oct. 15 fundraiser to support affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity-Spokane.

The Housing Assistance Unit’s Maureen Maples and Office Services’ Tyler Runyan are excited to help raise money to “directly improve the affordable housing crisis we face today,” according to Habitat for Humanity Spokane. “Your impact will help families buy a safe and affordable home in this city we all love!”

Would you like to help send Maureen and Tyler over the edge? Donations and cheers of support both help! The team hopes to raise at least $2,000. Feel free to spread the word with family and friends.

Maureen, why are you going Over the Edge?

Hello. My name is Maureen Maples-Goldenstar! I work as a grant coordinator in the Office of Family and Adult Homelessness in Commerce’s Homelessness Assistance Unit. I’m based out of our Olympia headquarters.
I have lived experience of homelessness, so supporting affordable housing for Washington residents is particularly close to my heart. Everyone deserves a safe place to live. I’m thrilled to now own my first home! In fact, my husband and I will celebrate our one-year house-i-versary Oct. 31.
I’m excited that going Over the Edge to fundraise for Habitat for Humanity-Spokane will help others experience this joy for themselves. So Tyler Runyan and I agreed to rappel down Spokane’s tallest building together.
We first met and bonded in our morning Zoom meetings. There, we discovered we have a shared belief in “do-acracy.” That means that if someone sees someone doing something — the more ridiculous, the better — that passersby will generally respond with, “Hey what are you doing? Do you need any help?”
So this fundraising event seemed the perfect opportunity for our Commerce Wonder Twin Powers to activate and also take our virtual friendship to the next level. East meets West in real life!

Tyler, why are you going Over the Edge?

I’m Tyler Runyan, and I work as a program specialist supporting Commerce’s Spokane-based team members and office. I’ve always felt drawn to service, and helping raise funds for Habitat for Humanity-Spokane allows me the chance to help increase homeownership in my chosen home city.
Homeownership offers so many benefits to individual homeowners and the communities in which they live! Creating stable living conditions for families empowers them to grow in their own ways, support their communities and build relationships.
So if sending me rappelling down the tallest building in Spokane — even if I panic-scream the whole way down — can help fund a new home for any of my fellow Spokanites, then I am ready to risk it all!
I can’t believe I let Maureen talk me into this …

Thank you, folks, who cheer us on or donate! You are helping draw attention to the vital need for affordable housing and empowering families to build strength, independence and self-reliance.

Thank you for being a part of the solution to create a healthier, happier life for the people with whom Habitat for Humanity-Spokane partners!