Offers up-to-date information on shelter availability at participating domestic violence shelters. Information is verified once each day, M-F.

Bed Bank Program offered by Washington 211

Provides information about shelter bed availability at local domestic violence shelters.

Programs that coordinate requests for emergency shelter by screening homeless individuals who apply using criteria established by the shelters, maintaining lists of individuals who have been aided, and checking new applicants against the lists before referring them to a resource that can meet their needs. Emergency shelter clearinghouses help to avoid duplication of service and maximize the availability of shelter resources while relieving the agencies of the task of handling requests directly. Also included are programs that refer people needing shelter to an appropriate resource, but which are not the sole source for this information.

Emergency Shelter Clearinghouses

Programs that provide temporary emergency shelter for individuals, primarily women, who have experienced domestic violence/abuse, and for their children. Such facilities usually provide in-house individual, group and family counseling and the full range of secondary services related to domestic violence including referral to appropriate resources. Also included are similar facilities for battered men and those that can accommodate both men and women, where they are available.

Domestic Violence Shelters

Coordinates late-night referrals and transportation to contracted church-based shelters. Serves a meal at 8 pm.

Shelter Dispatch offered at Operation Nightwatch

Provides late-night referral to downtown Seattle shelters; serves single men & women ages 18 and older.

Programs, usually sponsored by community organizations or coalitions, that provide temporary shelter for homeless people, generally in dormitory-style facilities with very little privacy. Most community shelters offer support services which may include counseling, advocacy, referrals and help with future plans; and enforce house rules including curfews and mandatory household chores. Participation in religious activities is either optional or not a part of the program. There may be differences in intake, length of stay and amenities in family oriented facilities and those that target other specific populations.