By Steve Shay

Residents at Providence Elizabeth House, a senior living facility at 3201 S.W. Graham St. in the High Point neighborhood, received a "retired" city van Thursday, July 23.

"There is no grocery shopping near here except for Thriftway, which is expensive," explained Elizabeth House Director Therese Jensen.

"The residents here are low-income seniors and some prefer the more affordable Safeway and QFC," Jensen said. "Also, our residents are diverse, and Asian residents prefer shopping at the White Center Market and the small markets at 12th and Jackson in the International District. That is why the van is needed. We'll have meetings where to go, which will include field trips."

"Every county council member is allowed to select two or three vans per year and receives applications from those in need," said State Rep. Sharon Nelson, who presented the van for King County Council member Dow Constantine who could not be present.

"Providence Elizabeth House was Dow's choice and I'm real pleased," Nelson said. "This is very exciting."

While the van was a gift, over $2000 was raised by area merchants for the van's maintenance and operations.

The van holds seven passengers but is not wheelchair accessible. One spokesperson said the retirement home is setting its sights on another, larger van that is wheelchair-equipped.

An indoor barbecue for the residents followed the presentation.