Washington Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Washington state.
Quick Facts
- State Population: Approximately 7.9 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 31,554 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024 Point-in-Time count)
- Recent Trends: 12.5% increase in homelessness between 2023 and 2024
- National Ranking: Washington has the 3rd highest homeless population in the U.S., behind only California and New York
- Chronic Homelessness: 49% of individuals experiencing homelessness in Washington were identified as chronically homeless in 2024, the highest percentage of any state
- Student Homelessness: 42,436 students (3.8%) in Washington schools experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year
- Major Urban Centers: Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver, Bellevue
- Primary Challenges: High housing costs, increasing rents, mental health service gaps, substance use disorders
Emergency Contact Numbers
Washington Crisis Hotline
(866) 427-4747
Available 24/7
Housing Assistance
2-1-1
Available 24/7
National Veterans Crisis Line
(800) 273-8255
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 562-6025
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in Washington based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Washington:
DESC (Downtown Emergency Service Center)
City: Seattle
Services: Emergency shelter, supportive housing programs, behavioral health services
Notes: Supported nearly 7,000 individuals in 2024 across various programs
Website: desc.org
Mary's Place
City: Seattle & King County
Services: Emergency shelter for families, day center services, housing resources
Restrictions: Focuses on families with children
Website: marysplaceseattle.org
Tacoma Rescue Mission
City: Tacoma
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, addiction recovery programs
Restrictions: Varies by program
YWCA Spokane
City: Spokane
Services: Emergency shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence
Restrictions: Women and children only
The Bread of Life (Food Assistance)
Food banks, meal programs, and nutrition assistance in Washington:
Northwest Harvest
City: Statewide network
Services: Food distribution through partner agencies, mobile food banks
Requirements: None for many programs
Phone: (800) 722-6924
Website: northwestharvest.org
Food Lifeline
City: Seattle (serving Western Washington)
Services: Food distribution to more than 350 food banks, shelters, and meal programs
Requirements: None
Second Harvest
City: Spokane (serving Eastern Washington)
Services: Food distribution, mobile market, nutrition education
Requirements: None
Operation Sack Lunch
City: Seattle
Services: Hot meals, sack lunches, emergency meal services
Requirements: None
Phone: (206) 922-2055
Website: oslserves.org
The Healing Hand (Healthcare Access)
Healthcare services, free clinics, and mental health resources in Washington:
HealthPoint
City: Multiple locations in King County
Services: Primary care, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy
Requirements: Sliding scale fees, accepts Medicaid
Phone: (425) 277-1311
Website: healthpointchc.org
Harborview Medical Center
City: Seattle
Services: Emergency care, primary care, specialty services, mental health
Requirements: Sliding scale fees, financial assistance available
CHAS Health (Community Health Association of Spokane)
City: Multiple locations in Eastern Washington
Services: Medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health
Requirements: Sliding scale fees based on income
Phone: (509) 444-8200
Website: chas.org
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)
Services: State Medicaid program
Requirements: Income-based eligibility
Phone: (800) 562-3022
Website: hca.wa.gov/apple-health
The Haven (Safe Parking & Camping)
Safe parking programs and authorized camping options in Washington:
Safe Parking Program - Lake Washington United Methodist Church
City: Kirkland
Services: Safe overnight parking for people living in vehicles
Requirements: Intake interview, background check
Phone: (425) 885-3311
Website: lwumc.com/safe-parking
Tiny House Villages - Low Income Housing Institute
City: Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma
Services: Tiny homes for temporary shelter with case management
Requirements: Referral needed
Phone: (206) 443-9935
Website: lihi.org/tiny-houses
Camp United We Stand
City: Rotating locations in North King County
Services: Organized tent encampment with security and facilities
