Visions of community from Solid Ground youth

Posted January 2, 2026 by Neal Simpson

At Solid Ground, we’re inspired every day by the strength, creativity, and endless potential of the youngest people we serve.

So when it came time to craft our annual New Year’s card to the Solid Ground community, we decided to tap into some of that potential and asked the youngest residents of Solid Ground’s Sand Point Housing and Broadview Shelter & Transitional Housing to share their own artwork.

“What does community look like to you? Imagine a perfect winter day with your neighbors, friends, and family playing and caring for each other.”

“The earth was dirty at first. Then I cleaned it with other people. Now it’s clean and smells good. Love the earth.”

~Denise, age 8, Broadview Shelter resident & New Year’s card art contest winner

Many of the kids and teenagers who shared their work clearly had the holidays in mind – so many candy canes and gift-wrapped presents! – but they also drew scenes of celebration, joyful chaos, and togetherness with their friends and neighbors.

What “community looks like” to these young artists:

“Helping others and spreading love.”
“Having fun and playing with each other and showing respect to one another.”
“Sticking together!”
“A happy and silly group that is semi-chaotic – but most importantly, everyone is nice to each other.”
“Caring and kindness for everyone.”

Solid Ground residents had a chance to vote for their favorite designs at community holiday parties last month, and then Solid Ground staff chose a finalist (at top) from among the top choices. Winning artists also received special prizes.

Denise, creator of the artwork featured on our card, has this New Year’s vision of community for us all to carry into 2026: “The earth was dirty at first. Then I cleaned it with other people. Now it’s clean and smells good. Love the earth.”