"I was existing, but not living." Maurleen Davidson paused, thinking about her life just two years ago."Having people who cared helped me care about myself, gave me hope and helped me change our lives."

In 2004, Davidson came with her two daughters to Washington State from Missouri, and as weeks turned into months of fruitless job searching, the family of three found themselves homeless in Federal Way.

Davidson turned to the South King County YWCA for help.

They told her about FUSION.

FUSION (Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization founded by Peggy La Porte, a longtime Federal Way resident, in 1993. Over the past 13 years, the group has raised enough money to purchase and furnish eight housing units around the city. A ninth unit was recently donated by the Marine View Presbyterian Church.

FUSION offers these apartments as transitional housing for women and their children who need assistance in their pursuit of stability and permanence. La Porte said they've had an 85% success rate in moving families on to permanent housing.

The FUSION units are unlike emergency homeless shelters. They come fully furnished and equipped, and families such as the Davidsons are able to stay for up to two years, providing the time, space and resources to help them get back on their feet.

This is exactly what happened to Maurleen Davidson.

After living in a FUSION apartment for almost one year, Davidson found a job as a cancer research analyst for Group Health, moved on to a rented apartment, and saved....eventually buying her own house in Federal Way last year. Her two daughters attend Decatur High School and the three women are thriving.

"My whole experience with FUSION was phenomenal. Our place was our own for that time period, and we were able to become part of the community," Davidson said.

"Recently FUSION asked me to serve on their advisory board, and I'm grateful and proud for the opportunity to give back," said Davidson.

FUSION is funded by donations and block grants from King County and the city of Federal Way. Every dime received goes back into the maintenance and operation of the units.

Last week, FUSION held an open house for their volunteers and donors at one of the units that was recently refurbished. The Windermere Foundation provided the capital for new carpets, appliances and furniture.

"Fusing together different resources within our community is what we're all about," explained Peggy La Porte.

"When a family moves in, they get their own space, three days worth of food, and a support team that will help them every step of the way," said La Porte. "We provide them the resources to find adequate childcare, healthcare, counseling, job training, education needs - it's pretty comprehensive."

Each year, since 1994, FUSION holds a major fundraising event at the Dumas Bay Center. This year the theme is "Caliente!" and on August 2 from 3 to 9 pm, attendees will enjoy a night of Spanish foods, music and entertainment. Metropolitan Market has pledged a $10,000 donation of catered food, and La Porte says she's lined up some great musicians. Tickets are $55 in advance and $65 at the door.

More information is available at www.federalwayfusion.org.