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For People Experiencing Homelessness

Find resources and pathways to services for people and families that are currently experiencing homelessness.

The King County Regional Homelessness Authority does not provide direct social services or referrals to shelter. Referrals to housing are managed through Coordinated Entry, which can be accessed through the Regional Access Points listed below on this page. 

The following links and information may be of help to you, but we cannot guarantee access to services. We acknowledge that the process of seeking help can be frustrating and time consuming, and we are determined to improve the system so that it is more accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of people experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness. 

If you or someone you know is in crisis or immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.  

You can reach the 24-hour crisis line at (866) 427-4747 or (206) 461-3222, TDD (206) 461-3219. 

If you have a complaint or concern or want to provide feedback about a homeless service provider in King County, please visit our page for the Office of the Ombuds.  

Resources

King County’s Community Information Line (2-1-1) has people available to provide information and referrals to shelters and services by phone or text Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Interpreter services are available.  

Call: 2-1-1 or (206) 461-3200 

  • Toll Free: (800) 621-4636 
  • TDD (206) 461-3610 
  • Visit www.wa211.org  

Note: Due to high demand, 2-1-1 often experiences long wait times. 

2-1-1 Community Resources Online provides updated brochures on emergency shelters, services, and other resources in King County. 

Real Change Emerald City Resource Guide (searchable directory covering the Greater Seattle Area) 

City of Seattle affordable housing assistance 

King County eviction prevention and rent assistance 

People facing eviction can contact the Housing Justice Project by email at hjpstaff@kcba.org 

Housing Connector for landlords and property owners 

King County Healthcare for the Homeless Network 

Mobile medical care for people living homeless 

StartYourRecovery.org and Rehabs.org, find treatment centers and support for substance use disorder or substance misuse 

StartYourRecovery directory of rehab and treatment resources(External link opens in new window) for Washington State 

Coordinated Entry

The purpose of Coordinated Entry (CE) is to ensure streamlined access points to housing are available to people experiencing homelessness in King County.  It is a great first step for people experiencing a housing crisis.  

Who is eligible for Coordinated Entry? 

Coordinated Entry seeks to serve all people (single adults, young adults, couples, families, and veterans) experiencing homelessness including those: 

  • Living and sleeping outside 
  • Sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation such as a vehicle or public park 
  • Staying in a shelter  
  • Fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence  
  • Exiting an institution where you resided for up to 90 days and were in shelter or a place not meant for human habitation immediately prior to entering that institution. 
  • Young adults who are at risk of homelessness within 14 days are also eligible for Coordinated Entry. 

Coordinated Entry does not create new housing; it’s a system to connect people experiencing homelessness to limited housing resources. Currently, there is not enough housing through Coordinated Entry to house everyone experiencing homelessness in King County. There is no guarantee that a household will be connected to a housing resource through CE, or if they are, meet the eligibility criteria for the housing resource. Regional Access Points 

Regional Access Points (RAPs) are resource centers where individuals or families (households) experiencing homelessness may begin the process of exploring their housing options. They provide entry and assessment for Coordinated Entry. Individuals and families experiencing homelessness may call ahead to schedule an appointment. 

To schedule an appointment for a Coordinated Entry Assessment, households must contact a Regional Access Point directly. 

Regional Access Points have limited walk-in hours available. Walk-ins are first come first served. 

Anyone experiencing homelessness in King County can visit any RAP location listed below. You do not need to go to the one closest to you. 

Regional Access Points

Catholic Community Services – Seattle 

  • 100 23rd Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144 – Google Maps 
  • (206) 328-5900 
  • Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm  
  • By appointment only. Drop-in clients often cannot be accommodated. 
  • Please note: Due to demand, it’s possible that not all households that seek a walk-in evaluation will be able to be accommodated at the time of walk-in. 

Multi-Service Center- Federal Way 

  • 1200 S. 336th St., Federal Way, WA 98003 – Google Maps 
  • Questions and requests may be submitted via email to RAP@mschelps.org. Emails will generally be returned within 3 business days, with some exceptions. 
  • Walk-In Hours: Tuesdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm  
  • You must be signed in no later than 11:30 am to be seen. 

YWCA Renton

  • 1010 S. 2nd St., Renton, WA 98057 – Google Maps 
  • (425) 523-1377 
  • Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday by appointment only. 
  • Walk-ins are available on Wednesday, 1:00-4:00 pm  
Solid Ground – North Seattle 
  • 1501 N. 45th Street Seattle, WA 98103 – Google Maps 
  • (206) 694-6833 
  • Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 
  • Walk-in hours are Wednesdays from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, first-come first-served as time allows. 

