Harm Reduction Research and Treatment Center (HaRRT)

The Life Enhancing Alcohol-management Program (LEAP) Artist Collective was born out of a collaboration between researchers at the University of Washington's Harm Reduction Research and Treatment (HaRRT) Center, and residents, staff, and management of the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC). All parties came together as a community advisory board to identify ways to reduce alcohol-related harm, improve quality of life, and create healing within DESC's 1811 Eastlake community, which is a permanent supportive housing program serving people with the lived experience of chronic homelessness and alcohol use problems. 

In 2015, members of the collective created a dedicated art space at 1811 Eastlake in which weekly art , music, and writing hours are held. Additionally, the Collective publishes a quarterly Zine featuring residents' art and news, stages talent shows and poetry readings, and has fostered partnerships with various local nonprofit agencies to bring about healing through the arts.