The Queen Anne Helpline has a proud history.

The Helpline opened in May 1982. Earlier that year, five community members met at the Bethany Presbyterian Church to discuss the growing needs of residents living within the Queen Anne community. These community members were Mr Dick Rhodes, Senator Ray Moore, Paster Eric Madsen, Mr Dick Denham, and Mr Reuben Sorensen. The gentlemen had noticed that some of their Queen Anne neighbors, especially the elderly, were having difficulty heating their homes and were hungry because they could not afford proper food. Those men at that first meeting made a lasting community impact. They pledged to do what they could to help improve the lives of their neighbors.

Shortly after the initial meeting, subsequent meetings involving the larger Queen Anne community followed. These meetings determined the necessity to create a locally operated interdependent community social services agency. This agency would have the ability to make decisions compassionately, discreetly, and deliver assistance quickly. A steering committee was formed, the first Board of Directors elected, and the Queen Anne Helpline became a legal entity.

The first limited services provided by the Helpline were accessible only by telephone referral. But over the years, we expanded services as donations to the organization increased. The Helpline has operated continuously, without interruption, since 1982, distinguishing us as one of the oldest private neighborhood social services agencies in Seattle. The Helpline's growth and continuity are attributed in no small part to the tireless dedication of Mrs. Patricia Sobeck, Queen Anne Helpline's very first volunteer and its Executive Director for more than 20 years. The Helpline success is also due to the work of numerous loyal selfless volunteers, board members, and community supporters. We enjoy the rewards of strong support from churches, corporations, other social services agencies, local merchants and business, and members of the Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce.