Shelter and Housing

Service Centers

The City of Seattle funds a number of centers that provide clients with shower and laundry facilities as well as referrals to other services -- such as housing and health care -- that promote healthy, independent living. Some centers also provide on-site hot meals, storage space, employment referrals, and drug/alcohol counseling.

As part of its commitment to implementing the Ten-Year Plan to End Homeless in King County (link to level 2 page), the City has adopted a “housing first” strategy, which provides homeless people permanent housing and immediate access to services critical to stabilizing their lives. This includes education, job training, and finding treatment for a medical, mental health or addiction problem.

Service centers play an important role in the referral process. Clients are homeless single adult men and women who have no or very low incomes, and many receive or have applied for some form of public assistance such as General Assistance-Unemployable (GAU), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or unemployment compensation. Many suffer from mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. Others are experiencing personal and family problems such as domestic violence, abuse, neglect, illness, addiction, injury, job loss and eviction.

The City of Seattle started funding service centers in 1982. City of Seattle General Funds and federal Housing and Urban Development funds provide support for nonprofit, community-based organizations to operate hygiene and day centers, primarily for homeless individuals. Funding during funding cycles depends upon program performance and funding availability. In 2006, $2.6 million was distributed; the 2007 allocation is $2.6 million.

2007 Funded Agencies and Programs

• Archdiocesan Housing Authority
• Compass Center
• Downtown Emergency Service Center’s Connections
• Immanuel Community Services Recovery Program, 206-622-1930
• Low Income Housing Institute - Urban Rest Stop
• Women's Wellness Center

Information

For more information about Seattle Human Services Department-funded emergency assistance programs, call 206-684-0266 or e-mail emergencyservices@seattle.gov.

For more information about specific service centers and similar services provided in Seattle, contact the 211 Community Information Line by dialing 211 or 1-800-621-4636.

Links

• Current Funding Opportunities
• News