Federal Way’s living room is officially open for business once again.

Poverty Bay Cafe celebrated its grand opening under FUSION’s new ownership on Saturday, June 19. The neighborhood cafe (1108 S. 322nd Place in Federal Way) was donated to local nonprofit FUSION to become a job skills training location for people experiencing homelessness in addition to traditional cafe services.

So far in its 28-year legacy, FUSION owns 20 homes in Federal Way and Northeast Tacoma to house families transitioning out of homelessness, the cafe’s next door neighbor FUSION Decor Boutique, and recently opened the Pete Andersen FUSION Family Center emergency shelter serving 400 individuals annually.

Former cafe owners Dan and Alice Olmstead said there are about 20 partner owners of the cafe, “every single owner supports this 100%,” Dan Olmstead told the crowd of about 50 attendees on Saturday morning.

Starting Poverty Bay 31 years ago as a coffee kiosk in front of a nearby grocery store, they had no idea what the business would grow to become, he said, but Poverty Bay has always been a family.

“We are only who we are because Federal Way gave us that opportunity,” he said. “So many other people walked through that front door and made Poverty Bay Cafe Federal Way’s living room.”

FUSION has changed lives for 28 years, and that effect will continue to happen through the addition of Poverty Bay Cafe.

Just days before the Saturday event, Dan Olmstead traded his title as owner to become a volunteer dishwasher at Poverty Bay.

The cafe is still seeking volunteers. Those interested in volunteering or learning more can contact Rod Nuss, FUSION volunteer coordinator, at volunteers@fusionfederalway.org or 253-874-1257.

To purchase Poverty Bay coffee and other products, visit povertybay.com. To learn more about FUSION, visit fusionfederalway.org.

Poverty Bay Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.