Requirements: Application process, code of conduct
Email: info@campunitedwestand.org
Website: campunitedwestand.org
Camp Hope - Spokane
City: Spokane
Services: Managed camping area with services
Notes: Services and status may change, contact for current information
Phone: (509) 994-1381
The Living Waters (Shower & Hygiene)
Shower facilities, laundry services, and hygiene resources in Washington:
Urban Rest Stop
City: Seattle (Multiple locations)
Services: Showers, laundry, restrooms
Requirements: None
Downtown Phone: (206) 332-0110
Website: urbanreststop.org
Tacoma Rescue Mission
City: Tacoma
Services: Showers, hygiene supplies
Requirements: None
Shower Program - Spokane Homeless Coalition
City: Spokane
Services: Mobile showers
Requirements: None
Website: spokanehc.com
Laundry Love Programs
City: Multiple locations statewide
Services: Free laundry services
Requirements: Varies by location
Website: laundrylove.org/locations
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal assistance and advocacy services in Washington:
Northwest Justice Project
Services: Free civil legal services for low-income people
Areas: Housing, public benefits, family law
Phone: (888) 201-1014
Website: nwjustice.org
Columbia Legal Services
Services: Legal advocacy for communities facing poverty and oppression
Areas: Housing, workers' rights, healthcare
Phone: (800) 542-0794
Website: columbialegal.org
ACLU of Washington
Services: Civil rights advocacy and legal assistance
Areas: Homeless rights, criminal justice reform
Phone: (206) 624-2180
Website: aclu-wa.org
Tenant Law Center
Services: Legal assistance for tenants
Areas: Eviction defense, rental issues
Phone: (206) 324-6890
Website: ccsww.org
The Providence (Government Benefits)
State and federal benefit programs available in Washington:
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Programs: SNAP (Food Stamps), TANF (Cash Assistance), ABD (Aged, Blind, Disabled)
Requirements: Income-based eligibility
Phone: (877) 501-2233
Website: dshs.wa.gov
Washington State Department of Commerce
Programs: Housing assistance, rent assistance
Requirements: Income-based eligibility
Phone: (360) 725-4000
Website: commerce.wa.gov
Washington Health Plan Finder
Programs: Apple Health (Medicaid), Qualified Health Plans
Requirements: Income-based eligibility
Phone: (855) 923-4633
Website: wahealthplanfinder.org
Social Security Administration
Programs: SSI, SSDI, retirement benefits
Requirements: Varies by program
Phone: (800) 772-1213
Website: ssa.gov
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Church-based and faith organization services in Washington:
Union Gospel Mission
City: Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane
Services: Meals, shelter, addiction recovery
Requirements: Varies by program
Seattle Phone: (206) 723-0767
Website: ugm.org
Catholic Community Services
City: Multiple locations statewide
Services: Housing assistance, shelter, family support
Requirements: Varies by program
Phone: (206) 323-6336
Website: ccsww.org
Salvation Army
City: Multiple locations statewide
Services: Food, shelter, rent assistance
Requirements: Varies by program
Seattle Phone: (206) 217-1880
Website: northwest.salvationarmy.org
REACH Ministries
City: Vancouver
Services: Meal program, hygiene items, clothing
Requirements: None
Phone: (360) 750-9555
Website: reachministriesvancouver.com
Washington Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Washington:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson that cities can enforce anti-camping ordinances even when shelter space is unavailable. This ruling allows Washington municipalities to implement and enforce restrictions on camping in public spaces.
As a result, many Washington cities are revisiting their camping ordinances, though responses vary across different municipalities. Some cities have moved quickly to implement stricter enforcement, while others are taking a more measured approach.
Local Ordinance Variations
Regulations vary significantly across Washington's cities and counties:
- Seattle: Has designated areas where individuals experiencing homelessness may camp with limitations
- Spokane: Prohibits camping on public property when shelter space is available
- Tacoma: Has ordinances restricting camping in specific public areas
- Olympia: Maintains managed encampments in certain areas
Property Rights & Seizure
Many Washington cities have protocols for providing notice before clearing encampments and must store personal property for retrieval, though specific practices vary by locality.