Catholic Community Services – Bellevue

(The Salt House at Kirkland) 

  • 11920 NE 80th St #100 Kirkland, WA 98033 – Google Maps 
  • Next to the New Bethlehem Shelter in Kirkland 
  • (206) 328-5900 
  • Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, by appointment only  
  • Serves all populations 
  • Please note: Drop-in clients cannot be accommodated at this site. 

Families with children can call the King County Emergency Family Shelter Intake Line at (206) 245-1026 

Families experiencing literal homelessness or fleeing domestic violence who are in need of same day access to shelter should call every day they are in need of shelter, starting at 9:00 am (no end time). If a shelter bed is available, families will be contacted by shelters providers throughout King County in the afternoon and evening. 

Housing Resources for Domestic Violence (DV), sometimes referred to as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), survivors in King County is run by Coalition Ending Gender Based Violence (CEGBV). This is a parallel system to the mainstream King County Coordinated Entry system. Click here to learn more. 

The CEGBV does not provide direct services. 

To connect immediately with local services, contact: 

  • DVHopeline: (206) 737-0242 
  • King County Sexual Assault Resource Center: (888) 998-6423 

24-Hour Hotlines:  

  • Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1(800) 562-6025)  
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1(800) 799-7233 or 1(800) 787-3224 (TTY)  

Washington Teen Link 1 (866) TEENLINK (866) 833-6546 is a confidential, anonymous, and non-judgmental helpline answered by trained teen volunteers in King County from 6:00-10:00 pm every day.   

Young adults between 17 and 24 years old who are experiencing homelessness in King County or are at imminent risk of being homeless within 14 days are potentially eligible for Coordinated Entry* (CE). Call or visit one of these agencies during the listed drop-in hours to be evaluated (or “assessed”) for services. 

*Find additional details about the Coordinated Entry System below on this page. 

YouthCare’s James W. Ray Orion Center 

  • 1828 Yale Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 – Google Maps 
  • Drop In: Monday, 2:00 – 6:00 pm 
  • Interested in Housing Navigation? Call (206) 622-5555 to schedule an appointment for a CE Assessment. 

New Horizons 

  • 2709 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121 – Google Maps 
  • Drop in: Mondays & Thursdays from 6:00-9:00 pm  
  • 6:00-7:00 pm by appointment only, 7:00-9:00 pm by drop in 
  • Interested in Housing Navigation? Call (206) 374-0866 to schedule an appointment for a CE Assessment. 

Teen Feed 

  • 4740 B University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 – Google Maps
  • Monday – Friday, 7:00–8:00 pm, and Wednesdays during In-Reach from 2:00-4:00 pm  

University District Youth Center 

  • 4516 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105 – Google Maps 
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:00-3:00 pm 
  • Interested in Housing Navigation? Call (206) 522-4366 to schedule an appointment for a CE Assessment. 

The Y Social Impact Center Arcadia 

  • 932 Auburn Way S, Auburn, WA 98002 – Google Maps 
  • Phone: (253) 740-7189 
  • Drop in or call to schedule an appointment between the hours of 1:00–4:30 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 
  • This location uses housing triage tools for clients across both Seattle/Central Seattle & South King County 
  • Interested in Housing Navigation? Call (253) 939-2202 to schedule an appointment for a CE Assessment. 

Friends of Youth Kirkland – Willows Youth Service Center 

  • 12735 Willows Rd NE, Kirkland, WA 98034 – Google Maps 
  • Located between 139th Ave NE to the north and 141st Ave NE to the south 
  • Call or text (425) 449-3868 for more information including transportation options. 
  • Willows Youth Services Center is open 24/7 to serve young adults, ages 18-24. 
  • Services include mail and laundry services, hot meals prepared in a commercial kitchen, snacks, housing navigation case management, and behavioral health and substance use services.  
  • Clients also have access to comfortable, semi-private sleeping pods. 

Hotlines:  

  • National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: (877) 424-3838 or visit va.gov/homeless 
  • National Veterans Crisis Line: 1(800) 273-8255 Ext:1 (24 hours a day, every day) 

Community Resource and Referral Centers (CRRC)  

  • 305 S Lucile St, Seattle, WA 98108 – Google Maps 
  • Hours: Monday – Friday from 8:30–11:30 am 
  • Clients will be screened for housing programs, emergency shelter connections, and housing related case management 
  • Connect to community partners: Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families (SSVF) onsite. 

