It’s what happens when two trained social workers, who are also parents of teenagers, open an art studio together - they realize they want to show their children, their students and their community at least one answer to the question, “What can I do to help?”

On Friday, Dec. 3r, co-owners Barb Smith and Lauren Molloy-Johnson of Space to Create, an arts and crafts studio in Ballard are providing all the materials and know-how for kids and adults to make gifts and donate to families being served by the non-profit Solid Ground.

Barb Smith is a former chair of Solid Ground’s board and still “an amazing advocate and spokesperson for Solid Ground's efforts to build housing and end homelessness for families in our community,” said Paul Haas, resource development director at Solid Ground.

She recently toured the latest phase of the Brettler Family Place housing for families currently homeless or in transitional housing that is scheduled for move-in February 2011 in the Sand Point neighborhood.

Barb and Lauren decided to plan a fundraiser that would create awareness about the housing project and the specific needs of Solid Ground clients, as well allowing Ballard families to “adopt” a family and make practical gifts for them such as fleece mittens and hats.

The suggested donation for adopting a family will be $25.00, which will be distributed by Solid Ground in the form of gift cards. There will be information about Solid Ground, including photographs and video in the upper studio with the main area dedicated to making simple gifts (suggested age is six and up).

Since Barb and Lauren have never opened the studio for this type of fundraiser they have no idea how many people to expect although they have sent an announcement to their mailing list.

“Only three people could show,” Barb said, “But there are at least 600 children and adults needing adoption this year. In my dreams Ballard adopts almost all of them.”

Space to Create will open its door for the Solid Ground fundraiser and gift-making event from 5-9 p.m., Friday, Dec 3rd.

For more information visit their web sites "http://www.spacetocreate.net" www.spacetocreate.net and Solid Ground (formerly Fremont Public Association) HYPERLINK "http://www.solid-ground.org" www.solid-ground.org. Space to Create is located at 1414 NW 70th Street, phone number is 206.784.0401.