On Friday evening, more than 50 people crowded into the dining room at Vashon Community Care Center. They were united by a common concern — how the economy is affecting the Island’s most vulnerable residents. And at this community forum, attendees did more than talk: They made plans for the future.

Representatives from many of the Island’s health and human services nonprofits were in attendance, as were Islanders who, though unaffiliated with a group, worry about those who are struggling on the Island.

The three state legislators from the 34th District came to the community forum as well, and gave suggestions and heard concerns. It was a rare showing of all three Democratic lawmakers on Vashon, and one the community should take note of.

Islanders there that night had a brilliant idea: that the many struggling human services organizations on Vashon should band together, that they might be able to accomplish much more together than any of them could on their own.

The Interfaith Council on Homelessness. Vashon Community Care Center. Vashon HouseHold. Vashon Maury Community Food Bank. Vashon Youth & Family Services. A member from each group pledged to get together with the others and figure out how each organization could help and strengthen itself and the other nonprofits.

By working together, these organizations — all of which have been impacted by the economic downturn — may be able to secure grants or other funding they’d otherwise have been refused. They may be able to get the word out about what they do and what they need in a more effective way once they are unified.

As one Islander put it, “Vashon United Way is long overdue.”

We at The Beachcomber agree. It seems like such a simple idea, but one that can take this Island far. There are those who don’t know about these nonprofits, but might be willing to help. And there are funding sources that may open up to the Island once it becomes apparent just how great the need here is.

Friday’s event, meant to be the beginning of a dialogue, was much more. It was an important first step in the right direction.