As the days get colder and darker, a nonprofit organization that has been supporting some of the most vulnerable community members for an entire decade is in need of some support.

For the first time since 2019, the Whidbey Homeless Coalition’s Fall Festival is making a return this year. The major fundraiser, which runs 5:30-8:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Bayview Community Hall, includes two types of auctions, activities for children, live music and dancing.

Tickets cost $20 per individual and $50 per family and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event. Guests will receive a gluten-free chili made with either vegetables or local grass-fed beef and an apple-based dessert. Additionally, a no-host bar will have enticing options of beer and wine.

All proceeds from the extravaganza benefit the House of Hope in Langley and the Haven in Coupeville, Whidbey’s two shelters for the homeless.

Shellie Moore, a volunteer for the Whidbey Homeless Coalition, said the nonprofit organization hopes to raise $30,000 by the end of the year.

A common misconception persists that the coalition is a government agency. In reality, the nonprofit receives only about one-third of its funds from Island County, and the rest are raised from grants, individuals and gifts from the community.

“Our mission is to make homelessness a brief and rare experience on Whidbey Island, which is getting harder and harder to do with rental prices and limited services for people with mental illness,” Moore said.

Whidbey Homeless Coalition is also celebrating its 10th year of operation and one year in the Haven’s permanent location on Morris Road. Between the Haven and the House of Hope, over 700 people have been helped during the past decade including Tanya Gran, the organization’s current executive director.

Moore said many guests have been able to start the next chapter of their lives, whether that be housing of their own, accessing disability benefits or going to treatment. Over the past two years, the coalition has seen an increase in more elderly and disabled individuals seeking help.

“That’s a huge challenge but we try to keep people safe and warm and fed and supported,” she said.

At the fundraiser this weekend, attendees can participate in live and silent auctions, with prizes ranging from a generator to a Shop-Vac to jewelry to gift certificates and gift baskets from various Whidbey businesses. The Wax Lips, an independent rock band, will perform.

For more information, visit whidbeyhomeless.org.