Seattle's policies, for example, require the city to provide advance notice before clearing encampments and to store personal belongings for retrieval by their owners.
Housing Rights
Washington has several tenant protection laws, including:
- Just cause eviction requirements
- Rental assistance programs
- Eviction moratorium protections during emergencies
- Right to counsel for some tenants facing eviction
Recent Developments
Following the 2024 Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass, several Washington municipalities have revisited or strengthened their anti-camping ordinances. The ACLU of Washington and other advocacy groups are pursuing legal strategies under the state constitution to protect homeless individuals.
In April 2025, the Washington Supreme Court overturned Spokane's voter-approved law banning homeless encampments from most of the city, though this ruling was based on the legal limits of local initiatives rather than the constitutionality of the ban itself.
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Washington, the following organizations can help:
Northwest Justice Project
Provides free legal services for low-income residents, including representation in housing and public benefit matters.
Phone: (888) 201-1014
Website: nwjustice.org
ACLU of Washington
Provides legal advocacy regarding homelessness laws and individual rights.
Phone: (206) 624-2180
Website: aclu-wa.org
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Washington. Select a county to view specific information:
King County
County Seat: Seattle
Population: Approximately 2.3 million
Homelessness Statistics: Over 16,000 people experiencing homelessness, more than half of the state's total homeless population
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Varies by city, with Seattle having designated areas where camping is permitted with limitations
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Some areas have safe parking programs for vehicle residents
- Property Removal: County and city protocols for storing personal property during camp removals
County Resources
Key resources specific to King County:
Pierce County
County Seat: Tacoma
Population: Approximately 925,000
Homelessness Statistics: Pierce County has seen a significant increase in homelessness in recent years
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Tacoma has ordinances restricting camping in public spaces
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally restricted, with limited safe parking programs
- Property Removal: Protocols for notice and storage of property during camp cleanup
County Resources
Key resources specific to Pierce County:
Spokane County
County Seat: Spokane
Population: Approximately 540,000
Homelessness Statistics: Spokane County has one of the highest per capita rates of homelessness in Washington
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Spokane prohibits camping on public property when shelter space is available
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally restricted in downtown and residential areas
- Property Removal: Protocols for notice and storage of property during camp cleanup
County Resources
Key resources specific to Spokane County:
Success Stories from Washington
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Washington:
David's Journey
After losing his job during the pandemic and eventually his apartment in Seattle, David connected with DESC's housing program. Through their supportive housing and employment services, he received stable housing and job training in the tech sector. Now employed and in his own apartment, David volunteers to help others facing similar challenges.
"The hardest step was walking through that door and asking for help. Once I did, I found a community of people who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself."
Resources that helped: DESC, WorkSource Washington, Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program
Maria's Journey
Maria and her two children fled domestic violence in Tacoma and had nowhere to go. Through Mary's Place and local housing programs, they received emergency shelter and eventually qualified for rapid rehousing assistance. Maria is now working full-time in healthcare while pursuing further education.
"When we first entered the shelter, I was scared and didn't know what would happen next. The staff treated us with so much dignity and helped us rebuild our lives step by step."
Resources that helped: Mary's Place, YWCA, Rapid Rehousing Program, DSHS benefits
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Washington have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Washington to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Housing and Essential Needs (HEN)
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Very low-income adults who are unable to work due to physical or mental incapacity
Benefits: Rent assistance, essential needs items (toiletries, bus passes, etc.)
How to Apply: Through local DSHS office
King County Health Through Housing
Type: Housing Initiative
Eligibility: Chronically homeless individuals in King County
Benefits: Converts hotels and similar properties into emergency and permanent supportive housing
How to Apply: Through King County Regional Homelessness Authority
Coordinated Entry for All
Type: Housing and Support Services
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness
Benefits: Assessment and prioritization for available housing and services
How to Apply: Through regional access points or by calling 2-1-1
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Washington based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners