Help leaving homelessness in Washington
We've found 14 places in Washington for people leaving homelessness, mostly in Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma, and 6 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with food (9), shelter & housing (8) and benefits & cash (5).
What's different in Washington
From $25. Free for people who are homeless and were born and live in Washington, through an agency or homeless service provider.
State law says you can't be kept from registering to vote just because you lack a traditional address. If you describe where you sleep, you need a mailing address, and General Delivery at a named post office counts.
From our guides, where every fact links to its official source.
Places in Washington
Washington 211
Free, confidential, multilingual helpline that connects Washington residents to housing, food, utility help, health care and other local services from a directory of more than 17,000 listings. Dial 211, call the toll-free number, text, or search online.
Northwest Justice Project (CLEAR)
Washington's statewide civil legal aid program for low-income people, covering housing, benefits, family safety, debt and other non-criminal problems. Start by applying online or by phone through the CLEAR intake line.
Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance
State office that funds basic needs help, employment and training, health and wellness, immigration and naturalization assistance, and whole-family services for refugees and immigrants settling in Washington. Services are delivered through DSHS offices and contracted community agencies.
Washington Connection
The state's online portal for applying for food assistance (Basic Food), cash assistance, child care, long-term care, Medicare Savings Programs and medical coverage for people 65+, blind or disabled. Managed by DSHS; applications can also be renewed and updated here.
Center for Health Statistics (Vital Records)
Issues certified Washington birth, death, marriage and divorce records. Order online through VitalChek, by phone, by mail, or in person in Tumwater by appointment only.
Get an ID Card
Explains how to get a Washington state identification card: book an appointment at a driver licensing office, bring proof of identity, pay the fee and have a photo taken. A temporary ID is issued on the spot and the permanent card arrives by mail in 7–10 days.
DESC Survival Services
Seattle's lowest-barrier shelter network: nightly beds at the Main Shelter (517 Third Ave, 220 people), Navigation Center, Queen Anne Shelter and other sites, plus hot meals and a daytime safe haven. Priority goes to chronically homeless adults, with outreach staff assessing needs and linking people to housing and treatment.
Mary's Place Family Shelter Line
Emergency shelter and day services for families with children experiencing homelessness in King County, including families fleeing violence. Call the shelter line for a bed, or drop in at the Allen Family Center for shelter referral, housing support and service navigation.
Seattle's Union Gospel Mission Referral and Intake
Coordinated intake for people in Seattle struggling with homelessness, addiction or mental health who want a path off the streets. Staff assess needs and connect callers to the Mission's shelters, meals and Christ-centered residential recovery programs.
Recovery Café South Lake Union
Free recovery community for adults recovering from addiction, homelessness and mental health challenges. Members get meals, classes and a weekly Recovery Circle in exchange for staying drug- and alcohol-free on site and contributing to the community. Walk in during open hours; no enrollment pressure on the first visit.
Tacoma Rescue Mission Downtown Shelters
Overnight shelter for single men and unaccompanied women at the downtown Tacoma campus, with daily public breakfast and dinner and a Wednesday clothing room. Men sign up for a bed starting at 3:30pm (roll call 6:30pm); women sign up at 6:30pm (roll call 8pm). Family shelter is by inquiry only.
Union Gospel Mission Men's Shelter and Recovery
Spokane shelter for men offering a bed, three meals a day, and entry into long-term residential recovery, mentorship, job training and transitional housing. Call or come to the Trent Avenue shelter to ask about a bed.
Union Gospel Mission Women and Children's Shelter
Emergency shelter in northeast Spokane for women and women with children, with meals, a bed, and connections to the Mission's recovery, mentorship and job-training programs.
House of Charity
Downtown Spokane shelter and day center for men 18 and older with three meals, showers, laundry, lockers, mail, an SSI/SSDI attorney on Thursdays, CHAS street medicine and mobile SUD treatment seven days a week. Beds are assigned by referral from the Navigation Center at 527 S Cannon St.
National lines that work in Washington
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.