About Helen House
Get to Know Us
Helen House exists because everyone deserves to know they belong.
We believe that every 2SLGBTQIA+ person—and particularly queer and trans youth—deserves to live in a community where they are respected, supported, celebrated, and able to thrive.
We recognise that many members of our community continue to experience isolation, discrimination, and barriers to living healthy, fulfilling lives. Helen House exists to help change that reality.
We are more than a place. We are a community built on hope, belonging, and the belief that people grow stronger when they are surrounded by care, opportunity, and meaningful connection.
Our role is not simply to provide programs or services. Our role is to help build a community where people can discover who they are, develop confidence in themselves, support one another, and imagine hopeful futures.
Our Mission
Helen House exists so that queer and trans individuals can thrive and be supported throughout every stage of their journey.
We create welcoming spaces, meaningful relationships, supportive programs, and opportunities for personal growth that help LGBTQIA+ people live healthy, authentic, and fulfilling lives.
Our Vision
Our vision is not simply for people to belong at Helen House.
Our vision is for people to leave Helen House believing they belong wherever life takes them.
We aspire to be recognised throughout our community as a trusted, welcoming organisation that strengthens individuals, builds community, and inspires hope.
We envision a community where every LGBTQIA+ person:
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knows they belong;
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is treated with dignity and respect;
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feels safe to be themselves;
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has opportunities to grow, contribute, and lead; and
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can imagine a future filled with hope.
Our Commitment to the Community
Helen House is built with the community, not simply for the community.
We seek partnerships with individuals, families, schools, local organisations, businesses, artists, faith communities, civic leaders, and others who share our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive community.
We believe lasting change happens through collaboration, listening, and shared responsibility.
Helen House is proudly non-partisan. We welcome people from across our community while remaining firmly committed to the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. When those values are challenged, we will respond thoughtfully, respectfully, and consistently with our mission.
Our Core Values
Equity
We recognise that fairness does not always mean treating everyone the same.
We recognise that fairness does not always mean treating everyone the same.
We work to remove barriers, amplify underrepresented voices - particularly those of queer and trans people of color - and create opportunities that allow every person to participate fully in community life
Belonging
We believe everyone deserves to feel welcomed, valued, respected, and included.
Belonging is more than being accepted. It is knowing that you matter, that your voice is heard, and that you have a place within your community.
Care
Care is at the heart of Helen House.
We treat every individual with compassion, empathy, dignity, and respect. We support one another during difficult moments, celebrate successes together, and strive to create an environment where people feel genuinely cared for.
Joy
Joy is an essential part of wellbeing.
Celebration, laughter, friendship, and shared experiences help build resilient communities and remind us that happiness is something everyone deserves.
Connection
Strong communities are built through relationships.
Helen House creates opportunities for people to connect with one another, build lasting friendships, access resources, and strengthen their sense of community.
Creativity
Creativity encourages curiosity, expression, learning, and possibility.
We believe creative experiences help people grow, solve problems, and imagine futures that may once have seemed impossible.
Who Is Helen?
Helen Wolfsehr Wise established a Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) chapter in Ellensburg, Washington in the early 1980s. She and her husband Don were among the few in the community who created a safe and confidential network to respond to the needs of LGBTQ youth, students, and professionals.
Helen’s ability to listen and assist those seeking support between youth and parents made a significant difference in countless lives. Her commitment to the LGBTQ community was well known, and it is in remembrance of her decades-long dedication that our space is named Helen House.
“Helen’s commitment to the LGBTQ community was well known and it is in remembrance of her decades long commitment our space is named Helen House.”
— Hannah, Helen’s daughter