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Emergency Shelters
The following is a general description of
emergency shelter services in the Seattle region. Each shelter has
different specifications of who can stay, how long they can stay,
and the support services they offer to residents. This information
is intended to prepare you for what to expect if you stay at a shelter.
For a complete listing of shelters
to contact today for any immediate availability, see the Resources
and Help Emergency Shelters section.
Limited
availability
Most shelters don't have a
lot of beds to offer each night as emergency housing. Youth shelters
in particular will have only 2 - 10 beds available because additional
staff is required to supervise minors in any transitional housing
setting. If you know you need a place to stay, call as soon as possible
to check availability and ensure you have any necessary documentation
before business offices close for the day.
Rules
to follow
You will be obligated to follow rules and policies designated for
each place. This may mean as soon as you reach a shelter, you may
not be allowed to have visitors or to go outside again. You may
have limited phone calls and even restricted use of any bathroom
facilities.
Time
limits
When you check into a shelter, it is not meant to be long-term.
Most shelters have a maximum amount of time you can stay there before
you must find alternative housing. Staff will work with you to help
with the transition but don't expect to stay longer than a few weeks.
Importance
of referral
There
are many other housing options available to you, but only if you
are referred to them by someone at DSHS or an independent
living service agency. Talk to someone at these agencies if
you haven't already and ask about possible referrals to more long-term
transitional housing options.
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