About
A quiet place to pause
Imagine a place of quiet, where people can slip in, let down, and relax; sit undisturbed in contemplation, reflection, or prayer; and leave as they are ready.
For ten years, Underhill House offered sacred space that allowed folks from all walks of life to step in off the street and simply be. We had the honor of offering a place of hospitality, where trained listeners could help people find their way. Not get in the way, but be there, truly present.
Like many small organizations, we found ourselves navigating unknown terrain in the years following the Covid-19 pandemic. The sidewalk traffic changed. The priorities and availability of volunteers changed. For these and other reasons, Underhill House closed the blue doors on August 28, 2025.
Many of us still imagine a place of welcome, where people of some faith or no faith can seek and discover the presence of the Holy in their lives. Underhill House remains a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, a ministry that may now become a “moveable feast.”
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including yourself.”
— Anne Lamott
Evelyn Underhill, for whom we’re named, taught that the two most important spiritual practices are prayer and serving the poor. We have had the privilege of inviting people of low and no income, as well as those who have resources, to Underhill House. People who are home-blessed and home-less are welcome.
Silence
Can help us…
Unclutter our minds to make meaning of our lives.
Make space for peace within us.
Hear the voice of the Holy.
Be fully present.
Listening
“When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.”
— Henri Nouwen
Do you remember a time when you experienced being heard by a person listening with empathy? How did it feel to be heard that way?
The Underhill House model invites guests and Listeners to sit together in a space set aside for listening, and then, if desired, offer prayer, silently or aloud.
News from Underhill House
- The Orange Day Lily – September 7, 2022
- Our Blue Doors Are Open Again! – May 10, 2022
- Epiphany – January 17, 2022
- A message from Mickey Pierce,
Board Chair – December 15, 2021 - Fundraiser Thank-You – December 1, 2021
- Love Casts Our Fear – June 10, 2021
- New Website – April 6, 2021
- Thank You – December 28, 2020
- Silver Linings – December 15, 2020
- Remembering Ruffy – December 1, 2020
- What’s saving your life, right now? – September 29, 2020
- Noticing – May 1, 2020
- Wisdom comes in many forms – April 9, 2020
Underhill House is a Washington State nonprofit corporation and a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. Donations are tax deductible.