Additional Resources for Veterans:   

  • VA Puget Sound Community Housing and Outreach Services (CHOS) main number (206) 764-5149   
  • King County Veterans Program: (206) 263-8387   
    • Seattle Office: 9725 3rd Ave NE, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98115 
    • Tukwila Office: 645 Andover Park West, Suite 100, Tukwila, WA 98188 
    • Walk-in Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30–11:00 am and 1:00–3:00 pm 
    • Website: kingcounty.gov/kcvp  
  • King County Family Emergency Shelter Access Line: (206) 245-1026  
    • For Homeless Prevention / Rental Assistance   
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF):  
    • Sound: (206) 545-2344  
    • Catholic Community Services: (253) 850-2507 or (253) 520-4360  
    • YWCA: (425) 264-1426 

Coordinated Entry Frequently Asked Questions 

Coordinated Entry (CE) ensures streamlined access points to housing for people experiencing homelessness. CE uses a standardized assessment that matches services and available housing resources to people experiencing homelessness. To enroll in CE, visit a Regional Access Point. 

Coordinated Entry is intended to help people experiencing homelessness find stable housing by identifying, assessing, and connecting them to housing support services and housing resources. CE uses a standardized Housing Triage Tool and Housing Needs Form that matches services and available housing resources to people experiencing homelessness. 

CES serves all people (single adults, young adults*, couples, families, and veterans) who are experiencing homelessness in King County. Additionally, young adults* who are CE serves all people (single adults, young adults*, couples, families, and veterans) who are experiencing homelessness in King County. Additionally, young adults* who are at risk of homelessness within 14 days can also receive CE services. Households eligible for CE are: 

  • Living and sleeping outside or in places not meant for human habitation 
  • Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence** 
  • Staying in an emergency shelter, or 
  • Exiting an institution*** where you stayed for up to 90 days and were homeless before entering that institution.

*Young adult means a person aged 18 through 24 years old. 

**Domestic violence means the person or family is afraid to return to their home or is experiencing dangerous or life-threatening conditions at home, usually due to abuse, stalking, dating violence, sexual assault or other physical assault. Persons who have experienced human trafficking or sexual exploitation may also be served by CE. 

***Institution means a jail, prison, a psychiatric hospital, medical hospital, or a drug/alcohol treatment program. 

To enroll in CE, visit a Regional Access Point, listed above. 

Contact one of the Regional Access Points listed above. 

CE uses a Housing Triage Tool to get more information about the needs of each homeless family or homeless person. In general, the triage tool asks a series of questions about you, your health, how you are experiencing homelessness, and what other needs you might have. 

CE can only serve people or families who meet at least one of the conditions described under “Am I eligible” above. If you or your family do not meet any of the conditions listed, please call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.crisisconnections.org/ to get connected with other services.   

There are five Regional Access Point offices located throughout King County. They are listed above on this page. If you are a veteran, youth or young adult, or fleeting domestic or intimate partner violence, there are additional resources listed above the RAP sites on this page. 

The King County RAP sites are located in:  

  • Seattle 
  • Federal Way (South King County) 
  • Renton (South King County) 
  • North Seattle (North King County) 
  • Bellevue (East King County) 

Yes. Workers at the Regional Access Point offices can speak several different languages. When you contact a RAP, please let the person answering your phone call know what language you are most comfortable speaking. If no workers at the location where you are meeting speak the same language as yours, the person answering your phone call will make sure an interpreter will be available during your appointment. 

Yes. You are welcome to bring your children with you to your appointment. 

Yes. Regional Access Point offices can offer evening and weekend hours by appointment. 

If you were homeless before being in a jail or prison AND stayed in jail or prison for 90 days or less, then CE can help. 

If you are a young adult (17 through 24 years old), CES can help if it is at least two weeks before you leave a jail or prison. For a young adult, there is no requirement that you were homeless immediately before entering the jail or prison. There is also no requirement that you were in the jail or prison 90 days or less. 

CE does not use a waitlist. Instead, we work to match the needs of the household experiencing homelessness with housing resources that are currently available. However, there is no guarantee that a household will meet final eligibility requirements, be referred to a housing resource, or receive a referral to a particular housing option, nor does it ensure availability of resources for all eligible households. 

Please update your contact information or any other information related to your housing screening, by calling any of the Regional Access Point offices. 

Single Adults: Call 211 to get connected to shelter.          

Youth and Young Adults:
YouthCare: (800) 495-7802
ROOTS: (206) 632-1635
The Landing: (425) 449-3868
New Horizons (206) 374-0866
Nexus: (253) 275-1634
PSKS: (206) 726-8500

Families: Families experiencing literal homelessness or fleeing domestic violence who are in need of same day access to shelter should call the Family Emergency Shelter Access Line (206-245-1026) every day they are in need of shelter, starting at 9:00am (no end time). If a shelter bed is available, families will be contacted by shelters providers throughout King County in the afternoon and evening.

Domestic Violence Shelters: Call 211 to get connected to shelter, or call the Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.