What is Harambee? 

Harambee is a center for community development located at 316 S. 3rd St in downtown Renton. Our name comes from the Swahili word that means "together pushing forward," which in many African cultures is a rally cry: Let’s come together to accomplish something great for the community, and embodies our vision of being a diverse community working together for the betterment of the community by loving and serving the city and its people. 

We exist to provide a holistic approach to community development in Renton and South King County by providing a “3rd Place* community gathering for the continued physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development (mind, body & soul) of youth and their families. Our desire is to form a collaboration of community leaders and organizations (potentially through a separate non-profit: Harambee Community Development Association) to join us in our vision for the following programs hosted at Harambee:

1) A free, after school drop-in (“The Hall”) primarily for Renton High students because of our strategic location to it, but open to all, where they can:

• Have a safe place to hang out after school
• Engage in a mentoring relationship
• Receive tutoring, help on homework, WASL prep class, etc.
• Participate in dance, drama, music and the arts (practice & record music, hip hop dance class, pottery, etc.)
• Develop athletic skills: speed skills camp, play basketball, etc.
• Receive computer training and other life skills
• Participate in leadership development classes
• Meet with an onsite counselor to discuss substance abuse, family, school and other issues
 

2) A Café that is: 

• Operated by a local organization that can use it for job training for youth, homeless, etc.
• Open to all in the mornings and to the after school program in the afternoon
• Open for concerts and special events
• Displays local artists
 

3) A Concert Venue (“Harambee Venue”) to give local musicians and fans a place to enjoy live music on Fri & Sat nights, as few venues exist between Seattle and Tacoma, hosting:

• Hip Hop Emcee battles 
• Alternative, indie, punk, hardcore & hip hop shows
• Open mic (poetry slams, spoken word, etc.) and more 

4) A Homeless Resource Drop in Center (“The Refuge”) on Sat Evenings providing:

• A place to rest, warm food/drink, and people to converse with
• Food packages from the Emergency Feeding Program
• Onsite DSHS assistance 
• Mobile Medical Unit