TACOMA – When he graduated from Seattle University in the 1980s with a liberal arts degree, Denny Hunthausen didn’t know at all what he wanted to do.

So he joined Channel, an Archdiocese of Seattle formation program at the time for young adult Catholics that provided placements in Catholic education, youth ministry and social justice work. Hunthausen took the social justice track, a choice that led him not only to meet his future wife, who was also in Channel, but also to a 38-year career with Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, serving refugees, the homeless and other vulnerable people.

“I chose well, I guess,” Hunthausen, 62, said June 30 as he retired from the social services organization, a move he has been anticipating for a couple of years. “It’s time to start a new chapter,” he said, with more time for family, pursuing personal interests and “some discernment and reflection.”

Hunthausen began his career with CCS in 1983 as volunteer coordinator for the Refugee Resettlement Program, becoming director of community development in 1996. In 1999, he became agency director for the Southwest Region, a position he held for 22 years. CCS Southwest encompasses most of Western Washington, excluding King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties.

During his tenure, Hunthausen and his staff “worked to foster community-based solutions to some of our region’s most challenging issues, including refugee resettlement, services to urban indigenous communities, foster care, quality childcare, affordable housing and services to people experiencing homelessness,” a CCS news release said.

“I’m just really grateful to have had the opportunity to do this work,” Hunthausen told Northwest Catholic, to “come to work each day at the intersection of my values, my faith, my interests — all of the things that integrate into the work that really comes out of the social teachings of the church. That’s been a real blessing.”

Notable programs and projects during Hunthausen’s leadership in the Southwest Region include:

  • Revitalization of Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood. In the 1990s CCS began initiatives to bring economic opportunity and increase homeownership in Hilltop. This included building Matsusaka Townhomes and renovating St. Leo High School into a multi-service center that includes CCS’s regional headquarters for 100 staff.
  • Family Housing Network. Started in 1996, the program provides a comprehensive continuum of services for families and veterans experiencing homelessness including emergency shelter, supportive services, and affordable housing.
  • The New Nativity House. Completed in 2015, this $16 million initiative brought together and expanded three organizations serving homeless adults. Now a 24/7 operation, it provides comprehensive support services, food, mental health, day and overnight emergency shelter and 50 units of supportive housing.
  • Region-wide shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness. Facilities include Max Hale Center and Benedict House in Bremerton, Drexel House in Olympia, and Guadalupe Vista Apartments and Nativity House in Tacoma. CCS also manages safe encampment sites in Tacoma and Olympia and hotel shelters in Tacoma, Puyallup, and Vancouver. In total, these programs added 431 emergency shelter beds and 238 units of affordable and supportive housing for individuals and families.

“Over these many years, through numerous challenging and rewarding moments, I have had the great honor and pleasure of accompanying Denny in his tireless work for the folks we serve,” Michael Reichert, CCS president, said in the news release. “He has generously, humbly, and quietly pursued and embodied the very best of what we are all called and aspire to be.”

Reichert also thanked Hunthausen for “an exemplary career” and “a truly significant lifetime contribution” to the mission of the Church, CCS and “all those who carry on the struggle to uphold the dignity of and achieve security for each and every one of God’s children.”

“It’s been interesting the whole way,” Hunthausen said of his years with CCS. “I feel grateful.”

Mike Curry named Southwest Region director

Mike Curry

Mike Curry, director of operations for Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, has been named CCS Southwest Region director, succeeding Denny Hunthausen, who retired effective July 1.

Curry began his career at CCS in 1996 serving in Volunteer Services for elders and people with disabilities in Grays Harbor County. He has served a variety of capacities at CCS, holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management and “has strong ties with local organizations in the region that will be a great asset in his new role,” Michael Reichert, CCS president, said in a news release.

“Mike has worked in partnership with Denny for many years, and we are confident in his leadership,” Reichert said. “We know Mike will continue to build on the solid foundation of quality services and commitment to staff that has been set by Denny during his time leading the SW Agency.”