We Are In advocates for smart, collaborative solutions to homelessness in Seattle and King County.
Here’s how you can get involved.
How to help We Are In and our partners
As a first step, join us to show your support for regional solutions to homelessness in Seattle and King County.
When you sign up, we’ll send you regular updates on how we are working to end homelessness, important updates, and how you can get involved.
Help Spread the Word
Share these infographics on social media to spread awareness around the realities of homelessness and get others involved. Together, we can ensure that King County remains a place where all can thrive.
Sample Tweet Texts
#Homelessness and lack of housing affordability affects all communities in King County—and we all have a role to play. Together, we can ensure all families have a place to call home. Learn more at WeAreIn.org
I’m in to end homelessness in #KingCounty. Are you? Join me in making sure our region is a place where everyone can thrive. WeAreIn.org
One of the main causes of #homelessness is a lack of affordable housing. Join us in demanding common sense solutions to keep #KingCounty a place where everyone can thrive. Learn more and join me: WeAreIn.org
More than 11,000 people in King County are currently experiencing homelessness—but we all have a role to play in making our region a place where everyone has a place to call home. Get involved at WeAreIn.org
Help We Are In Partners
Each of us can also play a role in our communities by volunteering with a local service provider or teaming up to organize drives for much needed supplies like basic hygiene products, socks, and warm weather clothing. Many We Are In partners are service providers and nonprofits working on the ground everyday to help individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness:
Volunteer
Byrd Barr
Volunteer to provide support to Byrd Barr Place’s food bank, housing assistance, and other programs.
LifeWire
Sign up as a Healthline volunteer.
United Way of King County
Find volunteer opportunities, including at United Way’s regular community resource exchanges for local families who are homeless.
Solid Ground
Apply to help with local housing and support services.
DESC
Volunteer to help with tasks such as folding and sorting clothing and hygiene products.
Plymouth Housing
Sign up for supply drives and volunteer opportunities (COVID-19 precautions have been taken into account).
Donate
Ballard Food Bank
Donate food, or run a food drive with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors.
Downtown Emergency Service Center
Donate much-needed goods such as clothing and hygiene supplies.
Wellspring Family Services
Donate clothing and other essentials for children and families.
Lifewire
Donate household supplies and personal hygiene items, including diapers.
DESC
There are a variety of ways you can give to the DESC in addition to contributing financially—from in-kind goods, attending events, donating a car or sponsoring an event.
Imagine Housing
Support the emergency Rental Assistance Fund (RAF) that assists households who have been negatively affected by the COVID shutdowns.
Learn
A Way Home Washington
Learn specifically about how children and youth are impacted by homelessness – and how to help.
FareStart
Attend a FareStart event to support their job training programs.
Plymouth Housing
Learn more about the Housing First approach and why it’s critical to meaningfully addressing homelessness.
Imagine Housing
Attend a virtual Lunch & Learn and get a first-hand look at how this growing non-profit builder of affordable housing on the Eastside is creating thriving, healthy communities.
How to help people experiencing homelessness access shelter or services
If you or someone you know needs help accessing shelter or services in Seattle and King County, the best starting place is 2-1-1. Visit their website or dial 2-1-1 (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm) to access a database of community services including:
- Food, shelter, and housing
- Employment
- Family support programs
- Health care
- Rent/utility assistance
- Legal and financial assistance
- Governmental assistance programs
Housing and Health Services
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness and needs shelter, health or hygiene services, call or visit the following:
Shelters
To check shelter availability, call 2-1-1 or 800-621-4636
Restrooms, laundry and showers
The Urban Rest Stop provides a clean, safe and welcoming facility where individuals and families experiencing homelessness can come and use restrooms, laundry facilities and showers. All services are provided at no cost.
Healthcare services
Healthcare for the Homeless Network (HCHN) provides health care services to people experiencing homelessness in King County and leadership to help change the conditions that deprive our neighbors of home and health.
Crisis Services
Telephone crisis services
Crisis Connections connects people in physical, emotional and financial crisis with intervention, information and referral services over the phone. Call 2-1-1 or toll free 1-800-621-4636. To get help via SMS, text your zip code to 877-211-9274.
Addiction recovery and mental health services
The WA Recovery Helplineoffers an anonymous, confidential 24-hour help-line for Washington State residents experiencing substance use disorders, gambling problems, and/or mental health challenges. They can also connect callers with local treatment resources and community services. Call 866-789-1511.
Help for teenagers
Teen Link is a confidential and anonymous help-line for teens. Trained teen volunteers are available to talk about any issue of concern. No issue is too big or too small! Call 866-833-6546, Monday-Sunday, 6pm-10pm.
Immediate crisis support
The 24-hour Crisis Line provides immediate help to individuals, families, and friends of people in emotional crisis. They can help determine if you or your loved one needs professional consultation and can link you to the appropriate services. They are the primary source for linking Seattle-King County residents to emergency mental health services and are available 24/7 by calling 206-461-3222.