Cold Weather Shelters in Seattle Reached All-Time High Attendance
As temperatures throughout Western Washington dropped to all-time lows, The Salvation Army saw all-time high attendance at its homeless shelters.
“We’re seeing more guests than ever before, and we simply won’t turn anyone away in this weather,” said Captain Jonathan Harvey, General Secretary for The Salvation Army in the Northwest. “Even though we are limited in the number of tables/chairs in our day center, and the number of mats/blankets in our overnight shelters, we’re welcoming everyone to get out of the cold and stay safe inside with us.”
Two new programs were life-savers for the homeless community of Seattle during the harsh winter weeks. Our Seattle Social Services partnered with the City of Seattle to operate an emergency shelter in Seattle Center's Exhibition Hall. While there was a nightly "capacity" of 100 (based on mats available), no one was turned away, and the shelter average 151 guests a night. Additionally, we've partnered with King County to operate an ongoing day center. Here, people can come in out of the elements from 7:00am until 7:00pm, when the conjoined overnight shelter opens. Anyone in need is welcome, and this day center averaged 117 guests per day during the storms.
“Emergency and year-round shelter is a fundamental program of The Salvation Army. However, we haven’t seen numbers like this in Seattle in years,” added Captain Harvey. “It’s a bit crowded at times, but everyone has been courteous and appreciative of the warm, safe space.”
Photos from the new Jefferson Day Center, operated as partnership between The Salvation Army and King County
During the winter months, The Salvation Army provides a safe, warm place to sleep for 850 neighbors every night in central Seattle. In addition to the cold-weather shelter, programs include year-round emergency overnight shelters, and full-service shelters which offer case management to overcome homelessness, addiction, and other life-threatening situations.