FUSION (Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy) held its 24th annual summer arts festival Aug. 2 at the Dumas Bay Centre to benefit homeless families in the area.

This year’s theme was “Under the Big Top” and included food, circus-inspired entertainment and silent and live auctions featuring creations by local artists.

Proceeds from the annual festival – which often raises more than $100,000 – go toward supporting FUSION’s 19 fully-furnished housing units in the Federal Way and Northeast Tacoma area. FUSION reports that about 85 percent of homeless clients have moved on to permanent housing.

In addition to the transitional housing, families also receive professional case management. Services include family counseling, job training, educational opportunities, financial management, employment, health services and funds for children to participate in athletics, the arts and camps.