Notes For Unhoused In King County

I'm putting this all here because my notes are scattered and my hope is that if anyone needs to navigate the system it will be a little less intimidating. My reason for having to maneuver through the King County system isn't for me or my family directly, but for a family friend. The information below is for an individual seeking housing—if you are needing help in fleeing domestic violence or are a veteran or a young adult there are additional resources that can be found here. 

First, everyone will direct you to call 2-1-1 for resources, but the most important thing to do is to get to a Regional Access Point (RAP) or call a RAP number for Coordinated Entry intake. The locations below are where you will get entered into the system as King County Housing Authority does not provide emergency housing or shelters.  It doesn't matter where you are currently sleeping within King County—you can call or visit any of the locations listed on this website to get entered into the system. The addresses and phone numbers to a couple of RAPs are below—the rest are located here. 

RAPs tend to only take walk-ins one or two days a week or by appointment only. 

If you do call 2-1-1 due to becoming unhoused suddenly, you'll be on hold for a while or you have the option to leave your phone number and they will return your call: When they call you back your phone screen will say "No Caller ID" and they do not leave messages. 

East King County – Kirkland

Lake Washington United Methodist Church (Note: This is the place we ended up taking our family friend. They return phone calls within 24 hours and take walk-ins on Wednesdays).

7525 132nd Ave. NE Kirkland WA 98033
Wednesdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (for walk-ins)

We can be reached by phone at (206) 328-5900 

(Note: When you call this number it is actually for Catholic Community Services, but the intake is done at Lake Washington United Methodist Church). Leave a message and they will return your call. Your phone may say No Caller ID when they call back.)

Seattle
Catholic Community Services – Seattle (External link opens in new window) 

100 23rd Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144 

Google Maps(External link opens in new window)

(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.

The above information is culled from the King County Regional Homelessness Authority website. Please visit this link for more information. 

If you decide to go in-person to a RAP for intake be sure to:

- Arrive early. Be there when they first open or on-time for your appointment.
- Bring state issued ID or passport.
- Bring proof of any income you receive.
- Bring proof of any other state/federal benefits you receive (SNAP, Medicaid/Medicare).
- And be kind to the intake coordinator(!) it can be exhausting and frustrating to go through the process—remember they don't control how much housing is available and they want to help. 

Here are some additional resources on safe places to go (I'm not sure how up-to-date it is). 

I'm planning to update this post as needed. 

Stay safe <3